The following post was made to the sci.astro.amateur newsgroup in response to one of the religous wars that perpetually flairs - Dob v.s. EQ mounts. One of the primary arguments used by pro-Dob fans is that they are easier to learn and use by beginners. Unfortunately, this advice is usually given by non-beginners! One thing I will add to the mix. Another pro-Dob argument is that they are quicker to set up. This is true if you are travelling away from home to do your observing. I do most of my observing from my back yard, and there can be no quicker setup. I lift the scope, walk out the door, and set it down. Done. No complicated polar alignment (I just set it down with the polar axis pointing roughly North). No monkeying with setting circles. If I'm going to drive to a viewing spot, then I do have to remove three bolts at home (4 minutes), and put them back in on-location (4 more minutes). However, these 8 minutes are nothing compared with the bother of driving. NOTE: for young children, a Dob might be easier to carry than an EQ. If choosing a Dob makes the difference for the child being able to set up without help, then all other arguments pale. Go with the setup that the kid can handle himself!!! Anyway, here's the best post I've seen on the subject: ____________________________________________________________________________ From kwichman@draper.com Mon Feb 23 08:25:55 CST 1998 Article: 147336 of sci.astro.amateur From: Keith Wichman Subject: Re: Dob vs EQ.. ENOUGH with the dobs!... newbie speaks out! I'm an "authority" in this newsgroup finally! I'm a newbie... I bought a used scope with BOTH types of mounts. Since this thread deals (in part) with the effects of mounts on the early experiences of newcomers to the hobbie, I guess I'm actually an "expert" for once. Read on for my tale and experience... I recently bought a Criterion RV-6 with EQ mount and clock drive. I truly don't know if this counts as a "good" EQ mount but I doubt it's a bad one. In the deal came a *very* crude but fair performing homemade dob mount. I got the stuff home, and the first thing I went for was the dob because I had only a little time. It was surprisingly easy to find stuff for the first time with the Telrad/dob combo. I looked forward to having more time and setting up the EQ. I'm now comfortable using both and *both* serve a very important role for me as a newbie. DOB MOUNT: 1) My kids can reach the eyepiece while standing on the ground, for crying out loud!!! This is one of the biggest features for *my* needs. We homeschool our kids and the scope is as much for them as myself. On the EQ they're dangling in space on a stool which makes it hard for them and frightening for me. 2) We have 4 kids => little free time. My wife gets nervous when I throw open the basement bulkhead doors and THE MOUNT rises out into the night. However, I can plop the dob mount outside and when I get a chance, pop out and view... it's much less of a production. 3) I value it so much, I'm redesigning and building a new one on cloudy days. I've been an avid woodworker and an Aerospace engineer for many years so this now becomes a hobby^2. 4) Very little "inertia" to throwing this in the car to transport it to friends' house or remote sites. EQ MOUNT: 1) I definitely prefer this for high power viewing... one axis vs. 2 to control or none with the clock drive. 2) If I really want to study or sketch, it has the benefit (for me) of keeping the object locked in one degree of freedom. I can run inside and change a diaper, or do the dishes, then blast back out and sweep back to my target. Or, better yet, just leave the drive running. Very helpful! 3) I imagine the setting circles may come in handy, but so far the Telrad and good charts have made it slick to make a big dent in the Messier catalogue. SUMMARY: As a newbie, BOTH are valuable and serve a vital purpose. I'm thankful I have both. I know I view more often *because* I have the dob mount. The EQ is my choice for extended viewing sessions. If I could only keep one... it'd have to be the dob (the new one I'm building, that is). This is mainly due to convenience, transportability, use with and by my children, etc. I'm glad I don't have to pick only one though. I'd recommend, if possible, going my route. Buy a good (assuming mine is good) EQ mount and for peanuts build a high quality dob mount. My children could build one with only a little help. Then, each night just pick your poison based on it's circumstances. Peace, Keith.