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[NoobWatcher]

Sky is still closed so I was surfin the forum.
I was looking at pictures of Stargazers rig and of course dangerous Ideas started forming in my head. Long term if I wish to buy a bigger unit it just takes a money tree.
As the diameter increases I see some crazy jumps in pricing. If I was to stay with the ETX 90 style mount which diameter is realistically priced to look deep and take pictures??? ( 16" @ 16k is not realistic to me) there are many motorized units 2-5k. Is there best choice at dollar vs diameter?

Is there a major cost advantage to building your own? Being that I have the technical ability to manufacture the majority of component I could consider makin one. If I were to endever to build a big gun like stargazers where would I be able to find plans to begin research.
What kind of component ballpark price range for a full blown unit are we talkin about?

[stargazer]

Well now, Thanks for looking at the set up.

One of the advantages to building your own light bucket is that you get to make it the way you want. Yes my scope is expensive. For scope and all equipment to run it I would have to say it cost about 5 grand maybe a little more. So yes you need a money tree to build one.

To give you an idea of my scope here is the breakdown of parts.

Focuser $400.
Seondary $ 300 (Heated)
Primary $750 (Includes coatings)
9x50 Finder $50ish
Telrad $50ish
Eyepieces $300
Filters $300
Dew Heaters $500 (Kendrick System)
Drives $400 (600 to 1 motors)
Stella Cam Ex $ 675

Now please remember my scope was custom and set up right from the start for photography and very deep sky. The whole scope weighs 135 pounds. I decided what I wanted this scope to do before we bought anything. Here is my list of what wanted.

1. 1 sec recovery
2. photography
3. no shaking
4. deep sky IE the effects of a black hole

so once again I refere you to my original question what do you want to do with it in say three years.
From the time we bought the mirror in Feb of 02 we had first light on Sept 13th 02. So yes there is a long time to wait for a scope if you build one yourself. It is worth it but I will say this if you cant afford tobuild it then please wait until you have the time and money to do it. They are not cheap. We did the upgrades right away and got the best we could get right from the beginning. If you are still interested in building your own let me know and I will help you.

Becky

[Al Degutis]

One option is to keep an eye open for a good condition used scope. I came across my 8" SCT on eBay. The doctor that bought it never got into astronomy and just wanted to get rid of it. I was lucky enough that I was traveling just passed his home in Iowa so I worked out a deal to see it first. Great scope in great condition. I got it for $300 less then his asking price. Plus, I didn't need to pay for shipping.

AstroMart.com is a very good resource for used equipment. Start saving your money and when you're ready to buy start watching for the scope you want at the price you're willing to pay. It may take a few weeks or months but you'll save money.

[NoobWatcher]

Thx for your response Becky
Your price list did not surprise me. My first question is dollar for dollar camparison, is there a big difference in image capture ability? I guess another way of asking would be: did your money and effort give you better quality and ability vs. buying of the shelf for the same dollar value? If so I am interested in a evaluation of the project.

Funding between now and next fall is currently not projected to be a problem. The money tree is not blooming but its not dead either. I would assume the majority of purchases do not need to be made on day one.

Requirements:
1: Motorized tracking ( I assume that drive system does 2 axis)
2: No shaking ( I assume you mean stability)
3: Photography ( for sure! but am I sacrificing something ?)
4: Deep sky ( you descibed very deep sky, is there any down side ie looking at our solar system ).

Until I was able to look at some sort of plans ( blue prints) I am unable to ask manufacture questions. If the the answers to the above criteria are what I am hoping. I definatly would like to continue the discussion.

Thx again for your time

Al you posted while I was typing, thx for answering a used equipment question I had yet to ask

[NoobWatcher]

Astromart.com was very helpful in understanding the rates on used equipment. I will keep an eye on comparison pricing on build vs. used. I guess with all used equipment it is buyer beware.

As far as build your own is concerned has anyone viewed the following book:

The Dobsonian Telescope: A Practical Manual for Building Large Aperture Telescopes

The reviews were good and I was wondering if it is a good guide.

[Al Degutis]

I've never read the book but asked a friend who also had a handmade Dob if he was familiar with it. Here is his reply:

I believe the book you're referring to has as one of its authors David Kriege. He is the president, and I assume, the original designer of the Obsession family of dobs. They are truly exceptional scopes in all aspects - optical and especially mechanical. Many innovations were introduced with the obsession line of scopes. I've read some reviews of his book and it's generally very highly regarded. I actually considered getting a copy for myself, except that since I was simply redesigning an existing scope, I didn't think it was necessary as I believe this book is more geared towards the complete design and building of a scope from scratch. Although,
if my redesign doesn't work out, then I'll probably get the book myself and start all over.

I believe the book covers in detail some very important, but elusive fine points of scope building, such as balance, how to achieve a low-profile design, etc.

So, having not actually ever sat down with a copy, I can't recommend it from personal experience. But, if one was interested in building a scope from scratch (or peering over the shoulder of a master dob builder to glean ideas), then I imagine that this would be the book to start with. Like I said, if my rube goldberg efforts at dob building go awry, then I'm sure
I'll be picking up a copy as well.

Take care,

David

[stargazer]

I have this book and yes I do reccommend it to anyone who wants to build a Dob. Even though it says "Large" you can take the same ideas and put them to smaller scopes. We did.

Ok to answer your questions-

"is there a big difference in image capture ability"
yes there is. when you design your own scope you do it the way you want.

"did your money and effort give you better quality and ability vs. buying of the shelf for the same dollar value? If so I am interested in a evaluation of the project. "

now please remember my scope is custom. But yes for the same dollar amount we got the same if not better then store bought plus we have what we want on it. Now I am not going to say this to brag but I have been told that even though I have a 10" I can see what a 14" will see. So like I said I think I got a better deal.


"1: Motorized tracking ( I assume that drive system does 2 axis)"

yes.

"Photography ( for sure! but am I sacrificing something ?)"

Nope

"Deep sky ( you descibed very deep sky, is there any down side ie looking at our solar system )."

you wont lose anything. If anything you will see more detail with the right ep there are wonders you can see quite nicely.

This sat is Triton college. I will introduce you to the gentelman who did my mirror. He has been doing mirrors for 35 years and you can ask him all the questions you need to. Then you are more then welcome to look through my scope. Now please remember I am going to Fla for two weeks on the 2nd. So I wont be able to answer any questions while I am gone. But you can IM me and leave them there and I will answer them when I get back home.

I hope this helps. Please let me know.

Becky

[NoobWatcher]

The book was purchased online last night, but it will be several days to recieve. It appears that it will be a good investment and help with the design phase Thx for both your input.

My wife and I are hoping to make the Triton trek to meet you on Saturday. I was looking at your Triton thread and I unfortunatley can not find the details ( time and address for Sat ). I plan to attend as your hard won experience will be very benificial in a decision on the size of the project. Thx for your assistance.

Scott

[stargazer]

Scott,

Trition is at 2000 Fifth Ave River Grove.. Start time is 7:30Pm show and if its clear out after the show its telescope time. The showis $5 per person to get in. I think it is worth it. The show is at the Cernan Earth and Space Center.

Hope to see you there. I have long blonde hair. Im usuallynear the store star or the office.

Becky

[NoobWatcher]

Thx for the info, the wife and I plan on attending. I dont think the weather is going to cooperate, such is life. I appreciate the opportunity to meet you. Im 6'4", brown short hair with glasses, my wife is 4'8". Should not be hard to spot us ;D

Hope to see ya Sat.

Scott

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Scott,

I plan on being there at Triton as well. For your Information...

That would be Chicago Astronomers: Me. Nancy, Becky and Bill.

And...

For no particular reason.

It will be great to meet another Chicago Astronomer!

[NoobWatcher]

Pictures are worth a thousand words thx VM Joe

[NoobWatcher]

The wife and I hit Adler today then had dinner and drove up to Triton skywatch. I was able to meet Stargazer and her husband who passed on some of their experiences good and bad on making your own equipment. In addition I was introduced to a experienced mirror maker ( forgot his name Doh!). He also offered answers to my questions on sizing my project. In the end I put myself inline for a 12.5" mirror. I would like to thank Stargazer and her husband for a pleasant, and educational experience. It was a nice evening out even with the sky closed from sight.

Joe, I am sorry I did not get to meet you, but I am sure we will eventually get the chance

I have decided to continue to move forward with a custom manufactured Dob unit. I am moving to the design phase, purchase and mfg materials then assembly and test. I would expect the project to run til summer end. Is there any interest in this topic or should I now take it offline?

Best Regards
Scott

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Scott,

By now, you have noticed that I created a new board for telescope construction and maintenance. I think , (and request), that you create a new thread here and use it as an online blog...to follow along with you from utmost scratch. What your decisions are, based on what, and your ultimate plan. It will be great to do this with you. It's all because you buddy!

Glad you had the opportunity to peer thru Becky's scope. For myself...three events to attend, and no time to offer any one a decent share. And besides...didn't you notice it a bit chilly out? Long winter observations are the folly of youth.

There will be plenty of more opportunities for us to meet, and next time you feel like attending the Adler, let me know ahead of time...I'll give you the Chicago Astronomer tour there...no extra charge. I'll be there doing solar observations thruout the month of Jan and checkout the Dates of upcoming Adler events that you may like to attend.

Anticipating your preliminary ATM narratives.

[NoobWatcher]

Joe,
You are correct about the weather it was very cold overcast sky and killed the outside activities.
I am excited about the project and will start a new thread for those who my have interest or input. I hope you and others might enjoy listening in on the project thru its life.

[Barry]

Hi there all! Just saw your site and thought you might be interested in building home made observatories like mine!

Check it out at members.iinet.net.au/~armstead
or google search, "barrys home made observatory"

Cheers from Down under!

Baz.

[Barry]

The light at the end of the tunnel is so much brighter.....nearly done!!!

Just gotta touch-up the little rough spots all over, that I have sanded off. (hence the spots).

Here's a pic.

www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=23327&d=1170941247

Baz

Barry's home-made observatory

members.iinet.net.au/~armstead

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

That's quite a geo-dome you got going there.

I would be interested in seeing more detailed images of your project.

Cool!...

[Barry]

Thanks Joe. The link for my site is also at the bottom of the post. I will be updating the site after this weekend when I have finished the building.
There are a lot of pics on the IceInSpace forums under barry's home made observatory as well mate.

Glad you like it and hope you enjoy!

Baz. ;D

[Barry]

Woot! Dome is on!!!

Baz. ;D


www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=23389&d=1171093375

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Now that is a sweet looking observatory!... ;D

When ready, we need a complete tour with pics.

Although, that tree/bush behind the dome looks like it will obscure some of your lower observations.

Cool...

[Barry]

Agrred mate! I will be doing a light prune soon. Maybey I will tip trim off the tops by about 8 feet............

Baz ;D

[Barry]

I have just had the busiest of weekends inside the dome. Constructed a reinforced pier of thick chipboard and re-enforcing steel frame inside, Welded it to the bolts hanging out of the cubic metre of subterranean cement I have there. Then I mixed concrete bucket by bucket to fill up a 7 foot tall by one foot square pillar from the top. That had set by this morning so then I painted the entire contents of the dome and its furnishings, dressed off the hole in the floor with a spaced skirt around the pier, mounted a top plate to the pier and installed the wedge. Shoveled the remaining half a cubic metre of gravel mix off the truck at my neighbors place. Cleaned up all tools, washed the truck and vaccumed the observatory.

Then settled down to eat a cold dinner and the last two inches of flat warm beer in the longneck sitting beside my PC from last night.

I'm Knackered. Going back to work tomorrow for a rest.

Baz.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Eat a cold dinner and the last two inches of flat warm beer

The sacrifices we make for science.

It will be well worth it when you are catching the celestial show in the Baz Obsetvatory.

[Barry]

HI all!

Barry's home-made observatory is now completed and FULLY OPERATIONAL!!!!! yay! It has been one complete year in the making. It certainly doesn't feel like it!

I have also had a professional re-design on the website, so now it looks better and is NOT located at the old barry's home-made observatory (iinet.net) link. It has been re-named A.S.I.G.N Observatory. See the new link below. Please take a look and enjoy.

I have big ideas for more astronomy related projects and development of the site so please stay tuned!

www.aussiepeople.com.au/asignobservatory/

God bless,

Barry.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Congrats on the completion of the observatory.

I anticipate your first observng observations from your very own dome.

Cool!

[Barry]

Thanks Joe, I'm nearly there mate. Just need some clear nights now. I am also about to invest in a cannon400d for astrophotography. My old minolta manual slr has never quite cut it and i have nearly thrown it in the bushes many times.

Baz

[Barry]

Hello people,
I just added a new Canon EOS400D camera to the observatory. At this stage I still havent the adaptor to put it into the telescope, but I did practice a few shots using the camera's standard telephoto lens, mounted piggyback on top of the telescope, using the scope as a tracking platform only.

This, amomg many, is an idea of what this camera can do. remember, this is my first night with the camera so the tracking is not perfect and the focus is slightly out. I will be learning how to improve on this in time. I know nothing about this camera, not much about photography in general and even less about how to manipulate the image using software. It took me a couple of hours just to work out how to compress it small enough for emails. This also may atribute a little image quality loss.
www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=24949&d=1174697421

Stay tuned on the website for the additions of astrophotos on the astrophotography page.

www.aussiepeople.com.au/asignobservatory/

God bless,

Barry.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Barry,

Great that all is coming together.

Just a tad off on the tracking, but the potential is excellent. Already colors are evident.

Can you get us some interior images and camera hook-up?

Looking good...

[Barry]

Interior images and camera hook-up?

I can if you explain..

Baz.