It is rather costly though... 1045 EUR for the 14" chassis without optics.
this has got to be the most clever dob design
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orly_andico
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this has got to be the most clever dob design
http://www.sumerianoptics.com/producten/alkaid/
It is rather costly though... 1045 EUR for the 14" chassis without optics.
It is rather costly though... 1045 EUR for the 14" chassis without optics.
![[smilie=confused.gif]](./images/smilies/confused.gif "confused")
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jimmyleong
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cloud_cover
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Airconvent
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![[smilie=crying2.gif]](./images/smilies/crying2.gif "crying2")
This is not a new idea, nor original. The minimalist travel dob design has been around for years.
While the minimalist structure may look neat and cool at first, I have to highlight that it is not quite suitable for our environment. Because it is more exposed than the 'classic' dob, light control and dew control are two issues. Rigidity and stability may also be issues to address. Primary and secondary mirrors are very vulnerable.
I had originally designed a minimalist dob, but after analysing the performance of a few minimalist dob in action after handling them, I decided to revise my design to the classic dob, as what you see now. Bringing it around in my car wouldn't make too much of a difference from the minimalist design (as long as it fits my car with room to spare) but the performance is better: better contrast, better dew control, holds collimation better, less flexure etc.
Do note that I am not saying this type of scope is not good; they are excellent premium scopes after all. But given a choice between a 15" f/4.5 Obsession 'Classic' and a 15" f/4.5 Obsession UC, I would prefer the Classic.
Just my two cents. YMMV
While the minimalist structure may look neat and cool at first, I have to highlight that it is not quite suitable for our environment. Because it is more exposed than the 'classic' dob, light control and dew control are two issues. Rigidity and stability may also be issues to address. Primary and secondary mirrors are very vulnerable.
I had originally designed a minimalist dob, but after analysing the performance of a few minimalist dob in action after handling them, I decided to revise my design to the classic dob, as what you see now. Bringing it around in my car wouldn't make too much of a difference from the minimalist design (as long as it fits my car with room to spare) but the performance is better: better contrast, better dew control, holds collimation better, less flexure etc.
Do note that I am not saying this type of scope is not good; they are excellent premium scopes after all. But given a choice between a 15" f/4.5 Obsession 'Classic' and a 15" f/4.5 Obsession UC, I would prefer the Classic.
Just my two cents. YMMV
rlow
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orly_andico
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Orly, yes you are right, it would be more compact and more airline-transportable. However that does not mean the classic truss-dob cannot be transported on the airplane; it can be done, though not as compact. Usually the weight difference between thede two types is not too significant. But unless you plan to travel overseas by air regularly with a dob, then that minimalist travel dob would then be a better choice.
rlow
