5 replies to this topic

[fromEarth]

Hi --

 

I have a 12" f/5 SkyWatcher Collapsible dob (and a 6" f/4 imaging reflector) and use my 12" dob for visual and EAA observation on my EQ platform.

 

Now I am thinking of this dob's ultra-light DobSTUFF conversion (w/ a mirror cell upgrade) for my EQ6R-pro (w/ 44 lbs weight capacity).

 

http://dobstuff.com/pictures2011.htm

 

Is this just a stupid idea because of its weight, stability, and cost? Is there anyone who tried this conversion before? Do you love or regret your decision?

 

Just curious.

 

 

[Astrojensen]

 

Is this just a stupid idea because of its weight, stability, and cost?

Yes. The combination of weight, bulk and lengthof the 12" will overpower the EQ-6. The combination will be wobbling like jelly. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[Jon Isaacs]

The Dobstuff would be reasonable on the EQ platform but a real problem on the EQ-6. Dob mirror cells are made for one orientation, on an EQ mount, the tube rotated.

 

Visually the OTA needs to rotate for eyepiece access. That's going to be difficult with a Dobstuff scope.

 

And as Thomas said, it's going to be a wobbly mess. The mount may be rated for 44 lbs but will be 5 feet long and more than 14 inches in diameter. That puts additional load on the mount.

 

Jon

[bigbangbaby]

I concur with Thomas and Jon. An EQ6R cannot handle the load.  

[triplemon]

Is this just a stupid idea because of its weight, stability, and cost? 

 

Yes. By a wide margin.

In addition to what was stated before - the ultralight is not made to be mounted at a single point, on a GEM. It has no suitable attachment point or overall stability to be mounted on a single point, asymetrically to its axis etc etc.

The EQ6 is not anywhere near stable enough for this size of a scope. Mine is fine with the 8"/f4 reflector, but was near its limit with a 10"/f4 I had for a short while. In particular with scopes much longer than that - just windload or a slight pull on the eyepiece make it oscillate for quite a while. I would even be concrned about shearing its gears - they are not much larger in diameter than and good ol EQ-5 after all.

Edited by triplemon, 08 November 2024 - 12:16 PM.

[fromEarth]

Thank you for your input. I knew it!