So how stable is a dob mount?

[Vargojones]

I'm currently weighing up options re scope purchase, and one of them is the Sky watcher 150p Dobsonian.

However my main concern is how stable the mount would be in less than ideal dark sky sites? I can imagine it would be great if it was in a remote car park, but how about a level but grassy field?

Cheers

[rowan46]

I've seen plenty of dobs at star parties

[dweller25]

Fear not, they are very stable.

And they are very good scopes.

[NGC 1502]

Very long and springy grass can be a problem for a Dob, it can stop the

three feet on the mount from contacting the ground.

But there is usually somewhere in a field with shorter grass. I have exactly

that problem at my clubs public events, but usually overcome that in the way

I've mentioned.

Those with tripod mounted scopes dont have that issue, as the pointed tripod

legs push down through the grass.

HTH, Ed.

[Vargojones]

So as a rule they are actually pretty stable, just avoid long grass, or obviousyldodgy terrain

[umadog]

Exactly. I've set up all over the place and never had a problem.

[NGC 1502]

Yes, Dobs are inherantly very stable, as the tube is "inboard" the side mounts,

and the azimuth bearing (side to side) is comparativley large.

Just avoid very uneven ground, or long springy grass.

Best regards, Ed.

[Moonshane]

I agree with all the above. you could make a board with adjustable feet to stand the dob on if you regularly observe on uneven ground.

[NGC 1502]

I agree with all the above. you could make a board with adjustable feet to stand the dob on if you regularly observe on uneven ground.

Excellent idea Ed.

[bcfcciderhead]

I made adjustable feet for my dob, i use mine on a very poor site, the car park is of rough stone lots of holes, i just level the base before i put the the scope in and put some square piece's of wood under each leg, works a treat

[brantuk]

Have a look in the "Dob Mods" thread in the "Dob Users" group (click link in my signature) - there are several levelling feet solutions to give you some ideas

[Manok101]

Like everyone has said, they are very stable. I have a home made bench I put mine on, so no issues with grass .

[Vargojones]

Thanks for the info peeps . I think i've nearly made a decision then