DabsonAstronomy.Com

Orion 203MM/8 Inch Newtonian

 

My new pride and joy:

 

Aperture:  203MM with parabolic mirror

 

Focal Length:  1000mm/F4.9

 

Finder Scope:  Orion 9 X 50 Finder

                           Red Dot Sight Finder

 

Mount/Tripod:  EQ5 with Wood Tripod

 

 

 

Auf Deutsch

Both the optical and red dot sights are mounted on the tube.  These relatively inexpensive add ons are essential to me.  They allow me to quickly sight the scope on my target.

Right Ascension and Declination motors are controlled from the handbox which is also attached to the battery pack (8 X D cells).

 

 

Right Ascension motor is encased in a plastic enclosure.  It is imperative the gears from the motor and clutch assemblies mesh properly and are not binding.  No lubrication is required on the gears.

 

 

EQ5 Mount

 

I picked up this mount used while attending a Star Party in England.  My plans were to use it for my 120mm refractor.  I found it to be a better match for the 8” Orion Newt.  I am unable to find definitive data on the load capacity.  It handles the newt with ease.  

 

- All metal head

- Setting circles

- Quick release dovetail plate

- Azimuth fine adjustment

- Accepts polar-alignment scope

- Accepts declination and right ascension  motors

 

The polar alignment scope mounts inside the mount itself.  Using the polar alignment scope will ensure tracking accuracy for visual observation.

Notice the reticle.  The small round circle is used to properly place the north alignment star polaris.  The declination portion of the mount can be turned to orient the reticle to the current position of the constellations show. 

Here you can see the stock 2” rack and pinion focuser.  The added Accufocus electric focuser unit from Orion makes focusing the image a snap.  I added this recently and it has helped remove the “shakes” when focusing for astrophotography.  It is easy to use and I recommend it to everyone.  I am sure the mounting hardware will fit a variety of different focusers. 

 

 

I added this after market wood tripod.  It is made by GTO.  It is a great improvement over the stock aluminum tripod.  It comes with spreader hardware which I replaced.  I can highly recommend this tripod.  Fit and Finish are excellent.