Expert: Paul Wagner - 3/18/2008

Question
I have a 14.5" Antares dob that I'd like to get onto a tracking platform. I have a chance to get an Osyproski for $325, but it fits a 12" Starmaster. Also, it's at 26 N and I'm at 30 N. 3 questions: 1) Will the base fit mine? 2)Is it hard to shim these platforms? 3) Should I just get a TL Systems kit for about the same money? I'm new to all these ideas, but I must get a tracker or go insane. Thanks & clear skies.

Answer
Hi Tom

I don't want to dodge these questions, but I would suggest that you drop Tom Osypowksi a note--he knows more than anyone about these things. By the way, I have a 17.5" truss-tube dobson, and there is nothing better than one of these big scopes and a dark sky.

1.  The base of the platform built for a 12" scope will probably fit yours...but your base may hang over the edges bit.  I don't think the fit is an issue, but the additional weight of your scope might limit things a bit--you might find it will track less accurately, or for less time than the full range of motion.  That's a question for Tom.

2.  Shimming one of these mounts for only four degrees shouldn't be too hard, either--you need to be able to adjust them a bit anyway, in case the ground is uneven.  But shimming it up to your latitude might also impact the tracking just a bit...especially considering point #1 above. So again, while I don't think it's a huge issue, I would confirm that with Tom.

3.  The TL system kit should work fine...but it isn't the same quality that Tom gets in his platforms.  Then again, I don't know how picky you are about those things. Tom's are like pieces of furniture.

DO bear in mind that with EITHER of these platforms, the alignment of the platform before the observing session is really important.  And if you expect to try to do ANY photography, you almost certainly need a permanent installation.  But if you a just tired of moving scope every few seconds, and want something that will reduce that problem, these are perfect.

Paul Wagner