Starobserver

I was considering the classic cassegrain. I had a russian one, the TAL 200K. The views where very good but it was very heavy and it could only use 1.25 eyepieces. So a 150 or 200mm Cassegrain from TS in Germany would be an option. I prefer them over the C6 or C8 because they are an open system. This I guess speeds op cool down time and with you don't have so much problems with dew. I love viewing doubles, so these cassegrains would be good for this purpose. The only thing I am worried about is the smaller field of view (maximum 1 degree) and the fact that you have to follow the object manually with the AYO. I will go to see a friend this winter who was a C11 on the AYO Digi, the bigger version of the AYO, and see how he manages things. He also uses the Argo Navis. What he told me is that he has the C11 on one side of the Ayo and a sort of "handle" he made out of plastic pipes on the other side. He filled the pipes with sand and they have a double purpose, a counterweight and a handle to follow objects manually with the ayo. He could not follow stars or objects at higher magnifications by pushing and pulling the C11. But with the handle on the other side, it would work very well. I will keep you updated on this. Cheers Math

Hi John, Thanks for your reply. It really helped me decide to order the 6 inch OO f/5. I was in doubt wether to buy a TS UNC 6 inch f/6 newton or the one from Orion Optics. But in the end, I already have a 12 inch orion optics dobson since 2006, with a really smashing image quality, I decided to go for Orion Optics again. I love to observe star clusters and the moon with the 12 inch OO but there are quite a few evenings when I want to get out quickly and just for an hour or so, and sometimes I also do not want the hassle of getting the 12 outside. So I was looking far a light-weight option, but with a good quality mount, telescope and setting circles. I ordered the Ayo already, and now the 6 inch orion will be added. I will also use my Argo Navis on the Ayo as well. And in the future I hope to add an 8 inch Cassegrain to it from TS in Germany. This mainly for double star observing. Anyway, thanks again for your advice. Cheers Math

Hi there, I have a question about the Ayo and the OO 6-inch. I ordered the AYO II and was wondering which OO6 inch you have on the mount. Is it the f/5 ? And do you keep clear of the tripod-legs with the scope. I ask this because I am still strugling about what scope to use with the AYO II. A newtonian or a cassegrain-type.... anyway, maybe you can give me some info on your setup. Looks fantastic. Cheers Mat