#1
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Stupid Question
Hi,
I would like to get a telescope with a 150mm (6") aperture, but I have a question about mounts. What type of mount takes up less space when the telescope is being stored? A fork mount or the one with the weights on a metal rod? I know it's a stupid question, but I'm very limited on space where I can store a telescope. |
#2
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Stupid Question
"Paul Maskell" wrote in message ... Hi, I would like to get a telescope with a 150mm (6") aperture, but I have a question about mounts. What type of mount takes up less space when the telescope is being stored? A fork mount or the one with the weights on a metal rod? I know it's a stupid question, but I'm very limited on space where I can store a telescope. As others have said, you are really asking the wrong question, especially since the mount may/will be influenced by the choice of scope. However in general, a GEM (this is the one with weights), takes up fractionally more space, but the _components_ are smaller, so it may be possible to pack it into a less convenient location. The fork mount, remains as a 'one piece' assembly, making it larger than any of the GEM components, but the total volume is smaller. That having been said, other factors 'leap into play'. Generally, in 6", you will be limited to a Newtonian design, or a refractor. At present none of the 'mass production' companies, makes an SCT in this size, that I can think of. A Newtonian will generally be longer than an equivalent aperture SCT (the refractor will be massive, and relatively expensive), and 99% will only come on a GEM. In terms of a really compact package, you might want to look at something like the Nexstar 5i. In terms of a really small package for the scope size (5" aperture), it is about as small as it is possible to make, while still being a very useable instrument. Many owners of much larger scopes, keep something like this as their 'portable' scope. If 'money is no object', many would say that the little Questar 3.5, is the ultimate 'compact' scope. Also remember that the tripod, will be the largest single component, and if it is a reasonably solid design, can be very bulky indeed (90% of the 'standard' tripods, approach being inadequate...). Best Wishes |
#3
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Dobsonian.
-- "In this universe the night was falling,the shadows were lengthening towards an east that would not know another dawn. But elsewhere the stars were still young and the light of morning lingered: and along the path he once had followed, man would one day go again." Arthur C. Clarke, The City & The Stars SIAR www.starlords.org Freelance Writers Shop http://www.freelancewrittersshop.netfirms.com Telescope Buyers FAQ http://home.inreach.com/starlord Ad World http://adworld.netfirms.com "Paul Maskell" wrote in message ... Hi, I would like to get a telescope with a 150mm (6") aperture, but I have a question about mounts. What type of mount takes up less space when the telescope is being stored? A fork mount or the one with the weights on a metal rod? I know it's a stupid question, but I'm very limited on space where I can store a telescope. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.535 / Virus Database: 330 - Release Date: 11/1/03 |
#4
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That having been said, other factors 'leap into play'. Generally, in 6", you
will be limited to a Newtonian design, or a refractor. At present none of the 'mass production' companies, makes an SCT in this size, that I can think of. There's always a maksutov, very compact design and available in the six inch / 150mm size. - Mike |
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