The Lunarscape -- photography and astrophotography from Galway, Ireland
The Dob!

My home made truss tube dobsonian. Click here to see the build process.

 

Dobsonian

Well there it is. I took an age to build but the deep sky views are astounding. Unfortunately collimation doesn't stick so I don't really use it for solar system work - will need to make some modifications before it's any good for that stuff. For low powered viewing it's a great light bucket.


Advantages of the SCT

  • Cost - not as expensive as purchasing a truss tube scope
  • Massive Aperture for the amount of space it uses up
  • Can be taken apart in 5 minute take down for transport
  • No power required

Disadvantages

  • Heavy Heavy Heavy!!!
  • Needs to be realigned every time I setup (I need to improve the tube holders - top and bottom)
  • Long cool down time