Dobsonian Telesecopes

Dobsonian Goto Encoders

Can I Use a Goto Telescope As a Manual?

I started my journey with a manual telescope and I think all beginners can enjoy observing with a manual telescope. Most goto telescopes can not be used as a manual scope, and can only be slewed with the hand controller. Dual encoders or closed loop, more common on Dobsonian mounts, allow the use of manual…
Telescope Acclimating

What Is A Cooling Fan: Do I need one?

The first thing you should do when setting up your telescope is to turn on the cooling fans.  A cooling fan helps your telescope acclimate, or come to the same temperature as the air. They move the air around the mirror to help it cool quickly. These fans should be mounted behind your mirrors, directing…
Truss Tube Dob

What Is Active Dew Control? A Handy Guide

When you start looking into astronomy there are a lot of things to learn. I learned quickly that I would need something to prevent dew from forming on my mirrors and eyepieces.  Active dew control means using tools and devices to control the temperature of your telescope to discourage the formation of dew. Tools like…
High Quality Telescope Filter

Light Pollution Filter: Will a Light Pollution Filter Help In a Bortle 6?

Light pollution is a big hindrance to observing for people who live in cities. Light pollution filters may help in some situations.  Light pollution filters will help increase contrast and block out certain wavelengths of light. Expect to be able to see objects with greater clarity, more detail and contrast. Light pollution filters do not…
Foggy Mirror

Why Do I Need My Scope to Cool Down? (Acclimate to ambient temperature)

When you are first starting to observe, you may find that you are having trouble seeing in the night sky. One major cause of poor seeing is dew on your primary and secondary mirrors or eyepieces. When metal and glass are brought outside into a very different temperature, they are quickly covered in condensation from…
Dobsonian in a Truck

Can You Travel With a Dobsonian Telescope?

The call of dark skies is strong. We plan all our trips around the Bortle score. I bring my Dobsonian on all our trips. I travel with my dob multiple times a month.  Traveling with a Dobsonian telescope is simple, and possible even with a small car. Break down your scope as much as possible…