36 replies to this topic

[Greg K.]

Thought I'd share a picture of the 16" Astro-Tech dob from the Astronomics booth at NEAF, I don't think I've seen it posted here yet.

It's pretty sexy looking in black, IMO. The az hubs with the tension adjustment work very well. I especially like the ability to adjust the scope's balance.

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[Strgazr27]

Greg,

I'm not a dob guy usually but after Andy and I finished putting that monster together (Actually was VERY easy to do) I have to admit it is an impressive piece. The biggest thing I noticed was how incredibly stable and flex free it was. A really well done piece IMO.

CS's

[starspangled]

Greg,

The biggest thing I noticed was how incredibly stable and flex free it was

You had stars on the ceiling to view or something ?? ;-)

[jayscheuerle]

This floor model was selling for $1550 (I think!) and I almost bought it for the optics alone. My personal take is that the base is as ugly and klunky as can be. The altitude bearings make a good go at it with a novel solution, but these scopes really just need larger bearings! On top of that, the struts did appear to sag a bit when the scope was horizontal, but perhaps it was an illusion (didn't have a laser to check it with). Plus side is the optical finder (should be a RACI!) and the black rings/struts.

Around the corner in the Meade booth, the 16" now supported the same 18 point flotation cell that this one did (FINALLY!). When I asked the rep about it, he told me that they didn't notify the dealers, which is why my local guys knew nothing about it.

The Astro-Tech is priced at somewhere north of $2,200, whereas the Lightbridge is $1,850. - j

[BSeward]

That sure looks a lot like that new GSO scope.....
Note the truss poles.

[jayscheuerle]

It IS the GSO scope.

[Greg K.]

Bill, I don't think it's any secret that it is made by GSO, just as the Lightbridges are.

Interestingly the struts are the same extruded aluminum tubing used on the Voyager mount tripod legs.

[csa/montana]

I'll be able to let all of you know a lot more about this new 16"; I have one coming as we speak! This will reside in my Roll Off Roof Observatory.

Carol

[yonkrz]

Were does one pick these up at,i checked astronomics,but didnt see them??

[Deep13]

...the struts did appear to sag a bit when the scope was horizontal,...

The lack of diagonal struts suggests it would be prone to that unless the mirror box, struts and UTA are very rigid.

[csa/montana]

I'm not sure if they have them in stock now, or not.

Carol

[proud uncle]

I'll be able to let all of you know a lot more about this new 16"; I have one coming as we speak! This will reside in my Roll Off Roof Observatory.

Carol

Carol, I thought you had a custom -built Dob for your observatory? Do you only have the one observatory?

[DeepSpaceTour]

Yeah.. ...I thought you had a custom made Swayze mirrored 16" truss dob coming,to go into your observatory?????

Clear skies.

[csa/montana]

Yes I did; it was started 13 months ago, but I'm not getting it now.

Carol

[lerock]

I'm sorry Carol, but I think you will be delighted with your new 16....

[csa/montana]

Mike, thanks! I'm really excited again!

Carol

[Carl M]

Zhenya and I can't wait either! It will be really cool!!!

[csa/montana]

Thanks Carl & Zhenya!

Carol

[rob cos.]

What's the estimated time when Astronomics will start offering these up for sale?

[csa/montana]

Rob, I'm not sure; you might want to contact them.

Carol

[Tinker]

Auroraastro.com has it listed, says they have one "in stock"

[JimMo]

Carol,

Glad to hear you're finally getting more aperture to go with those dark skies. Sorry your other truss fell through, but one can only wait so long.......

[csa/montana]

Jim, thank you, much appreciated!

Carol

[backwoody]

13 months waiting for your first light report is simply toooooo long, Carol. Congrats on the new direction, and hoping for a quick shipment!

[Hambone]

Auroraastro.com has it listed, says they have one "in stock"

They have one in stock but it is $2,395.00. Great Red Spot Astronomy Products have it advertised "coming soon" for under $2000. It will be interesting to see what price they settle down to. If I rember right Meade Lightbridge 16" started out at $2000 and came down to $1850. Has anyone heard anything about a light shroud for the Astro-Tech?