Re: ATM 6" Dob: How Easy? How Cheap? How Heavy?

[malsing@borg.ae.usr.com]

Brent,

Since this sounds like a "cold start" telescope project
you may also want to consider the cost for accessories.
Some of these accessories are mandatory for a pleasant
viewing experience and others can wait till you have a
little more experience and cash.

Here they are....

Mandatory..
Telescope (Obviously!) ;-)
Eyepeices (2 or 3 ranging from low power to medium power. $50-$75 each)
Finder Scope (maybe $50 - $100 - or Telrad pointer)
Maps (you don't need to drop $250 on "hardcovers" to start)

Get later..
Collimating eyepeice (Cheshire/Sight tube - $50)
Lunar filter ($25 - $50)
Color filters/LPR filters/Solar filters -> (NO SUN TILL YOU HAVE ONE!)
Illuminated reticle eyepeices
Any other fancy stuff/gizmo needed to dazzle your freinds

Concentrate on the OTA and build it the best that you can.
Don't skimp on primary and secondary mirror quality! The
rest of the telescope is really just a support system for
the critical glass. Try to keep tolerences tight when drilling,
cutting, etc. (measure twice, cut once). Use good materials
and tools.

Dobsonian mounts are not real technological wonders by themselves
but you should at least attempt to make it as accurate and strong
as possible. This will pay off in the future when you finally decide
to do some more advanced observing with it. The key to a Dob is
smooth action in both altitude and azimuth movement. They should
both take equal force to move in both directions without binding.

Pick up the Aug. 98 issue of Sky & Telescope. There is a terrific
article on "tuning up" Dobsonian mounted scopes.

I was going down the same path as you earlier this year. I had
my share of problems and dissapointments getting back into this
hobby after 20 years. My best recommendation is to be stoic and
hang in there when the problems arise (and they will). Use this
list to draw on the wealth of experience that it offers.

Good Luck! God Speed!

Thanks - Clear Skies!
Mark Alsing
Network Systems Engineering
3Com/US Robotics, Inc.