observing chairs availability in UK ??

[jonstarrysky]

Hi, It is a apparent that from suppliers abroad (especially in USA) there are many nice looking observing chairs to choose from - adjustable ones that go from quite low to quite high, with various designs, and generally they are quite pricey. Two that I particularly like the look of are the Stardust and Smart-Seat as found on these sites:

http://www.handsonoptics.com/gen_stardust.html

http://yhst-1469288697390.stores.yahoo.net/obch.html

http://www.telescopereviews.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Number/2652696

Looking at the website of the main UK astro suppliers like FLO, there doesnt seem to be any marketing of these products. I only see something from Astro Engineering (Pulsar).

This is a suprise. I count observing comfort as important as optical quality. If I am having to sit bent over, I will not be looking into any Ethos eyepiece for very long, however immersive the skywalk is (academic point: I dont have an Ethos).

Can someone point me in the right direction if there are UK suppliers.

please ??

Getting these models shipped from the USA is expensive.

[Ferox]

Have a look at this thread

http://stargazerslounge.com/showthread.php?t=75212

[acey]

Ironing chairs (like the Aldi one) get good reports as cheap observing chairs but have the disadvantage that you can't adjust the height easily and quickly - you need to fiddle around with a pin. Observing chairs are designed for quick adjustment and have a bigger height range. I like the look of the Astro-Engineering one:

http://www.astro-engineering.com/Aids/astronomyobservi.html#chair

However my current observing chair is a wooden adjustable stool that I got years ago to use as a piano stool. There's one just like it on eBay but it's in US and postage is prohibitive:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=220331160171

The advantage of this stool is that it is obviously very quick and easy to adjust the height - and when I bought mine (can't remember where!) it was pretty cheap. Disadvantage is that the legs sink into soft ground - you need something underneath or a DIY mod.

If anyone knows where these wooden drafting stools can be got in UK then please tell me as I want another!

[Bigwings]

Thinking out of the box....... I bought some bar stools for the kitchen. They have a gas strut to move them from normal dinning chair height up to a level that enables viewing with the SCT in nearly a horizontal position.

It has a footrest and it swivels is comfortable and cost about £15 in the sales.

[Bigwings]

Forgot the pic....

[jonstarrysky]

Thanks for that link to the ALdi chair. So it goes up to 75cm = 29.5 inch top height. I'll need to figure if this is high enough for my 10" dob. The dedicated astronomy chairs go a bit higher - typically to 32 - 35 inch. They cost a lot more mind. But I think comfort is worth it if thats what it takes.

[weareborg]

You could always build your own observing chair.

Did a quick search on google and found this. Maybe of interest to you.

http://www.tomhole.com/Observing%20Chair.htm

Andy

[coliea]

I like the look of the Astro-Engineering one:

http://www.astro-engineering.com/Aids/astronomyobservi.html#chair

I recently emailed Astro-Engineering about the AC532 observing chair only to be told "Many thanks for your email, the Observing Chair has been discontinued." Don't know why they've still got it on their website?

I've also seen someone on CN (I think) recommend this little stool from IKEA http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10118810

But I agree there seems to be a market for the Stardust type chairs (I'd buy one) so it's surprising they aren't retailed in the UK.

Col

[blackgerby]

RVO do a stool - http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/rother-valley-optics-padded-observing-chair_d2651.html

and a chair - http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/rvo-observing-chair_d1261.html

I don't know if they're any good though. I get the impression that RVO is a good site.

I did look at drum kit stools, but they seem to have feet that would sink into the ground.

[weareborg]

I think the feet from the 1st link, may well sink into the ground also, especially if it too soft.

Andy

[blackgerby]

How about http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flypage/product_id/5542 ?

(expensive though)

[jonstarrysky]

So some suggestions from the thread (the ALDI one seems excellent value). But the really nice astro chairs simply arent sold here. Buying from USA, you've got delivery charge (I could just about live with that). Then I realise duty and VAT. The guys at customs will send you a nice bill for that (or the delivery guy asks for the money sometimes I gather). Hmmm I wonder if they have a special low rate for astro chairs ??

[Doc]

Thinking out of the box....... I bought some bar stools for the kitchen. They have a gas strut to move them from normal dinning chair height up to a level that enables viewing with the SCT in nearly a horizontal position.

It has a footrest and it swivels is comfortable and cost about £15 in the sales.

Exactly what I use.

very comfortable. But a bit bulky.

[FLO]

I confess I currently use a Veleba (I think) ironing chair that was on promo at Lidls.

If anyone knows a manufacturer of a quality-made observing chairs (or would like to go into business making one themselves) that doesn't cost the Earth, please PM me and we'll consider stocking them

[omega3]

The bar stool looks like a good option. Where are they available?

Alan

[The Warthog]

I've had an observing chair on my 'to do' list for some time. There are plenty of good designs on the Net, and most are not difficult to make.

At present, I use a low and a high Ikea stool, but these sink into soft soil easily, and two heights isn't enough.