New Obsession UCs

elton · Post by **elton** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:16 am

rcj, which uk-based manufacturers?

This scope can be made lighter if it was not bottom weighted. Can go with a thinner mirror unless mirror cell is not so precise and needs full thinkness mirror-- perhaps that is the limitaton of the UC design?

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Thu May 17, 2007 9:17 am

It will be easier to balance if it is bottom heavy from the start. You need to add a far lighter counter weight to the top as compared to adding a counterweight at the bottom that is a few times heavier than whatever accessories added on the UTA. Having an adjustable counterweight system on the UTA is better than one at the mirror box. I feel that weight is not much of a matter in big dobs since they are already heavy. Cutting the weight by 3 or 5kg is not much of a difference since one cannot carry them around like a small scope in the first place. The most important is the volume of the unassembled scope; that determines the portability. For the 15" though, it has to be light enough for airline portability.

Post by **rcj** » Thu May 17, 2007 9:25 am

hi elton,

remembering off-hand, Lazarotti Optics by Paolo Lazarotti is one of them...Italian.

Website: http://www.lazzarotti-optics.com/main.html

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Fri May 18, 2007 11:29 am

Hmm... the metallic structure looks intimidating! I have a feeling I will cut my fingers each time I set it up! Also I may step on the mirror *myself* in the night while observing - a little protection for the mirror would be nice.

Even though it is UC, I doubt the airline will allow it as carry-on luggage, and you have to check it in. My Samsonite luggage cracked during one of the flights due to rough handling by baggage handlers - I cannot imagine checking in the mirror!

I will wait for version 2.0 before buying.

Canopus Lim · Post by **Canopus Lim** » Fri May 18, 2007 1:39 pm

From what I read it is made of wood. Anyway, it is just a prototype and we would have to see what is the final version. I am happy with my classic Obsession. The UC sort of don't look like at the classic at all. Hmm.. Dave should make it look like a Mini Cooper (having some resemblance to that of a mini) while the classic is the mini. Size wise it is not mini.