TV102 and OOUK 12" Dob completes me!

[bond19]

I've just collect a used OOUK 12" dob to complement my 4" refractor. 

I'm positively shocked at how (relatively) light weight and manageable it is compared to any 10" dob I've handled (and this is a 12" mirror). It just seems much less cumbersome. It sits on a home made aluminium base and once the OTA rings are slackened, the whole OTA can be slid up and down whilst on the base for easy balance. Instead of teflon, it sits on a combo of homemade metal rings and plates. It's just as smooth to manoeuvre, but rock solid when knocked with zero dampening. The aluminium base is lighter too than any 10" base I've handled which is a massive bonus.

I'm just hoping the sky gods will be kind and the clouds will part a little so I can get first light.

[Luke]

Congrats on a very nice combo! I hope to get a Tele Vue 102 one day. Oh, and an Orion Optics 12 inch as well :laugh: I like the idea that the OO dob will be no more diff to handle than my current 10 inch GSO dob while having 40% or so more light gathering power.

[bond19]

Exactly Luke. It's more horsepower but the same usability as a 10" setup. Plus the OOUK holds collimation better that some other dobs too. 

[Moonshane]

Looks like the goldilocks f4 too like mine. You will need a coma corrector for best views but will be great without. You will love this scope.

[bond19]

Yep, well spotted Shane. Small and snug for back seat car rides. I'll have to live with coma for a while as I'm well and truly financially flatlined now (but holding reserves for a Ethos 20mm cough, cough should one become available!)

I've pulled the emotional strings with the wife too. Telling how I'm now set for 20+ years of stargazing with my now complete set-up. This time 12 months ago I only had a pair a bins. I'm well set now for all sorts of astronomical delights!

[Moonshane]

Keep telling yourself that matey!

If you are ever stockport way on a clear night I could show you the difference in mine. Be interested to see how often you use the frac and what you think of the comparison in a month or two.

[estwing]

Wonderful best of both worlds

[bond19]

It is the best of both worlds indeed!

Although I have pondered that point already Shane. I do love the zero maintenance, and super easy grab n go nature of the frac, so I'm anticipating it will remain in my arsenal. 

[John]

Congratuations on the dob !

Shane made the mount for mine and you are quite right, the OO dobs are light for their aperture. My 12" F/5.3 weighs about the same all up as the Skywatcher 10" F/4.7 dob does. Easier to set up than my refractors as well in all honesty.

Hope you have a lot of fun with it

[scarp15]

Really good purchase Chris, I can see now from the pics concerning the way the dob base is configured, It all looks great. Hope you get the opportunity to use it soon and report back.

[bond19]

John it does seem pretty quick to manoeuvre and set up. I really enjoy the views through a frac, but maybe the new scope will change all this? Time spent with both will reveal more no doubt.

Iain I'm still hoping to try your 14" OOUK one day!

And Shane I'd love a go with your Ethos 20mm. Your welcome to visit my family hotel (low rates guaranteed). It's near Lancaster and not far from the dark skies of the Forest of Bowland. Low rates apply to John, Shane and Iain should you wish to visit. It's a lovely countryside hotel on the tow path of a canal.

[swamp thing]

Thats a nice looking scope

Congratulations.

[Moonshane]

Cheers! I actually meant my paracorr :0)

I dont have an ethos but do have a case of tv an two solar scopes LOL.

[bond19]

You've won me over on solar scope! But thanks, your parra corretor would be a useful try out sometime.

[deepspacehunter]

Happiness is a 12" DOB  !!!

Mark

[FenlandPaul]

Happiness is a 12" DOB !!!

Mark

I think that's the second time recently that you've said that, Mark. I'm beginning to think you might be right!!

The OO VX12 dob looks like a super bit of kit. Decisions decisions.

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