After quite a lively round (Joe's home-made 10" Dob) covering some basics, first let me thank all the fellow star gazers for their advice. I mostly remember how important the tilt of the primary is and how important it is to learn what you're looking at while collimating.
As far as collimating the Dob, I think I followed all your advice and at least the basic instructions available on the websites recommended. But maybe I missed something -- and there was a lot to miss!!!
I have one HUGE question nagging me. Last night I was out viewing, after a lengthy collimation session in the early afternoon. I was expecting to see some kind of obstruction in my view of the sky (because of the shadow from the secondary mirror on the primary).
With no eyepiece in the focuser, I can see the obstruction clear as day. With an EP inserted, I see no obstruction at all, regardless of what I'm looking at.
As far as collimation, the various circles all line up. I think I did that part ok.
Last night, I spent a lot of time looking at the moon. I even used an old barlow and it worked really well. I used all 3 eyepieces I have (none of very good quality but functional) and those include: EPs = 4mm, 8mm and 12mm.
Can anyone give me advice. I must have done something wrong.
Please remember that I constructed this scope myself, working purely off of pictures and website info. I have never seen a real Dob, must less actually used one.
Cheers,
Joe
As far as collimating the Dob, I think I followed all your advice and at least the basic instructions available on the websites recommended. But maybe I missed something -- and there was a lot to miss!!!
I have one HUGE question nagging me. Last night I was out viewing, after a lengthy collimation session in the early afternoon. I was expecting to see some kind of obstruction in my view of the sky (because of the shadow from the secondary mirror on the primary).
With no eyepiece in the focuser, I can see the obstruction clear as day. With an EP inserted, I see no obstruction at all, regardless of what I'm looking at.
As far as collimation, the various circles all line up. I think I did that part ok.
Last night, I spent a lot of time looking at the moon. I even used an old barlow and it worked really well. I used all 3 eyepieces I have (none of very good quality but functional) and those include: EPs = 4mm, 8mm and 12mm.
Can anyone give me advice. I must have done something wrong.
Please remember that I constructed this scope myself, working purely off of pictures and website info. I have never seen a real Dob, must less actually used one.
Cheers,
Joe
In lumine tuo videbimus lumen.
8O Home-made 10” Dob / Home-made 4” refractor
EPs: Konig 32mm (1.25") / Zhumell WF 30mm (2") / Nagler 13mm T1 / Orion Sirius Plossls 25 & 10mm / Zhumell Plossl 9 mm / Meade MA 9mm