Posts Made By: Eric Nelson

I am comparing two telescopes for purchase: Mewlon 250 or RCX 400 12". I primarily want to do visual observing of deep sky objects. I have only been observing for 3 years with binoculars 25/60x100 oberwerks, and would like to have more aperature to see faint deep shy objects.
My key questions are:

1. Which scope will provide sharpest images of deep space
2. Is there signifant visual difference between 10" and 12" aperature for deep object viewing
3. Speed of cool down
4. Ease of use lke set-up collumination, maintainence etc.
5. Lastly go-to of Meade vs. what mount will provide a similar go-to for the Mewlon, perhaps the Celestron CGE Computerized Mount

I am looking to purchase a goto or push to Dob hopefully with an integrated star database and not in need of a computer , however if this is a severe limitation I would consider adding a laptop for goto. I am looking for the following specifications:
1. Price range between 4 to 6K
2. F range between 4.5 and 6
3. Very high quality optics
4. Aperature between 12 to 18 inch
5. A no one component to exceed 60 lbs.
6. LAST i would consider a kit since i have good skill in machine tool and carpentry

I have been comparing GOTO Dobs and seriously looking at a new Tscope F4.5 15", with Obsidian Primary at 1/20 wave for about $7100 including ServoCat Jr., Argo Navis, and CR3 moonlite focuser. Now I noticed an Obsession 18", built in 1996 serial # 196 with all the GOTO bells and whistles (GOTO and electronics are 2 years old) listed on Astromart for 6K http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=413427. Given the age of the scope can I expect to have to recoat the optics soon, if so how much would that cost. Also is 6K a little high given the age of the scope. As far as I can figure cost new for this scope would be around $9,100.

I have been comparing GOTO Dobs and seriously looking at a new Tscope F4.5 15", with Obsidian Primary at 1/20 wave for about $7100 including ServoCat Jr., Argo Navis, and CR3 moonlite focuser. Now I noticed an Obsession 18", built in 1996 serial # 196 with all the GOTO bells and whistles (GOTO and electronics are 2 years old) listed on Astromart for 6K http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=413427.
That would cost about 9,200 new. However given the it is 10 Years old do I risk a lot of maintainence on the obsession (other than mirror coating which I would plan to do). Gaining 3" in aperture for 1K less seems like a good choice but again is age a critical fator with an obssession dob.