54 replies to this topic

[Jon Isaacs]

I have no problems with manual tracking, since I have been doing it for decades.  But, at our club’s public events, I wouldn’t think of not having tracking.  At higher powers, especially on the planets, IMHO, the average observer really would have issues, and I would be very busy constantly repositioning the scope.  Yes, it’s a trade off with lugging and setting up my tracking platforms, but once set up, it really makes viewing so much nicer.

 

Stan

 

I haven't done any outreach since COVID.  For the outreach I did do, the lines were always long that there was only enough time for no more than 2 minutes per person.  A single drift across the field of a Nagler or Ethos was all there was time for. That provided a natural timer.

 

Jon

[Alex Swartzinski]

I've had two test nights with my new-to-me EQ platform.

 

I think it's a winner for me. Even with a rough polar alignment, it keeps Saturn in the 330x 0.23 degree fov for several minutes. I'm still learning how to optimize my setup, but the platform is ridiculously easy to use. You simply point it the right way, turn it on, and forget about it for an hour. Tom has been fantastic by providing me with an owners manual and some general advise. He doesn't have to do this for someone who bought a 15+ year old product, but he does. 

 

It was almost unnerving at first to not push the telescope as I'm observing an object. I didn't know what to do with my arm! I have quickly gotten comfortable though. You simply forget about maintaining the fov, and you can really focus on the fine details. Changing eyepieces or filters is a breeze when you know the fov isn't going anywhere. 

 

I was worried about the extra eyepiece height, but it's actually made the 15" easier to use in some regards. I was already on a stool near the zenith, but my legs were bent slightly. On the platform, the entire sky is done standing, and I never have to bend. The eyepiece height isn't that much taller either. 

 

I think the platform will be used most nights with the 15". I can't wait for a proper DSO hunt in the coming weeks. Under a bright moon and milky skies, the Saturn Nebula was incredible with the platform. I can't wait to put a bright galaxy in the fov and really study it, free from the distractions of pushing. On a short night with the 8", I can probably skip the platform. 

 

This platform seems like a real game changer, and I say this as someone who doesn't mind manual tracking.

 

Edited by Alex Swartzinski, 03 October 2023 - 01:33 PM.

[N3p]

Alex Swartzinski this is very cool. I can see how better it is with the platform. what a beautiful setup you have there. 

[Alex Swartzinski]

Alex Swartzinski this is very cool. I can see how better it is with the platform. what a beautiful setup you have there. 

Thank you! I'm very fortunite to have this setup, and I try to get it out often.

 

My posts shared the experience of gaining tracking, but this setup isn't going on an airliner.

 

For the OP,

 

platforms are smaller in person than I thought, but it would be tough to fly one unless you designed a custom scope/platform base. 

 

Flying with a 10-12" scope is already going to be a little bit of a challenge, and tracking will make it more difficult to achieve. 

 

It all depends on where you intend to use a scope most often.

 

If most of your  dark sky trips don't involve planes, I would compromise on the portability to have a more stable scope, and possibly tracking. 

 

If the scope is going to be traveled by plane often, I would probably skip any tracking/electronics for space/weight savings.

 

A third option: If you know someone at your travel destination, perhaps you could store a platform or entire scope there! 

[SpitzA3P]

From the originator :

 

Wow, thanks to everyone for their thoughtful and thought provoking responses!  Clearly, there is no right way to observe, and all the input from you guys has made the options clearer.