Ergonomics

[rabbithutch]

Maybe I'm chasing a pipe dream, but I need better ergonomics for my old 8" Orion Dobsonian.

The eyepiece is NEVER at a comfortable viewing height. I'm either too crouched and cramped to be able to view more than 2-3 minutes at a time, or it's too high to be able to see. I'm 5'10" which is a very average size.

What do you Dob owners do to make the ergonomics better? I'm planning to build a viewing chair, but I still think that the base needs to be modded.

[beady eyes]

Hi Rabbithutch:

Not too sure what to say. Used to have a 8" f/6, loved the scope - never truly comfortable. My scope now is about the same in terms of comfort. My only advantage is that I am 5'8".

Have you tried having one of those three step stools/ladders?

( Shop Step Stools at Lowes.com)

Depending on your size you could possible use it as a multiposition stool. I used to have a two step stool for my 8", it was helpful in some situations.

I came to the conclusion for myself that I sacrificed complete comfort in favour of aperture and cost.

[John]

You could build a base to stand the scope on. Basically a sturdy 3/4 legged table with a top wide enough to take the dobsonian base would be OK.

Something like these folks have done perhaps ?:

Kevin'ATM s Dobsonian Stand Project

[rabbithutch]

Great link, John. Thanks!

The 3-step ladder might be in my future. Nursing a bum leg means that I won't get in the shop to build anything for some time.

Thanks for the suggestions!