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Terry Ostahowski does the final polish and figuring for their 'scopes.

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Terry Ostahowski does the final polish and figuring for their 'scopes.

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This is not necessarily true.
When I called Terry and talked to him in regards to his mirrors, he told me if I bought a Discovery he could not assure me the primary would be made by him.
It might be his, it might not.

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Several years ago, you used to be able to pay Discovery an extra fee for a hand selected "premium" mirror. These were the Terry O. mirrors - I have one in my 12.5" and it is an excellent performer.

I don't know if Discovery still does this practice.

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Terry Ostahowski does the final polish and figuring for their 'scopes.

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This is not necessarily true.
When I called Terry and talked to him in regards to his mirrors, he told me if I bought a Discovery he could not assure me the primary would be made by him.
It might be his, it might not.

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As of last January, Bill was telling me (when I went to pick up the 'scope) that Discovery does the coarse grind, sometimes the fine grind, and Terry does the final figuring. Discovery also does their own coating now. If he's lying, I'm sure Terry would be a bit peeved. But there's a big difference between doing the whole mirror and just doing the fine polish at the end (and it takes a whole lot less time).

In addition, there's nothing stating that Discovery couldn't sell non-Terry mirrors. Thus, Terry can't guarantee that the optics in the Discovery 'scopes are his

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You guys are right, split tube designs are horrid. I read the cloudy nights review, what a nightmare! I could never haul that thing around, truss is the ONLY way to go.

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You guys are right, split tube designs are horrid. I read the cloudy nights review, what a nightmare! I could never haul that thing around, truss is the ONLY way to go.

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You have to put the split tube design into context. It's not a horrid design, but it is becoming outdated in relationship to the newer cheaper truss scopes now available. When the split tubes were first introduced truss scopes were only available in the $4000-$5000 price range. A 16" LightBridge for less than $2000 wasn't even on the drawing boards. To get a 16" scope for under $2000 meant a solid tube design like the Meade Starfinder. Now those were true beasts. With the introduction of the split tubes, it began to be feasible to at least transport these large scopes in a van rather than in a truck.

It does make sense to me to go with a truss design for anything larger than 12.5", but in the smaller sizes a split tube design is still very workable. I can get my 10" split tube in my VW Golf with minimal effort. And the views are outstanding.

Patrick

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I couldn't agree more patrick. I was speaking in a sense of right now, right here terms. I understand that a split tube design is getting outdated by the trusses and it shows. The more compact you can make a telescope the better!

For myself though, I need a substantial boost in aperture to be buying a new scope. I wouldn't go from 8" to 12", no sir. To me only doubling the number would suffice. 16" minimum or maybe a 15" would work wonders for me. Then again, 18" has always been a dream of mine. Its not as huge as the 20", especially the UC.

I think as we progress through the years we should start seeing some VERY compact dobs...say a 18" F/5 that breaks down into a tiny space the size of the mirror box.

I am however one of those people who love to observe all night long. Its like a research project for me. The more i see the better i think, and the more i learn all the better. That being said, is it comfortable to be standing on a ladder the entire time you are observing?

It seems to me standing and balancing on that ladder might be even harder than standing on the ground! Which im not a fan of either.

I personally prefer SITTING, on an observers char like a denver. Owning a large dob, how can you sit and observe? Are there any special ladders with seats attached to them at the top?

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I think as we progress through the years we should start seeing some VERY compact dobs...say a 18" F/5 that breaks down into a tiny space the size of the mirror box.

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Brooklyn-

If you really wanna see a Dob that's truly "light-in-the-loafers", check this one out!

The height of a Dob's EP & a viewers personal comfort therewith hinge on MANY factors: Height, age, physical condition, observing style... we each need to make our own personal assesment. And a move THIS way on the subject creates a result THAT way on other parameters, like cost, size, bulk, expense, aperture... frequency of use... and overall enjoyment. Severe missteps are frequently listed publicly for all to see under the catagory "Dob for sale"!

As a data point in the above, i'm 6'2, and can observe with my 15" 'Splitter flatfoot at zenith, no step. Additionally, i use an a VERY comfy adjustable chair that enables *seated* viewing up to about 75-80* altitude... the last 10-15* around zenith requires standing.

I'd guess the rig, fully assembled, weights ~90 lbs (could be more?), yet its components break down into ~30 lb chunks. Once assembled, it stays put. If a tree is in the way, look at something else for a while. Yeah, it has bolt-on wheelbarrow gizzies if ya want, but i don't use 'em.

A lighter, or ultra-lighter Dob may be obtainable, but many report issues with stability with them- seems a certain amount of inertia is desirable for use within the atmo, especially if you're wantin' to ramp up the power at times! So there'll be some point of diminishing returns on that subject. Its fersure my scope ain't there.

mike b

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