bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1047
Loc: New York City
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We finally get some pictures of the new Synta aka Sky-Watcher truss/retractable dobs.
Sky-Watcher Flextube 12"
Sky-Watcher Flextube 10"
Sky-Watcher Flextube 8"
I think there are lots of questions about stability, durability, and ability to keep collimation. The "Flextube" name doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.
I'd like to see an Orion version with Intelliscope COL, dual-speed Crayford, 9x50 RACI, and light shroud.
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Greg K.
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 11503
Loc: Clifton Park, NY
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C'mon Synta, how about a 16"?
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Astro-Tech AT111EDT f/7 - Celestron CGEM
NexStar 11 GPS
Orion SkyView Pro 8EQ (w/ Autostar mod)
15x70 Celestron SkyMasters
Orion 90mm Mak
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DCS
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 749
Loc: Cypress, Texas
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Looks like a great dob, but I'm not sure it's wise to have the word "flex" anywhere in the name of a telescope product.
-Pete
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Jason D
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/21/06
Posts: 3290
Loc: California
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I suppose FlexUse or FlexMove or even FlexPayment would have been OK... But they had to pick FlexTube, ummmmm...
Jason
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XT10 classic with premium optics
Tri-knob CR2 with compression rings
Round Table Platform
4.5" StarBlast
6" StarBlast6
TV EPs
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Luigi
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/07
Posts: 4927
Loc: MA
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"Flextube" truth in advertizing?
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17.5" f/5 Dob. IM-715 MCT. 120ED. Lunt 60mm Ha.
Zeiss, Leica, Fujinon, Nikon, Pentax, Bushnell bins
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pike_fly
sage
Reged: 10/10/07
Posts: 365
Loc: Roxborough Park, Colorado
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I'm betting "Wobbly-tube" was taken...
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Lee
8" Celestron f6 Dobsonian
10" Zhumell Dobsonian
Class 4 Bortle Scale Backyard Site
View Lee's Gallery
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Seems all the dob makers are concentrating on the OTA in the quest to make scopes more portable. As a 10" f5 OTA will fit across the back seat of most any mid sized car I want to see something done about the bulky dob bases!
The base of my 10" gso dob has to ride on the front seat as it wont fit in the trunk.
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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Almach
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/27/07
Posts: 1185
Loc: Manitoba, Canada
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Quote:
Seems all the dob makers are concentrating on the OTA in the quest to make scopes more portable. As a 10" f5 OTA will fit across the back seat of most any mid sized car I want to see something done about the bulky dob bases!
The base of my 10" gso dob has to ride on the front seat as it wont fit in the trunk.
I am sending 'positive waves' over to Tom at Disc Mount to create a new type of dob mount. This mount will consist of a fixed base, a column and a Disc Mount head that will handle a reflector OTA up to 10". This setup will dismantle into three pieces for easy transport.
In my dream world this Disc Mount head will also track.
Mmmmmmm ... I'm going to my happy place now ...
I'm back.
I envision such a mount costing a few $$$$ but I would buy something like that in a minute.
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Jim
Optical Star Fleet:
Orion XT10 f/4.7
Orion XT4.5 f/8
Orion 102mm f/7 ED
70mm f/7 Skywatcher Refractor
8x40 Nikon
Ocular Arsenal:
BO/TMB, Orion Sirius Plossl, Pentax, Televue
Ocular Support:
TV Paracorr, 2x & 2.5x Powermate, 2x TV Barlow, WO Binoviewer
Orion Skyview Mount
Observing since 25 December 2006
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Darron Spohn
super member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 182
Loc: Round Rock, Texas
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Quote:
Seems all the dob makers are concentrating on the OTA in the quest to make scopes more portable. As a 10" f5 OTA will fit across the back seat of most any mid sized car I want to see something done about the bulky dob bases!
The base of my 10" gso dob has to ride on the front seat as it wont fit in the trunk.
First Base Collapsible Dobsonian Mounts
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Swayze 8-inch f/4.3 Dob
Televue Nagler 22mm T4
Televue Nagler 12mm T4
Televue 6mm Ethos
14-inch Hubble Optics mirror (Dobstuff kit in-house)
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Seems all the dob makers are concentrating on the OTA in the quest to make scopes more portable. As a 10" f5 OTA will fit across the back seat of most any mid sized car I want to see something done about the bulky dob bases!
The base of my 10" gso dob has to ride on the front seat as it wont fit in the trunk.
Yes, so true!
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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BooBoo
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/21/06
Posts: 1309
Loc: Lancaster, California, USA
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Gotta admit, the idea of a collapsible 12" is attractive. Would make it much easier to fit one into my Honda Civic. My 8" SkyQuest barely fits across the back seat or in the trunk.
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BooBoo
aka Barry
"Mortal as I am, I know that I am born for a day. But when I follow at my pleasure the serried multitude of the stars in their circular course, my feet no longer touch the earth." - Ptolemy
Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian
 Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, CA
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Had a chance to use the 12" version over the weekend. The "flextube" name is unfounded. Pretty much collimated out of the box, we stuck a laser collimator into it and "abused" the tube, giving it a lot of twist and shaking, extending and lowering the secondary housing over and over again. Once the abuse had stopped, the laser dot hadnt moved... at all. Highly impressed...
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Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1047
Loc: New York City
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Steve, that's good to hear that the tube doesn't "flex" with the struts. Are the struts made of aluminum or steel? When the tube is extended how are the struts secured? Is it just a knob?
Did you use a pre-production version? What about a light shroud? Sorry about all the questions 
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sixela
Postmaster
Reged: 12/23/04
Posts: 10848
Loc: Boechout, Belgium
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Quote:
Once the abuse had stopped, the laser dot hadnt moved... at all.
And what about collimation stability when you move in Alt?
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400mm f/4.46 self made Dobsonian on Tom Osypowski equatorial platform
Orion Starblast (114mm f/4 reflector, Alt/Az)
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Good to hear. Can't wait for those to be reviewed. Now lets see how Orion will respond (RACI, Crayford focuser, collimation thumb screws, transportation bag ... maybe COL)  .
(I'm also interested in the questions asked by bsim and Alexis.)
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (04/07/08 08:48 AM)
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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We used it between the terrible weather we had this weekend (snow, torrential rain, windy like you wouldnt believe... yes, it was a star party!) so didnt realy get a long time to use it or to look at it in great detail.
Struts - Aluminum I think (not 100% sure). Each of the three struts are primarily secured with wingnut type nuts where the wing bit is a bar that can be pushed through from one side to the other (hard to explain), and they also have the a friction type screw on each strut to stop the whole secondary housing come crashing down accidently if the primary screws come loose for any reason.
Pre-production - No, it was the first 12" retail version in the UK (as far as I am aware).
No light shroud, and none available at the moment that I know of (although it really does need one). Might be interesting fitting one, to be honest. The Meade LBs have the V section bars round the outside, so a shroud will fit around the outside of any light path, but with only three vertical struts on the Flextube, a shroud will need to fit the upper and lower ends and will need to be self supporting for its tubular shape.
Collimation in Alt - no idea to be honest. Other than the 15 minute abuse session, and the "quick, its stopped snowing and the sky is clear" 3 hour push-to session, the unit sat in the tent the whole time. M13 very low on the horizon looked great, but what do I know, I`m just an imager
Other things:
- The side panels have support wings at 90 degrees to prevent them flexing
- The Az bearings are roller bearings, located between 2 metal sheets (very smooth!)
- The Alt tension can be adjusted with one hand, using only one of the handles.
- Unlike the LB, there are no white lips on the inside of the secondary housing.
- When collapsed, there is a ~1" gap between the secondary housing and the top lip of the base, which will let dust in. It really requires two lens caps, one to cover the base and one to cover the top of the secondary housing.
I was looking for a visual scope to keep me busy whilst my main kit is imaging. I was going to go for a NexStar 6SE as a grab and go, but after looking through the 12" FT, I am reconsidering my options.
Oh, and lastly, if ever a Dob requied a set of Star Wars R2D2 decals, this is the one.
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Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Also, no news about a 16" version as yet... shame, i`d grab one of those in a second!
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Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1047
Loc: New York City
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Steve,
Thanks for the many pictures and for answering the questions. Now, I see how useful the tension control handles are for carrying the beast.
I have little doubt that Orion will be selling a modified version of the flextube with COL in the near future. I have a feeling the 12" will be very popular. When retracted, it's 92.5cm or 36.4in which should fit in almost any car. Now, only if the large base could be collapsed. Then it would be a really "portable" 12" dob.
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Thanks Steve for the report and for the pictures. Looks very promising. This is a very interesting scope design and is wetting my appetite for a second scope! If you ever have another field trip with the scope please feel free to report again.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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Yes I think they pulled goofed when they chose that name. First thing I thought of was. The scope waving in the breeze. 
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Edited by panhard (04/09/08 12:53 AM)
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Jeff-g
member
Reged: 03/23/07
Posts: 66
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
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I agree that looks like R2D2s tiwn brother. What a laugh..
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Celestron CG5-T AST
Celestron C6-SCT
Celestron SLT 102 (For Sale)
Hardin DSH 8"
Baader Hyperion 24mm & 17mm
EQ Platform
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
No light shroud, and none available at the moment that I know of (although it really does need one). Might be interesting fitting one, to be honest. The Meade LBs have the V section bars round the outside, so a shroud will fit around the outside of any light path, but with only three vertical struts on the Flextube, a shroud will need to fit the upper and lower ends and will need to be self supporting for its tubular shape.
I was thinking, wouldn’t be possible to make a semi-rigid shroud by placing bicycle spokes between two pieces of some sort of material (like the wood planks in an oak barrel)? What material is used to make a shroud anyway? Does it matters what is used?
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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I went to a local dealer today (to finally get a Telrad) and I asked the vendor if he had any news about when those Sky-Watcher retractable Dobs are going to be available. He told me that he heard that the 12” is going to appear first on the market (before the 8 and the 10 inch). Without being completely sure, he’s expecting them to be available before the summer! 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (04/08/08 06:21 PM)
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nightstalker
sage
Reged: 03/30/07
Posts: 251
Loc: Great South Land
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looks great .. pity they couldn't of dropped the height of the base ..its just so begging to be done ..shorten the bottom tube ..lengthen the poles ..and move the bearing
mounts .
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28pretoria22t414xw8.5xf
12" truss dob and numerous missplaced accesories...graham
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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It’s very interesting (looks very transportable and portable for the aperture) but it seems a bit expensive though! Much more than the LB. 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (04/09/08 05:37 PM)
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epee
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/30/06
Posts: 697
Loc: Suh-van-nuh, Jaw-juh
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You'd think a shroud could be made like those childrens collapsible play tunnels so that it would pop open on flexible fiberglass stalks as the tube was extended.
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Jim Girardeau
Orion XT12 Intelliscope
Celestron 11X80mm binoculars
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Thats odd... in the UK, the 12" Skywatcher Flextube is UK£50 (~US$100) cheaper than the 12" Meade LightBridge
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Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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I must be doing something wrong. If I do a conversion (on the net) of pounds into Canadian dollars, I get 600 pounds = 1210$ CAD. The 12" LB is going for 900$ CAD. Clearly I'm wrong somewhere here. On the other hand, a 12" Sky-Watcher retractable Dob for 800$ CAD is good news. 
Steve, one more question. Does the 12” come with a fan or maybe a rig to hook up one?
The specs are available for the 12” but not for the others. Does someone know what is the F/ratio on the 10”?
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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No, you are not doing anything wrong...
12" LB -> £700
12" FT -> £650
UK astronomers pay silly prices for kit (but lets not get into that whole shouting match right now )
Sadly the 12" unit isnt mine, it was someone elses that we kind of "looked after" for the star party weekend.
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--
Steve
www.steves-astro.com
Edited by SteveL (04/10/08 10:46 AM)
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
12" LB -> £700
12" FT -> £650
UK astronomers pay silly prices for kit
Well the good news is that the price went down a bit - When this thread started it was advertise at 650, as you said, but now it is at 599! - 12" SW FlextTube
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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JosephR
member
Reged: 11/30/05
Posts: 14
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One advantage of the design, which I haven't heard mentioned, is that it may be ideal for binoviewers. It should be possible to vary the strut length in order to use a binoviewer without an OCA.
Joseph
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5536
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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At least they got the tube rings and trusses the right color, and dig that mirror tube cover! All these are things Meade should have done.
Doug 
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Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor 90mm
1 SCT 8inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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 any idea of the weigth of the 12" sccccccope?
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2100
Loc: Arizona
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Those are pretty cool. I think thats the future of Orion Dobsonian right there. I would be much more interested if they had at least a 14" model and VERY happy for a 16". Already having a 10" there would be no reason for a 12".
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www.skywardeyes.webs.com
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TITAN
sage
Reged: 01/06/06
Posts: 363
Loc: SW Idaho
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Hmmm, I wonder when I'll be able to purchase just the shell and transfer my glass/curved vane into it...
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-Jeremy-
12x60 Binoculars
60mm Celestron Firstscope
Celestron C102 HD
300mm ANTTLERS HPN Dobsonian
20mmT5 - rebuilding collection...
 Reynold's Creek, Idaho
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2100
Loc: Arizona
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Seriously if Orion and Skywatcher want to keep the dobsonian competition over Meade they need to make a 16".
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www.skywardeyes.webs.com
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Darenwh
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/11/06
Posts: 1219
Loc: Covington, GA
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I don't know, looking at the size of this scope, a 16" scope built like it would still be mighty big. I think for a 16" scope a true truss such as the light bridge is still a better option. More complexity in setup but much smaller for transport. Look at the picture from earlier in post carrying a 12" and imagine how big a 16" would be. You would be bear hugging it to pic it up and would be dealing with the additional weight of the 16" version.
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Daren
Covington, GA
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2100
Loc: Arizona
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Yeah but still the 16" LB is no small scope. The lower portion is HUGE! I do agree that a TRUE truss system is the best. Thats why if they do not relase a 16" model I will just go with the 15" Obsession as the next scope for me.
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www.skywardeyes.webs.com
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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The 12inch is here! It's going for 875$ CAN! Scroll down in this link. 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan
Reged: 02/28/06
Posts: 4333
Loc: Petaluma, CA
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Actually orion has been doing just fine with its solid tube Dobs despite the Lightbridge rollout. Orion's ace in the hole versus Meade is an affordable DSC system. If these make their way to Orion, they might take some marketshare from Meade despite lacking a 16".
Personally, if Orion made a 14" Dob with collapsible OTA like these and Intelliscope, I would easily choose it over a 16" Lightbridge.
Regards,
Jim
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"I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."
- Sir Issac Newton
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jdownie
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/24/06
Posts: 759
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Quote:
Hmmm, I wonder when I'll be able to purchase just the shell and transfer my glass/curved vane into it...
Probably never. These people are not ATM suppliers.
John
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ATM project - a terrible waste of good Pyrex.
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Discussion and review about the 12 inch (and a lot of: "I hope there will be a 16inch") in the following link .
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2100
Loc: Arizona
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If they made a 16" I would put money down for that. Evenif they made a 14" I would consider it.
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www.skywardeyes.webs.com
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Discussion and review about the 12 inch (and a lot of: "I hope there will be a 16inch") in the following link .
Looks like the scope is good at keeping collimation even with the strut design. That's good news. 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Steenhoek27
sage
Reged: 05/26/06
Posts: 212
Loc: Torrance, CA
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If the Skywatcher line is made by Synta - and Synta owns Celestron.... perhaps this could be Celestron's next line of dobs?
Throw on a dual speed focuser, use the Nexstar encoders and modify the hand controller to make it push to - paint it all black, throw on some Celestron logos and call it a day (I mean night!).
Just a thought...
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Jim
www.laas.org
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
If the Skywatcher line is made by Synta - and Synta owns Celestron.... perhaps this could be Celestron's next line of dobs?
Throw on a dual speed focuser, use the Nexstar encoders and modify the hand controller to make it push to - paint it all black, throw on some Celestron logos and call it a day (I mean night!).
Just a thought...
Leave it as it is and sell it for under 900$ and I call this one sweet deal! 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1047
Loc: New York City
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Quote:
If the Skywatcher line is made by Synta - and Synta owns Celestron.... perhaps this could be Celestron's next line of dobs?
Celestron's only dob is the Synta 12" and it doesn't even include a RACI finder. If they decide to sell the new retractable, I don't think Celestron will add anything like a dual-speed Crayford or a COL. You're likely to see what you described from Orion.
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1047
Loc: New York City
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Quote:
Leave it as it is and sell it for under 900$ and I call this one sweet deal!
If Celestron sells it, I highly doubt it since they're selling the solid-tube Synta 12" for $1192.
Celestron Synta 12" dob
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Quote:
Leave it as it is and sell it for under 900$ and I call this one sweet deal!
If Celestron sells it, I highly doubt it since they're selling the solid-tube Synta 12" for $1192.
Yeah, but here the Orion 12" w/o COL is going for 1040$ so Orion will probably sell the flextube over 1K also. On the other hand, the new SW flextube is going for 875$.
Sky-Watcher has a good reputation (my scope is a SW and the reviews confirmed its performance), so if the good reviews keep coming this will be a very good scope that need very few mods (thumb screws, maybe RACI, a Telrad and cloudless nights... ).
Moreover, one difference that might stick out between SW and Orion is the rolled steel tube from the later which will make it tougher but also more heavy.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (04/15/08 07:13 PM)
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hoof
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 1467
Loc: Irvine, CA
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I can't resist ... finally a modern "telescoping" telescope!
(ducks the flying fruit and runs away)
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Jonathan Hoof
15" F/4.14 Discovery Truss
8" F/5.9 Orion XT8i
6" F/6 Intes-Micro MN66
4.5" F/4 Orion Starblast
80mm F/7.5 Orion 80ED
18x50 IS Canon binoculars
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EclipsingBinary
member
Reged: 03/12/08
Posts: 43
Loc: The Motor City
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Nice link! Thanks!
Very nice scope.
I'd like to see some sort of bellows on the inside of the tube, kind of like a flexible shroud that would fill in that air space when you extended the tube into position, it looks like there is room for it. It would really be a flextube then!
Jon
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Orion 10 it, Para Corr,TV 7&11 Nag, 24 Pan
PST w/ 18mm CEmax
WO 66 ED w/ 1-1/4" Vernonscope diagonal, TV 3&8 Radian
Vixen portamount
Hey Dad, what's those twinkling lights in the sky? Those are God's candle's son.
Edited by EclipsingBinary (04/15/08 09:38 PM)
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2095
Loc: British Columbia
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Quote:
One advantage of the design, which I haven't heard mentioned, is that it may be ideal for binoviewers. It should be possible to vary the strut length in order to use a binoviewer without an OCA.
Joseph
that's a very interesting thought, Joseph! the only issue I could foresee about this is that the light cone would change, so the illumination of the secondary would be affected, which could effect the use of a binoviewer. maybe EdZ will see this comment of yours and weigh in on it's merits or lack therein. 
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
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groz
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/14/07
Posts: 1071
Loc: Duncan, BC
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The link earlier in the thread to the quebec supplier has 'introductory special' labelled in the price. I just went and checked, it has popped up very recently at island eyepiece too now.
http://www.islandeyepiece.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=641&cat=Skywatcher+Dobsonians#
Looks like the suggested retail is going to be 999. Even at that, 12 inches of f/5 on a mount, reasonably portable, under a thousand. It's an interesting combination of telescope and price point.
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
The link earlier in the thread to the quebec supplier has 'introductory special' labelled in the price. I just went and checked, it has popped up very recently at island eyepiece too now.
Thanks for the heads up, I haven't noticed the special intro price.
Quote:
Looks like the suggested retail is going to be 999. Even at that, 12 inches of f/5 on a mount, reasonably portable, under a thousand. It's an interesting combination of telescope and price point.
Here we go, a real battle: Flextube vs LB. 
LLLETS GET READY TO RUMMMMMBLLLLLLLE!
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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camvan
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/05
Posts: 2095
Loc: British Columbia
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does anyone have any idea how much of a difference the SkyWatcher 305mm mirror would make against Meade's 289mm mirror?
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Cameron
"Aperture can only be replaced by even more aperture. Dark transparent skies cannot be replaced by anything else." - Stathis Kafalis
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amstel78
sage
Reged: 12/21/07
Posts: 338
Loc: Manhattan
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I want one. Anyone know if these things will be heading stateside?
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73 de K2QI
http://jamespaulsarte.com
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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Quote:
Quote:
The link earlier in the thread to the quebec supplier has 'introductory special' labelled in the price. I just went and checked, it has popped up very recently at island eyepiece too now.
Thanks for the heads up, I haven't noticed the special intro price.
Quote:
Looks like the suggested retail is going to be 999. Even at that, 12 inches of f/5 on a mount, reasonably portable, under a thousand. It's an interesting combination of telescope and price point.
Here we go, a real battle: Flextube vs LB.
LLLETS GET READY TO RUMMMMMBLLLLLLLE!
Lets see who wins. 
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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Quote:
does anyone have any idea how much of a difference the SkyWatcher 305mm mirror would make against Meade's 289mm mirror?
If both mirrors where made equally except for size I doubt you would notice the difference.
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
does anyone have any idea how much of a difference the SkyWatcher 305mm mirror would make against Meade's 289mm mirror?
I don't get it. According to Meade the LB has a primary of 304.8mm. Are you talking about some other Meade scope?
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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RougeThunder
member
Reged: 03/18/08
Posts: 18
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I wonder if the design will allow the mounting of a small refractor...
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DarrylS
sage
Reged: 09/02/07
Posts: 214
Loc: Ottawa, Canada
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Quote:
The link earlier in the thread to the quebec supplier has 'introductory special' labelled in the price. I just went and checked, it has popped up very recently at island eyepiece too now.
http://www.islandeyepiece.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=641&cat=Skywatcher+Dobsonians#
Looks like the suggested retail is going to be 999. Even at that, 12 inches of f/5 on a mount, reasonably portable, under a thousand. It's an interesting combination of telescope and price point.
Note though that the Island Eyepiece version has a RACI and a 2-speed focuser vs. the straight-through finder and one-speed focuser at Lire la Nature.
Darryl
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RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 2581
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
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Quote:
I want one. Anyone know if these things will be heading stateside?
I suppose there would be, if somebody orders one.
I believe US dealers can't carry the Skywatcher line, but rest assured, there are friendly astro-dealers to the North that would be glad to expedite you one!
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-Roger Pitre-
1 X 7 binocular Astro-Tech Imaging Newtonian MPCC
Starblast guidescope Starshoot autoguider
EQ6 Pro, HEQ5, Canon 50D, 70-200 f/4L
"He's got shoulders on him like a smelt..."--Anonymous
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10723&id=509325956&l=79d06a1d10
http://ajpobservatory.isgreat.org/
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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What I meant was If both mirrors where of same quality the size difference would not make a detectable difference in what you see. no wow factor Hope this explains it clearer.
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
Note though that the Island Eyepiece version has a RACI and a 2-speed focuser vs. the straight-through finder and one-speed focuser at Lire la Nature.
Now we're getting somewhere!
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Olegus
newbie
Reged: 10/29/06
Posts: 4
Loc: Russia
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Look at here
http://www.gs-telescope.com/content.asp?id=85
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Astraforce Paul
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/05/05
Posts: 1875
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Anyone know what the weights are on these puppies? Overall and separate parts?
12" or 16" could be quite heavy to move as one piece!
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panhard
Mongo
Reged: 01/20/08
Posts: 5185
Loc: Markham Ontario Canada
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I would say you could remove the word quite from your statement about the 16".
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bobby4
newbie
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 3
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Paul - according to the Skywatcher website:
Ground Board Weight(s) 18.5Kgs
Tube Weight 21Kgs
What I can't figure out is if the two sections can come apart for carrying - i.e. if the extending is an option or does it have to be stored collapsed (and heavy!)?
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Listed on the Andrews website, with pricing, as "coming soon".
Interestingly they are priced $100au cheaper than the Lightbridge from their major competitor in the 8 & 10 inch sizes, and $200au cheaper for the 12.
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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JerryDeveau
journeyman
Reged: 04/17/08
Posts: 5
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
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Has anyone found a measurement from the bottom of the base to the top of the collapsed tube? I would like to see if the 12" can fit in the back of my van without having to separate the base from the OTA.
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binoculars: 12X25 Tasco, 10X50 Bushnell
Skywatcher 12" colapsible dob
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Tube diameter: 35.5cm (14 inches)
Tube length (extended): 143cm (56 1/4 inches)
Tube length (retracted): 93cm (36 3/4 inches)
Base diameter: 64cm (25 1/4 inches)
With the tube retreacted on the base I would guess just under a meter.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Now available in Australia
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Do we know if these are rolled sonotube? The weight of the OTA on the SW site seem to indicate that it is so, but I'm not sure.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Bill Weir
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 1297
Loc: Metchosin (Victoria), Canada
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Quote:
Do we know if these are rolled sonotube? The weight of the OTA on the SW site seem to indicate that it is so, but I'm not sure.
I doubt if it's sonotube. A 10" Skywatcher, regular tube dob that the school has, is a metal tube. Why would they make this one out of a different product?
Bill
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6'' Orion SkyQuest
12.5'' f/5 Custom Truss Dob
William Optics 80mm ZenithStar ED II
f/5 25" newtonian on a giant GEM, any time I want
Observing sessions grand total for 2008, 121.
So far in 2009, 92
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Oh wow am I dumb! I assumed that my SW Dob was not rolled steel because its weight is lower than the Orion's 6XT OTA, but now I get what is sonotube!  Oh wow I sometimes impress myself... 
I still think that my scope is thinner than the Orions though, again due to the weight difference.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (05/23/08 03:39 PM)
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dave b
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/10/05
Posts: 3525
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the metal tube scopes are LIGHTER than sonotube.
sonotube is a very heavy material.
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dave bonandrini
30" f/5.2 Dobsonian
President of GCAC
Astromart Moderator
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Today I went to a local dealer and saw the 8 inch Sky-Watcher collapsible Dob. They just receive it and it wasn’t even ready for display yet. It wasn’t sitting on its base but on the floor (standing on the lower hand). It is equipped with a RACI and a single speed Crayford.
The thing that surprised me (a bit) is the size of the OTA. It is pretty small. There was an 8 inch Lightbridge standing close to it and the SW’s OTA is smaller. It really is compact. It’s so small that my girlfriend asked me: “why are you interested in that scope, I thought that you wanted a bigger one” - BTW, my scope is a 6 inch SW Dob. If Orion produces similar scopes and make transport bags for it, this is going to be very “transporter friendly”.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (05/23/08 08:23 PM)
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
I would like to see if the 12" can fit in the back of my van without having to separate the base from the OTA.
Eek! I wouldnt recommend driving like that.
The OTA ideally should be travelling on the back seat or on something with a bit of cushioning.
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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Well, I guess we now know who will carry this baby in the US:
http://www.celestron.com/c2/news_view.php?NewsID=47
This is getting VERY interesting!
As for the light shroud issue, I think there should be something like a collapsible shroud built around two metal hoops that slide around the poles which would expand and collapse with the truss. The bottom segment below the lower ring would have a velcro-sealing opening through which you could place the plastic cap to seal the bottom of the tube. That way you wouldn't ever have to remove the light shroud. You could attach it one time (hinges on the hoops, threading through velcro loops on the inside of the shroud, the aforementioned velcro opening all the way up and down, attaching to the tube with velcro tabs on the inside of the shroud and on the rims of the tube segments?) and never have to take it off.
Whatchoo all think?
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-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
Whatchoo all think?
Im convinced that the mirror in my 15" truss cools much quicker without the shroud on and I now only use it in light polluted conditions. How much of a factor this is at 12" and below I cant say.
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Your light shroud system seems interesting and easy to make.
If Sky-Watcher is going to be available in the US, be prepared to see a lot of them. Here Sky-Watcher scopes dominate the public outreach things I have attended. No wonder, these scopes are well build (for mass market), hold collimation, are light and cheap. The control tension handle works great. Just as an example, my 6" SW Dob have no problem keeping its position even with the 24 Pan and a 2X Barlow in the focuser and with the Telrad and the optical finder on. From what I’ve seen, the 8 inch collapsible seems also well thought out and well built. I usually prefer buying whatever stuff from local producers but this is just too good for the price. My next scope might just be another SW.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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Maybe there can be velcro "vents" in the shroud to allow for adequate ventilation when equalibrating the scope?
Anyhoo, I doubt there are terribly many people operating 12 inch scopes without cooling fans. Between vents int he shroud and fans, the system should equalibrate quickly. The shroud should also be made of a non-insulating material to allow the scope to reach equilibrium quicker.
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-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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Starman1
Vendor - Scope City
Reged: 06/24/03
Posts: 12211
Loc: Los Angeles
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If fans are used, it doesn't seem to make a difference in my 12.5" whether the shroud is down or up.
Any scope with 10" or more should be using fans anyway.
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Don Pensack
12.5" Truss Dob, 5" Maksutov, Fujinon Binos
Sustaining Lifetime IDA member
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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I know that it is hard to say without any reviews available (yet) and without hands on trial, but what do you think is going to be the scope that will be on top between this new collapsible Dob and the Lightbridge?
I understand that this is personal (need for optimizing space, preference for trussers,...), but still would be nice to speculate...
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Starman1
Vendor - Scope City
Reged: 06/24/03
Posts: 12211
Loc: Los Angeles
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Quote:
I know that it is hard to say without any reviews available (yet) and without hands on trial, but what do you think is going to be the scope that will be on top between this new collapsible Dob and the Lightbridge?
I understand that this is personal (need for optimizing space, preference for trussers,...), but still would be nice to speculate...
Judging from all the posts on a plethora of websites, I'd say whichever is cheaper.
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Don Pensack
12.5" Truss Dob, 5" Maksutov, Fujinon Binos
Sustaining Lifetime IDA member
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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Either way, the optics are going to be of similar quality (Synta vs. GSO is pretty much six of one, half dozen of the other). A 12 inch scope that collapses into one small, easy to transport piece sounds mighty appealing, possibly even more so than the lightbridge which you have to break down into multiple pieces. If it winds up being cheaper than the lightbridge, this sun of a gun will be HUGE.
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-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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I was getting more and more interested in the lightbridge but in cold weather, the collapsible might be easier to set up. Moreover, the RACI + a Telrad is much better than the LB's RDF, IMO.
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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Not just easier to set up, but its a truss tube that doesn't necessarily need to be collimated every time you set it up. That feature alone gives this thing a lot of appeal.
Good golly, I remember a time when Synta was just a source of cheap 4 inch achromats with poor QC. Now? They have their own excellent GOTO mounts, apochromats, 7 inch maksutovs, and now a totally new variation on the truss tube dobsonian. They sure have come a long way in the last ten years, eh?
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-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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Starkler
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 782
Loc: Australia, Melbourne
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Quote:
If it winds up being cheaper than the lightbridge, this sun of a gun will be HUGE.
$200 cheaper in Australia than the lightbridge for 12" models. Hopefully this will cause lightbridge prices to drop.
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Geoff
15" SDM truss dob | Vixen r130sf | GSO 10" dob
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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I find it interesting that this may represent the next battleground in the Celestron/Meade tech war. Considering Synta is the parent company of Celestron, and Sky-watcher USA is going to be a subsidiary of Celestron.
Interesting times. Interesting in the "yippee" sense of the word, not the "Chinese Curse" sense of the word.
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-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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With regards to collimation, I would think that you would still need to do fine adjustment to the secondary and the primary if you travel with the scope (like any other scope). This being said, my SW Dob came from China, across Canada, to the local dealer and in to my home and it was collimated right out of the box! (Ok, it’s an F/8, but still...). This wasn’t an isolated case, if you take a look at the CN reviews of the 6 and 8” SW Dobs you’ll see that the authors have reported the same thing.
I first considered (as a second scope) a 10” Dob, but the base would not fit into my car’s trunk. So I got interested in the 10 or 12 LB. But now with this,...the 12” is going to be great. The handles will make it easy to carry around and the OTA is not that heavy. But right now the 10” is getting into my head. If the 12” retracted is about 93 cm long, I would expect the 10” to be about 75 cm long. Now that’s a small and easy package to bring to dark skies or where ever you go!
Next, I want to see what Orion is going to do. If SW is sold in the US, I would think that Orion will need to bring something original to the market to stay in the race. Is adding the COL on the collapsible enough? IMO, this would help, but would probably not be enough considering the price difference. Interesting stuff...
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
Edited by InkDark (05/27/08 01:08 PM)
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jayscheuerle
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/16/06
Posts: 4063
Loc: S. Philadelphia, PA
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If there IS added competition, I hope they use it as an opportunity to distinguish themselves by improving the consistency and finish in their optics, the one part that isn't easily upgraded/modded/fixed by the buyer. Gimmicks like this are welcome, but the optics are the heart of the instrument.
Skywatcher and Orion both use Synta optics. Orion sells Celestron scopes. These may show up in the Orion catalogs.
The fear of getting a lemon figure and the general roughness of the primaries in these mass-produced scopes is the biggest thing holding me off from getting a GSO/Meade 16"er. I'd be really interested if Synta came out with something in that size as their optics seem to have a slightly better reputation. - j
--------------------
Fight indignorance!
The Green Goblin - 12" of dobsonian excellence!
The PortaBowl-a $100 4.5" f/8 ball-scope YOU can build!
Eero2-a 6" f/5 ball-scope you probably can't.
Edited by jayscheuerle (05/27/08 09:37 AM)
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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I passed by the local dealer today and saw the 8, the 10 and the 12 inch side by side. At first glance I didn’t get why the store displayed one 12 inch and two 8 inches. After a second look, there were in fact one 8 inch and one 10 inch. The 8 and the 10 are very similar (practically same length). The 10” is obviously fatter but not by much. The 12” is in a word, huge. Yes it is collapsible and about 20 inch shorter when collapsed, but it’s still one fat scope (of course!) IMO, the 12 LB will still be more portable than the SW, but in the smaller sizes (8 and 10 inch), the SWs look very portable. Hopefully we’ll start seeing some reviews coming in, especially now that they will be available in the US.
Until then, clear skies for all!
--------------------
Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Zamboni
sage
Reged: 01/03/05
Posts: 252
Loc: Arizona
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Considering the cooperative relationship between Celestron and Orion, not just in selling Celestron scopes through the Orion Catalog but also selling Sirius/Atlas/SVP versions of Celestron SCTs under the orion brand name, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they wind up selling Sky-Watcher branded scopes through the Orion catalog.
If that does wind up being the case, that alone gives these bad boys a serious leg up on the Lightbridge dobs. Orion's return policies and customer service are pretty much the best in the world, whereas Meade's is sometimes some of the worst.
--------------------
-Tristan Schwartz-
My Equipment:
6 inch Orion DSE dob
4 inch Galileo Newtonian
Schwartz Observatory Homepage
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kiwi_canuck
member
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 50
Loc: Port Coquitlam, BC, CANADA
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By next weekend, I'll be the proud owner of a brand spanking new SkyWatcher 10" Collapsible purchased locally from Vancouver Telescope. If the weather ever clears out here on the Wet Coast, I'll let you know how it performs.
From what I understand, the 10" will be soon be on back order, with a 90 day wait. If you're thinking of buying one, and your dealer has one in stock, get it now.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher 250mm f/5 Collapsible Dobsonian
Sky-Watcher 102mm f/5 Refractor
EQ3-2 mount
Red-dot finder
TV Plossls - 11mm, 15mm, 25mm
Fraser Valley Astronomers Society, Abbotsford, BC
http://fvas.net
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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As you can see from my previous posts in this thread, I'm very interested to know how the 10 inch will perform. I'll be waiting to read your first light. This scope will be, IMO, one of the most transportable good size mirror. Again IMO, you have chosen wisely.
BTW, passed in front of the local dealer yesterady and the 12 inch demo is no more. I guess those are going like hot cakes!
Clear skies to you on the other side of the country!
--------------------
Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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dvb
different Syndrome.
Reged: 06/18/05
Posts: 3007
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The collapsible 10" looks great. As InkDark says, the inconvenient part of transport is not the scope, but the base.
I have a folding Baltic Birch base for my 10" Antares, made by FirstBase. I'm going to see if I can adapt a 10" Skywatcher flextube to fit it -- Problem will be that the Skywatcher Tube is probably a bit thinner, and the altitude bearings may not be the same size.
I may order Antares bearings and see if I can attach them to the Skywatcher tube, with something to extend them out a bit so they nest in the cut-outs in the folding base. The whole rig should then tuck into the car quite nicely.
Anyone know the diameter of the 10" Skywatcher Flextube tube, and the diameter of the bearings?
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"But seeing through a telescope is 50% vision and 50% imagination." - Chet Raymo
Skywatcher 10" f/4.7 Newt on Matilda
Celestron CF 9.25"
Vixen CF 8" f/4 Newt
Meade 8" SN f/4
Celestron C6 SCT
Skywatcher ED100
Skywatcher ED80
EQ6 Pro "Matilda"
AT Voyager
Canon 15x50is
Mallincam HyperColor Plus
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jusher02
super member
Reged: 02/05/07
Posts: 133
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My 12" Skywatcher Flextube scope arrived today. Setup was quite easy though the manual in the box is for their normal Dob. I see the Skywatcher Website has the new manual available for download.
First impressions: a very nice looking scope, and the sliding truss moves smoothly, as does the rotating base. Movements generally seem quite smooth.
Today was nice and clear all day, and the night was crisp and clear when I took the scope out for a first light. Within about 15 minutes a parade of clouds drifted in from the south, attracted by the new scope. So I only had time for the briefest of looks, but that was enough to tell that (a) I'm going to enjoy the light gathering potential of this scope, (b) Movement in both axes is nice and smooth, and (c) I need to collimate the scope (!).
Once it's collimated and when I have another clear evening I'll post some more impressions.
Jonathan
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Hi Jonathan,
Congrats on the new scope.
Quote:
Once it's collimated and when I have another clear evening I'll post some more impressions.
Please do. 
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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JerryDeveau
journeyman
Reged: 04/17/08
Posts: 5
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
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Like Jonathan, my 12" Skywatcher collapsible dob arrived last week. I did have assembly instructions for their normal dobs as well as 8", 10", and 12" collapsible dobs included.
I had no problems assembling the base. Just lots of screws to install. All tools were included although the wrenches for the azimuth bolt were almost too big.
My collimation may be slightly off. I could find Saturn with my 26mm (yes, 26mm not 25mm) eyepiece but had problems with my 10mm. I tried aligning the finder scope with the main optics but I was surrounded by objects that were closer than the recommended 500m.
As for Saturn, I was able to see four moons. I'll try more testing when I get in an area with clear skies and far less light pollution. I'll also try to post a few pictures here as well.
Jerry
Saint-Antoine, New Brunswick
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binoculars: 12X25 Tasco, 10X50 Bushnell
Skywatcher 12" colapsible dob
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kiwi_canuck
member
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 50
Loc: Port Coquitlam, BC, CANADA
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Jonathan & Jerry, glad to hear you've got your 12" scopes set up already and had a chance to do a bit of gazin' Congratulations.
If you need some weather to fulfill the new equipment curse, let me know  
I can send you some of BC's clouds, rain and cold temps. (I really need this awful weather gone by the weekend, cos moon or no moon, I want to try out my 10")
~Phill
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Sky-Watcher 250mm f/5 Collapsible Dobsonian
Sky-Watcher 102mm f/5 Refractor
EQ3-2 mount
Red-dot finder
TV Plossls - 11mm, 15mm, 25mm
Fraser Valley Astronomers Society, Abbotsford, BC
http://fvas.net
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RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 2581
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
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Hi Jerry, welcome to CN! Do you have any collimating tools?
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-Roger Pitre-
1 X 7 binocular Astro-Tech Imaging Newtonian MPCC
Starblast guidescope Starshoot autoguider
EQ6 Pro, HEQ5, Canon 50D, 70-200 f/4L
"He's got shoulders on him like a smelt..."--Anonymous
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10723&id=509325956&l=79d06a1d10
http://ajpobservatory.isgreat.org/
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
I tried aligning the finder scope with the main optics but I was surrounded by objects that were closer than the recommended 500m.
Hi Jerry,
Saturn was further than 500m! You can use it to align the finder scope. If you've got LP, it should be easy to distinguish from other stars.
I got a question for you. What's the focuser like. When looking at the instructions available on the SW website I noticed that there is a 2" adapter AND a 1.25" adapter (as my solid tube SW with R&P has). Is that correct or does the Crayford like focuser is ready to receive a 2" EP without an adapter.
Hopefully you understand my question – it seems I’m a little word challenged this morning.
Welcome on CN and clear skies to you!
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Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Island Mike
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/20/04
Posts: 562
Loc: Prince Edward Skyland, Canada
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... Interesting side note, Celestron no longer has their dobs on their web site.
If / when they do brand and sell this scope, they should:
1. Rename it ;^>
2. Add the 10:1 Dual rate focuser
3. Make it the same price as the the new AT dobs.
4. And plu-ease! make it black!
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President, Charlottetown RASC
http://www.peiastronomy.com
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Antares 12 Dob
Nikon Action Extreme 10 x 50
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Tony~M
member
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 62
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Howdy all,
Hope you are all well.
Found this review of the new Flextube 12".
Link to review of 12" Flextube
Looks like another person likes the scope. Sounds like a real bargain with great optics and mechanics.
Later,
Tony
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coopman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/23/06
Posts: 1544
Loc: South Louisiana
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What dealers will be selling these in the US?
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Regards,
Clay
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1
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Tony~M
member
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 62
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Hello Coopman,
Hope you are well.
New Sky-Watcher USA site is up.
Sky-Watcher USA
Later,
Tony
Quote:
What dealers will be selling these in the US?
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JerryDeveau
journeyman
Reged: 04/17/08
Posts: 5
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
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Hi InkDark,
If I remember correctly, I did eventually try to align my finder scope by using Saturn that night. I didn't have a chair at the time and my back was starting to complain.
I did get out last Friday (Jul 4) with a few others from my RASC centre. I aligned the finder and my newly mounted Telrad with Jupiter. Worked like a charm. I had little difficulty pointing my scope to wherever I wanted.
As for the 1.25" vs 2" adaptors. I borrowed a very nice Meade 2" eyepiece from the guy next to me and we found out that you DID have to remove the 1.25" adaptor and insert a separate 2" adaptor.
-Jerry
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binoculars: 12X25 Tasco, 10X50 Bushnell
Skywatcher 12" colapsible dob
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JerryDeveau
journeyman
Reged: 04/17/08
Posts: 5
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
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Hey Roger,
Yes, I picked up a cheshire from LMDA as well as a Telrad.
My collimation isn't off by much so I didn't adjust anything last Friday night while we were all being eaten alive by blackflies and mosquitoes. The fireflies were pretty though... I have it pencilled in as something to do this week.
-Jerry
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binoculars: 12X25 Tasco, 10X50 Bushnell
Skywatcher 12" colapsible dob
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Starman1
Vendor - Scope City
Reged: 06/24/03
Posts: 12211
Loc: Los Angeles
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The ads show that the Skywatcher dobs will be an average of $100 more than the equivalent LightBridge, in case anyone wants to know.
DonP
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Don Pensack
12.5" Truss Dob, 5" Maksutov, Fujinon Binos
Sustaining Lifetime IDA member
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Quote:
The ads show that the Skywatcher dobs will be an average of $100 more than the equivalent LightBridge, in case anyone wants to know.
Woh, that's no good. 
--------------------
Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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bobby4
newbie
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 3
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I bit the bullet in July and bought the 12" version with my tax refund – it is my first scope, and after a bit of time learning to find my way around I love it. I go out in the country with my neighbours (they have a 6" and 8" skywatcher 'solid tube respectively) and after comparing on a few objects I am really glad I bought the 12" for its extra light gathering. Good performance, but still relatively easy to lug around.
It is certainly not a light scope (at least for my bad back), but separated into two pieces it is quite manageable. For the backyard I leave it together, for driving I separate it. The collapsed tube fits easily into the trunk of my Honda Odyssey (with room for luggage I might add), and the mount sits perfectly on one of the middle seats. As a complete newbie I can have the scope set-up and cooling in a couple of minutes (although I have started taking it to the garage first to start cooling early .
Shroud-wise, it should be quite easy to make a nylon wrap around for the open tube and a ‘shower cap’ cover for the top. Actually my mother-in-law is already making these for me
Regarding collimation, it holds it pretty well – not perfect (I think driving is tough on anything) but it holds it very well when collapsed and extended in the backyard.
I can’t really comment too much on the optics as a) I am too much the newbie and b) this summer has been the worst year for viewing where I live for many years (of course I caused this by buying the scope). If anyone has specific questions I will try to answer as best as I can.
One last thing – after a couple of years of relying on binoculars (which I still enjoy), looking at my first object in the telescope (Saturn) was unbelievable. Even with the humid, turbulent nights we have had this year the many things I can now see take my breath away! I feel like a giddy school child every night I go out with it!
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InkDark
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 10/29/07
Posts: 1837
Loc: Montreal, Canada
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Hi Bobby, welcome on CN,
Glad you like the scope. I have two questions if you don't mind.
1) Is the secondary cage long enough so that a Telrad can be fitted on it?
2) Do you feel that the collapsible mechanism will work perfectly for a very long time or some slope will start to develop in the long run?
--------------------
Jimmy
If you could stop time, for how long would you stop it?
"...since that time, I have not complained about the weather one single time. I’m glad there is weather." – Alan Bean, Apollo 12
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Dom
member
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 37
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hi bobby,happy 4 u too. I have a couple of questions also. is there a mirror cooling fan that comes with it? and how much does it way? ( in lbs.) thnx, Dom p.s if it dos'nt come with a fan how hard would it be to install? thnx,dom
Edited by Dom (09/07/08 09:48 PM)
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dfell
professor emeritus
Reged: 06/25/05
Posts: 576
Loc: Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada
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I got the 12" version about a week and a half ago and had it at the Saskatchewan Summer Star Party at the Cypress Hills Dark Sky preserve and this is one great scope, I teamed it up with an Ethos 13mm and spent two nights from dusk till dawn roaming the galaxy and beyond. It is compact enough that it fit into my Ford escape along with all my camping gear, an EQ6 mount and tripod, my TV102, PST, eyepieces and cameras. I have only one complaint as this scope gives beautiful images and holds collimation well and that is the focuser which is being replaced with an Antares model with 10:1 fine focusing this week and I am adding a Telrad.
http://www.spacealberta.com/equipment/dob12/dob12.htm
http://www.spacealberta.com/sssp08/myplace.jpg
Edited by dfell (09/07/08 11:08 PM)
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John rombi
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/14/05
Posts: 597
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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Here in OZ we're fortunate, The Skywatchers are approx $200 cheaper than the comparable Lightbridge.
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Meade Lightbridge 12" Deluxe (Modified)SiebertOptics
Unitron 4" Alt-Az
Unitron 2.4" Alt-Az
www.macastro.org.au "A New Eye On the Sky"
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