You are here:
Astronomy/dobsonions
Advertisement
Question
I'm looking at a tracking platform ad on Astro-Mart, hoping it will hold my 14.5" Antares. The owner is at my lat., but his scope is a 12" LightBridge. But...the previous owner had a 13.1" Coulter. I have other questions, but the main one is this: Do I think the Coulter (I'm not sure, but I think Coulter only made tube dobs) is as heavy as my truss model? Mine is roughly 70 lbs. max. This will help my decision a great deal. What do you think? Your experience in owning scopes is gar greater than mine. Thanks.
Hi Tom,
I also used to have a 13.1 Coulter and it weighed in at about the
same, around 70-80 lb. counting everything, rocker box, tube, etc.
So I don't think you would go wrong on a Poncet platform for your
14.5 Antares (those are nice scopes by the way, we have a club
member who has one with exquisite optics, and I also use an Antares
6 inch for a finder scope on the 30 inch...has excellent optics!)
Plus, most of the time there is a built in, (or engineered into) "safety factor" on the weight restriction of most of those tracking platforms. So I don't think you'd have a problem....is there
no way to purchase it with a return guarantee if it's not suitable
for you? If you use a credit card purchase, say like American Express, then they back you up on a "bad" purchase and refund your
money, if you aren't satisfied and return it. That's the way I'd do it. But honestly, I've never owned a tracking platform.
Or, as a last resort, if it's not suitable, you could always resell
it on Astromart, but I know that's a pain.
Hope all this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your valuable input. I had forgotten that I can always sell the platform if it's not suitable. I do think it will be fine; am awaiting a reply from the owner. And thanks for the nice comments about Antares. I'm very happy with it, but a guy likes to know if he's made a good purchase. Clear skies. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.