Skywatcher 12” truss Dob

[GriffinBF]

It’s time for another dob.

Does anyone with a Skywatcher truss have advice as to what upgrades are necessary/suggested for the discerning owner? Primary spring replacement, counterweights, etc.? Are the bearings decent, smooth movement? That scope ships with a magnified finder, but I’ll likely stick on an RDF.

I’m fairly limited in availability without shipping from across the border. I like to hunt, so goto or setting circles aren’t a priority. I don’t need the truss either, really. A solid tube would be fine, but again.. availability.

Orion is also an option, something like an xt12i would be great also, I don’t care about the ‘i’ part.. but whichever scope has better mechanics is the priority.

Thanks!

[The Happy Parrot]

I like your question Martin though I am eminently unqualified to answer it as I only have an 8-inch Zhummel.

However, to get the conversation going and looking at the SkyWatcher website, there is much to like with the 300mm/12-inch truss version in terms of compact size for storage and transport, and the fact they come with dust covers. I keep mine on a flyer cart in the garage with a cover and I simply roll it out to the backyard in less than 30 seconds. The cart has two key benefits: added height for comfortable viewing and quick repositioning to view the objects between the trees on my neighbor's homes.

Anything that adds mobility, viewing comfort and easy clean storage would top my improvement list.

[Ozman]

I've never used a truss Dob, I understand they need more frequent collimation (not a big deal), but I REALLY like my AD12. The motion is SMOOTH and the accessories are top notch.

[Benjamin]

I have the 12” Skywatcher collapsible Dob if that’s the same thing? If so the collapsible part of it is great. Barely needs collimating on each setup, although the odd tweak helps. It is weighty but manageable and I can get it all in a smallish car. My base doesn’t collapse down, so that’s perhaps one thing I’d change if I could. Have used a magnetized tool bar as a counter weight on the mirror end to which can be added more weight if necessary. I use a shroud to keep dust out and have a few heater for the secondary. The mirror cell on mine was not the greatest - The bolts holding the mirror clips in place had bent making removal of the mirror difficult. I found a replacement and replaced the springs. It’s still a mid range quality scope in my mind but there is a lot of fun in tweaking it and finding solutions :-)

[The Happy Parrot]

My base doesn’t collapse down, so that’s perhaps one thing I’d change if I could.

Benjamin, your comment you reminded of my stock Zhummel dob base, which is made of heavy pressed wood. Besides being too low, it is surprisingly heavy. Like Ikea furniture without the Ikea look. Someday I'd like to make a new natural wood base for easier transfer and improved looks.

Certainly a nice to have, not a need to have.

[helicon]

I'm thinking of replacing the base of my Z10 with plywood rather than the pressed particle board, would be slightly more durable, I'm thinking of matching the black paint but then varnishing it to keep out moisture. It has a couple of nicks in it presently as a result of it being 6 1/2 years old, but the optics are still going strong.

[Richard]

Particle board or chip board can be sealed and then just as durable as Plywood (shutterboard here in RSA) using solid hard wood is the best for durability but its not man made so tends to warp just a bit which for a Dobs base is no good ,Plywood also warps a bit as the layers age , I still believe that for the base particle board is the best . or perhaps some plastic?

[The Happy Parrot]

Good point on wood quality Richard. It would have to be from well dried/cured wood planks. Particle board is susceptible to expansion if it gets wet which hopefully would happen to a telescope. Maybe pressurized wood used on fence posts? In any case, it's more of a vanity than a proper improvement for me.

[Rainmaker]

Good quality (AA grade) hardwood marine plywood is really the only material to use to make a new base. Once built and sealed with a quality marine varnish it will outlast the user....

[Benjamin]

Good quality (AA grade) hardwood marine plywood is really the only material to use to make a new base. Once built and sealed with a quality marine varnish it will outlast the user....

Ah, if only I had some woodworking skills and a signature as vivid as yours Matt!

[GriffinBF]

Brilliant, thank you all!
I visited the site ‘Bob’s Knobs’.. a go to site when I had a Meade Lightbridge.
It seems that the skywatchers are relatively low maintenance. Based on what you guys say and what I have read. Thanks.

[davesellars]

I have the same and the only thing that is absolutely necessary on these is the shroud to keep out unwanton light and dust. I had issues before in my previous site with humidity dewing up the secondary but doesn't seem to be so much of an issue now. I upgraded my focuser to a Moonlite but that's a bit of a luxury

Oh yeah, for collimation if you upgrade the secondary to Bobs Knobs it's well worth doing at the same time the "milk bottle top" modification to create a washer as without it collimation of the secondary is a real pain...

[Jennifer Christine]

My club has 3 sw12 truss scopes which we hire out to members.
Hardy and reliable. Though the bases are cumbersome and heavy. Trolley wheels with brakes might improve matters if they're not being moved far. Or maybe plant pot trolleys?