Do dobs have to be perfectly flat?

[adamjames101]

I am looking at getting my first scope and after many months reading and learning I'm starting to think that for a budget £200 I should not get a goto. Also i should possible get a dob as many people seem to say ill get more scope for my money than a eq mount as the all the money is going toward the scope. I'm just worried that when I take it out it will have to be really level flat ground, and I won't be able to use on lawn or on a field ect, what are the limits for a dob to be used outside?

Thanks

[swamp thing]

As long as the ground is reasonable you'll be fine.

They do have three feet on the bottom.

As long as you don't set up on a ploughed field or hardcore you'll be okay.

Regards Steve

[spaceboy]

No need to be flat.

[It's Full Of Stars]

Hi, the goto & auto versions have to be level to the ground so they can find/track objects more reliably, but I'd assume the non-motorised dobs don't have to be perfectly level as you're doing all the tracking by hand. I guess reasonably flat is always a plus though!

[wkocken]

Not necessary at all. In fact, when attempting to view straight up, a dob is very hard to maneuver. I'll put a brick under one of the legs to make it not level. That makes it much easier to view at the zenith.

[DOBBY]

Swampy said it all... yet another advantage to getting a Dob.

[johninderby]

Yes no need for a manual dob to be really flat. So long as it's flat enough so that the scope doesn't move by itself in the Az axis.

John

[adamjames101]

Thanks guys, that answers is all, a dob it is then! Cheers

[steelfixer]

Not being a dob owner my self might I suggest a thin sheet of plywood to put on the soft ground ie grass / fleld and then stand the dob on that. This way you can remove any rock and roll with the adjustable feet.

[swamp thing]

Not being a dob owner my self might I suggest a thin sheet of plywood to put on the soft ground ie grass / fleld and then stand the dob on that. This way you can remove any rock and roll with the adjustable feet.

No offence but no. A sheet of ply on uneven ground will be worse.

The sheet unless laid on perfectly flat ground will induce wobbles.

On more uneven ground the Dobs feet will take up any unevenness.

Regards Steve

[steelfixer]

No offence taken i just though it would stop the dobs feet sinking into the soft ground, but like I said I have never owned a dob so know nothing about using one, it just seemed logical.

[Manok101]

I would also suggest something under the dob as well, I own two, and in the backyard I have 4 cement blocks on the ground where I place my big dob. For the little one, I set it on the bench my dad built.

[valleyman]

I fitted kitchen unit legs on mine they have adjustable feet, gives a bit more clearance under the base so stops it getting wet after all this rain we have had