rrm@inuxe.UUCP (Ron Meyer) (07/26/84)
I recently had the opportunity to use an odyssey 10" and I was not impressed at all. First of all, I built my own 8" f/6 dobsonian for around $200 (I splurged on the eyepiece holder and finder scope) and I consider it far superior from a mechnical viewpoint. The movement of the scope in both azimuth and elevation was very rough and rocky. In contrast, my scope moves as smooth as silk. Which I might add was a pleasant surprise after I completed it. Also, another point I don't like about the odyssey is the so called "removable mirror" that was on the model I saw. The cell is designed so that the mirror can be lifted out of the cell when the scope is not in use. (In fact, the owner said that this was recommended in his instruction manual). Looking at the construction of the cell, I can not understand how the mirror can be held securely or how it can yield good optical preformance after removal of the mirror, time after time after time, without re-collimation. Summary: based on my experience of observing with and seeing the internal workings, I can not recommend the purchase of an odyssey dobsonian. Ron Meyer Secretary-Indiana Astronomical Soc. inuxe!rrm