A while back, I found out that this aquaintance of mine had a home-made telescope tube to sell. Although it cost more and took more time to make than anticipated, I finally got it last week. It was just the tube, so I had to make the mount.
I spent a few days gathering materials finally spent the whole of yesterday putting the thing together. The mount is called a Dobsonian mount and I got the design off the web (here). It was quite an adventure because I've never bought wood or hardware or nailed or drilled or sawed before, but here's the finished product!
Admire the handiwork!
Last night was my first night out with this baby and it was a blast! I'm sure these symbols don't mean anything to you, but these were the objects I ticked off last night in 2 hours: M6 (butterfly cluster), M7 (Ptolemy's cluster), NGC6231(Scorpius jewel box), M4, M22, M8(Lagoon nebula), M21 ,M25, M24, M18, M17(Omega or Swan nebula), M16(Eagle nebula cluster), Coathanger, M11(Wild duck cluster - the highlight of the night!).
What are the differences between this scope and my other one? First, it has a six inch aperture (150mm), while my smaller scope is 90mm. That means it gathers more than double the light, so you can see more, and definition is better. However, it also is much bulkier and heavier. The telescope design is called a Newtonian (it doesn't have a lens but only mirrors) and the dobsonian mount is just a frame that turns, so you just use your hand to push it up, down, left or right - very easy to use.
How much did I spend? Well, I bought the tube and a laser collimator for $320, so with the extra materials I bought (wood, drill bit, etc.), I say I spent close to $400. I'm totally broke now. But, considering that a similar scope sells for $1000+ (honest!), I'm satisfied.
How about a name for this baby?? Suggestions please!...click on 'permanent link' to read more...
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