Equipment wanted!

The Ms. and I are going to Colorado (Denver / Vail area, but willing to travel) for our fifth anniversary in early November; during a portion of this time, we'd like to observe (it's a kind of clear out there that you just don't get here in the swamp). I've been racking my poor little noodle (no jokes, please) thinking of the best way to do so; here're are the 85 octane options so far.

1. Ship our 16" dob out and back (we live in Florida). Total cost ~$350 + how ever much damage is caused by UPS.

2. Buy a used scope out there, and then ship it back. Total budget ~$1,200 but that's a bit extravagant.

3. Find some wack-job with a decent scope in a dark sky area that is willing to view with us / lend in sub-freezing weather that isn't going to kill and devour us. (If you happen to be this person - no offence, I just like my spleen.)

4. Rent a scope. Where; I don't know, you tell me!

5. The ever popular "other".

Anyone else had this problem? How did you solve it? (Attached picture to drive hits. Suckers...he heh heh.)

Attached Image:

Hi Dannon,
I would vote for #3.

John

It appears you are flying....

My suggestion would be to buy a reasonable travel scope, something that you can carry on the plane with you. I fast 4 inch refractor would fit the bill and make a nice scope for terrestial viewing as well. There are also airline portable 8 inch DOBs.

Jon

How about this, which is a version of #2 that isn't so extravagant:
1) Buy a nice scope on AstroMart from someone you trust.
2) Have it shipped straight to where you'll be staying in Colorado.
3) Use it, then ship it home.
4) re-sell it on Astromart; you should get almost all of your money back.

Tim Iafolla

Dannon,

How about checking to see if there are any astronomy clubs in the Denver area that have loaner scopes available? Our club, for instance, has a number of dobs up to 10" that we allow members to check out. Even if you had to join the club, that might be your cheapest option. Our annual dues are only $24. Unfortunately for you, we're still about 700 miles from Denver.

Jeff

I suggest you contact the principal amateur astronomers' club in Denver and find out if they have a scope loaner program. Such programs are usually for club members, but they might be willing to extend it as a courtesy to an amateur astronomer who is a member in good standing at some other club. Borrowing a scope from a club would usually require making a deposit, but you'd get the money back when you return the scope in decent shape. Incidentally, I doubt that a club would have a 16-inch Dob to lend, but 6-inch or 8-inch reflectors may be available.

You may want to contact S&S Optika. They deal in both used and new scopes and are involved with the local observation clubs.

You may also want to call TEC (in Boulder CO) or JMI (in Denver). They may have leads for you as well.

I live in Denver and I'll meet you somewhere dark whoooohahahahaha. Give me notice so that I can clear some room in my basement cooler though.

Why don't you just rent a minivan and drive?

Did you try scopes4rent.com. They have a 10 in dob for rent for under $300 per week.
Doug Grebe