The Bottom's Missing...

[PreludeToADream]

So I 'checked' all the bits of my telescope were there when it arrived the other day. But I didn't even think to look at the base of the telescope.

It's a Skywatcher Skyline 250PX Dobsonian, the solid tube version. I have another Skywatcher telescope so I know that on the base it has a metal plate sort of thing that needs to be removed in order to access the collimating screws. This base plate is missing on my telescope, as seen below:

I ordered from FLO but I assume they're closed today. I'm going to ring up when I can but I presume it'll just be a case of sending out a spare part? The telescope is all set up so the last thing I want to do is send the whole thing back for one part...

[GazK]

It's not missing. That's how its supposed to look. I have the flextube versh and its exactly the same. It allows air to circulate and reduces mirror cooling time.

Don't sweat it, merry Christmas! You'll enjoy that scope...

[PreludeToADream]

It's not missing. That's how its supposed to look. I have the flextube versh and its exactly the same. It allows air to circulate and reduces mirror cooling time.

Don't sweat it, merry Christmas! You'll enjoy that scope...

*Hits self several times*

Oh dear. What confused me is that my other 'scope (Skywatcher 130P) does have a plate, and in the manual it mentions removing a plate...

This is very good news though. Saves me a lot of hassle. Thanks for clearing things up - saves an embarrassing conversation on the phone

[dweller25]

Yes as Gaz says thats normal - it allows rapid cooldown for the mirror....... enjoy.

[LukeSkywatcher]

Looks normal to me.

[brantuk]

There's usually a plate on smaller newtonians like the 130P and 150P - but the bigger ones 8" upwards don't tend to have one. My 12" flextube dob's not got one either - all perfectly normal.

[Spackbackle]

Looks identical to my sw 250 and that works a dream!

Hope you get clear skies to use it.

[Tinker1947]

Mine looks like your picture...