MY MIND IS MELTING!!! 13.1 Coulter -- Truss with tracking project

I hope this is the most difficult stage of my project b/c if not I am
likely to lose my hair in the process. All I need to figure out is
whether I want to purchase/build a Dob Driver or an EQ platform. I will
without a doubt build a truss dob mount for the mirrors but am not sure
whether I should start that now or wait until after the purchase of a
tracking device. If I get a platform now I will be able to enjoy
tracking during the process of building the truss dob. But I wonder if
a good EQ platform will be able to bear the load of an untouched 13.1"
Coulter (blue tube).
If I get the Dob Driver I will only install it on the Truss Dob so
would have to wait to track. I guess what I am getting at is that I am
just stressing on which step to take next. Are there any good sites
that show how to build a Dob Driver or something that performs the same
task. I know of plenty of EQ Platforms on ATM sites? I am looking for
the cheapest possilbe route. If anyone has any experience with this or
good sites to relate to me the help would be greatly appreciated. I
have to go cool down now, thanks for bearing with me.

Rory Deol
rdeol85 @ Hot mail.com

Rory Deol wrote:
I hope this is the most difficult stage of my project b/c if not I am
likely to lose my hair in the process. All I need to figure out is
whether I want to purchase/build a Dob Driver or an EQ platform. I will
without a doubt build a truss dob mount for the mirrors but am not sure
whether I should start that now or wait until after the purchase of a
tracking device. If I get a platform now I will be able to enjoy
tracking during the process of building the truss dob. But I wonder if
a good EQ platform will be able to bear the load of an untouched 13.1"
Coulter (blue tube).

My advice is to set your site on where you want to end up, and don't let
the "now" eat your budget or dictate decisions you will regret later.

First time I saw a C14 on a G11 I wanted one. It's been years since then
and the closest I've come to that, is the C11 on a G11 that I recently
put together. It's nice, but it's still not my "dream" scope.

Had I simply gone for what I wanted in the first place, I'd have it by
now, and I wouldn't have burned through all that other equipment and
expense along the way. I know that's true because I really like the
C11/G11 combo for visual use. The only thing that would make it better,
is another three inches of aperture. :-)

That's my nickel...
-Stephen

Rory Deol wrote in part:


If I get a platform now I will be able to enjoy tracking during the process of
building the truss dob. But I wonder if a good EQ platform will be able to bear
the load of an untouched 13.1" Coulter (blue tube).


I wouldn't put a Blue Coulter on an Eq Platform. The Primary is sling
mounted and as the Platform rotates the Primary Mirror will wander from side
to side - Not good for Optimum Optical alignment ;-).

Crazy Ed