48" Dob

You're generally better off without a cloth shroud. If the telescope is properly baffled then a shroud isn't necessary. They tend to soak up a lot of dew and drip onto the primary mirror carrying any dust and sticky pollen that was on the shroud. Shrouds also allow tube currents to form, upsetting the image. When not in use, a mirror cover will protect the reflective surface better than the shroud could if the scope is left permenently set up.

Phil.

Never thought of the shroud as a sponge really Phil, thanks for filling me in.

I couldn't find on that site what the weight of the mirror alone would be. Anyone hazard a guess?

Seanie.

www.cloudynights.com/documents/obs18.pdf

I couldn't find on that site what the weight of the mirror alone would be. Anyone hazard a guess?
Seanie.

I'd "guess" a little over 700 pounds.

Wow, 700 lbs.....wonder what that is in new money? (300kg?). I have heard of motorised Dobson mounts....but how difficult is it to move in both axis at the same time. how do you follow and object are they synchronised

I'd guess a little over 700 pounds also, considering thats what it says in the article.

A seconday mirror of 8" will put this into perspective for most people.