Pimp my DOB

[SzabiB]

Since I got my new little 127 MAK, my poor DOB was hiding in the corner, sobbing in the past few weeks. 

Now, my MAK's mount is on sick leave, I dragged the DOB out again. 

I had a few mods in my mind already, but now it is time to get the ball rolling. 

My wish list is the following:

- change the original finder for a RACI as my neck is playing funny game lately. This task is done, I managed to get a Skywatcher one from Astro buy and sell. Very happy so far.

- getting an azimuth setting circle fitted. One of our club member built his own mount and the kind of execution of it blown me away. I was well impressed and really liked the idea about the setting circle (and many other things on it). This is in progress, looks like someone is going to print me one on a sticky back vinyl. Still need to figure out something for a pointy bit for the base.

- I was not happy with the Classic 200's teflon bearings. I tried the soap trick with no success. I was so close to get a lazy Susan bearings, but got another tip for spraying it with silicon based spray. So I done it today and it made massive difference, butter smooth. 

- I am in the process to order some self adhesive spirit level and inclometer from Amazon. 

- I want to replace the base legs with some adjustable ones, so I can level out the whole lot easier. I was doing a bit googling today, but looks like everything is massive. If anyone has any suggestion about reasonable sized adjustable legs, please do not hold it back 

 

I guess this is the most inexpensive improvements I can make at the moment. If you have any idea / suggestion or you want to share your mods, please join in. 

[Avocette]

I pimped my Dob some years ago - if you haven’t seen this thread, why not take a look!

 

[Dave scutt]

I started pimping my dob.

New focuser,  80mm RACI , and fan for the primary and fully flocked.

I was going to buy a EQ platform but spent the money on some Telvue Ethos instead.

[bosun21]

8 minutes ago, Dave scutt said:

I started pimping my dob.

New focuser,  80mm RACI , and fan for the primary and fully flocked.

I was going to buy a EQ platform but spent the money on some Telvue Ethos instead.

I have just placed an order with David Lukehurst for him to make me an equatorial platform for my dobsonian. He said he was very busy with back orders for telescopes and it would be February before he could ship it to me. Looking forward to it so that I can attach my camera and do a bit of EEVA with my dobsonian as well as my other tracked scopes.

[Guest]

My 10 inch is well decked out too.  Dew heaters and controllers hanging on it.  It is on a fixed setting circle with angle guage.  I have it sitting on a leveling board.  I would think about changing the finder but the 9x50 RACI does so well.  I did add Bob's Knobs for secondary screws and new primary springs.  

Edited November 25, 2022 by Mike Q

[Mr Spock]

I have a few on mine.

Bob's Knobs for the secondary and uprated springs for the primary - it keeps its collimation now.

Bearing for the az - very sturdy

Bracing for the base - less wobbly

EQ platform. I cannot put into words how important this is to comfortable observing. No more nudging!

Counterweight under the tube to balance those heavy focusers, finders and eyepieces

Feet to stand the tube on (yours might not need these)

[Sunshine]

 "Pimp my dob" is hilarious! I look forward to posting my dob upgrades here 🤣

[fwm891]

Mmmm, like the counter weight idea. I find the altitude clamp on my 12 inch f4 dob needs excessive tightening when I put a camera or heavier ep in the focuser.

[PeterStudz]

The best and most useful mods on my 200p (one of the cheapest too) was sticking a handle on it. 

Although I haven’t had it long the Lacerta micro-focuser has also been great.

And the DIY EQ platform that I made via the instructions on this website has been amazing, especially when observing at high magnification. I now could not do without it.

For a few quid installing a smartphone bracket has given accurate PushTo using the PSAlign-Pro app.

Other mods include - fully flocking the OTA & focuser - blackening the back & edge of the secondary - bobs knobs & milk bottle mod to the secondary - DIY dew/light shields - DIY white light solar filter.

One of the things I like about Dobs (well, telescopes in general) is the amount of mods you can make with a minimum of tools and equipment thereby customising it to what you want. And everything can come apart and go back together with basic tools. Unusual in this day and age when most things are glued and welded together. 

Edited November 26, 2022 by PeterStudz

[Ratlet]

I did this on my Newtonian.

I have a American football shirt I got years ago from a lovely ex-marine called Jerry whilst in Houston.  Far too large for me so didn't really wear it.

I ripped the sleeves off and slid the OTA through sleeves with the telrad/finder through the neck and the focuser through the body.

It makes a handy observer's hood and helps trap a bit of heat at the eyepiece when I pop off to check my AP rig.

You might need a pretty large shirt for your dob though 🤣

[Mr Spock]

I could do with a couple of handles on mine. At the moment I lift it on and off using the alt knobs. I've trapped my fingers a few times... I don't find it heavy, just bulky and awkward.

[PeterStudz]

14 minutes ago, Mr Spock said:

I could do with a couple of handles on mine. At the moment I lift it on and off using the alt knobs. I've trapped my fingers a few times... I don't find it heavy, just bulky and awkward.

Even though my Dob is obviously smaller and lighter than yours I still find it awkward to move the whole thing, base and all. I also have a weak left knee which is still fine when lifting weight but an issue if anything is awkward and bulky. 

I also find a handle useful when nudging at certain angles, especially near zenith. 

[Guest]

So a 16 inch reflector needs to have a serious finder.  No wimpy 50mm finder for me.... Nope i dropped a Stellarvue 13x80 and a laser on there.  More weight was definitely needed on the other end 

[Captain Scarlet]

On 25/11/2022 at 22:38, Dave scutt said:

I started pimping my dob.

New focuser,  80mm RACI , and fan for the primary and fully flocked.

I was going to buy a EQ platform but spent the money on some Telvue Ethos instead.

I have to say, Dave, those are the finest-looking collimation-locking bolts I have ever seen 🤣🤣. Where did you get them, I seem to be missing a few 😁

[Spile]

Telrad, RACI, Lacerta dual speed focuser, flocked, solar filter, counter weight , carry handle. That’s about it for my 200P. Never thought about changing the bearing as mine moves freely enough with just enough friction for my needs. 

[Astro_Dad]

The SL range already offers a good starting position - RACI, DS focuser, quality AZ bearings, good quality tensioner,  but enhancing further requires either flocking (not done yet but worked well on previous SW Dob) and something like the  Asterion Push To system or a StarSense retro fit - both of which I’m considering.