Sky-Watcher FlexTube Go-To 400mm Dobsonian Telescope

WiFi card included that allows you to control the telescope using a smartphone

• Very large diameter perfect for deep sky observation
• Good for planetary and lunar observation.
• Automatic pointing (GOTO) and motorized tracking
• Easily transportable by 2 people (tube + base) or removable

Everything you need to know about the Sky-Watcher FlexTube GoTo 406mm f/4.4 Dobsonian

In recent years, Dobson fever has increasingly invaded amateur astronomers, aware that the strongest sensations are felt with large diameter telescopes. In fact, observation of the planets is limited to Jupiter, Mars, Saturn (and the Moon), while clusters, nebulae and galaxies are counted in the thousands on a 400 mm instrument. Without motor or electronics, Dobsons are in fact the instruments that provide the most light, with a certain budget, compared to any other type of instrument (mostly motorized and Go-To).

However, the search for diameter causes a major drawback: volume! When you want to observe in the best conditions, to take advantage of the full potential of your instrument, away from the city lights, it is essential to transport your equipment in a vehicle and then set it up and take it down. Of course, you need space and, if possible, make a minimum of comings and goings when loading. Although Serrurier frames have been around for a long time, they have only recently become available in inexpensive Dobsons and require permanent disassembly/assembly and then re-collimation (an operation that takes a bit of time but one that one gets used to over time).

Sky-Watcher, which has been designing solid tube Dobsons popular with beginners and hobbyists for many years, innovated in 2009 by completely redesigning the design of its instruments. The Chinese-Canadian manufacturer sought to combine the advantage of “complete assembly” of solid tubes and the small footprint of open tubes. The idea of ​​the “telescopic telescope” is now a reality (at a price that remains very attractive) through the FlexTube range.

Following the principle that " the best instrument is the one used most frequently ", SkyWatcher takes comfort even further with the FlexTube range so that you do not hesitate for a moment to contemplate the sky and its wonders.

FlexTube: maximum comfort

The principle of the FlexTube is simple, it is based on a Locksmith-type design, where 3 tubes solidly support the secondary mirror cage (which also holds the eyepiece holder and viewfinder). Except here The tubes cannot be disassembled because they are housed in a clamp that allows them to slide . By simply loosening 3 knobs, the tubes slide down until the instrument collapses. Three screws on the secondary cage allow it to then be locked to the primary body. The set is much “smaller” and fits more easily in the trunk of many cars.

The important point of such a configuration is the maintenance of collimation (alignment between the 2 mirrors). According to the manufacturer, FlexTube preserves the position of the 2 optical elements (in particular the secondary mirror) with each folding/unfolding . Note: The alignment does not change during the night or depending on the position of the optical tube. Therefore, there is nothing easier than putting such instruments into operation. Using the handles (altitude adjustment knobs), remove the entire telescope (40 kg total for the largest model). Loosen the tube adjustment knobs (as well as the locking screws). Slide the mirror cage to the tube stop position. Tighten the knobs to finish.

With no setup required, your telescope is ready for a night of observing full of discovery. (if you haven't touched the eyepiece since your last outing, focusing will already be "ready"). In just a few seconds you will have completed/avoided the traditional steps: telescope exit/mounting/collimation. Save more time and enjoy unmatched convenience!

For information: Check, for safety (to be sure to get the most out of your optics), the collimation because the primary mirror can move slightly if you move it with a car (common to all telescopes), usually Dobson, Cassegrain or Newton ). Using a cheshire or blurring a bright star.

mechanical concept

Sky-Watcher not only offers telescopes at very advantageous prices but also easy-to-use instruments, as demonstrated by the tilt system that equips the entire Dobson FlexTube range. In fact, the Chinese-Canadian company has developed and patented (US Patent No. 6,940,642) a handle that allows the fork to be tightened or loosened on the optical tube. Thus, depending on the inclination of the tube and the weight of the accessories present in the eyepiece holder (binocular head, eyepieces of different flux) the observer can increase or decrease the friction. The tube is then secured enough to not tilt downwards. as is the case with other manufacturers and free enough to easily point it towards another place in the sky.

Unlike very cheaply made or small diameter Newton telescopes, The 203 to 400 mm Newton (Dobson) Sky-Watcher have a parabolic primary mirror . The mirrors are polished spherically and then trimmed to achieve a parabolic shape (more expensive and difficult to obtain). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments larger than 130 mm and with short f/D.

Regarding the material used for the primary mirror, those of 203/254/305/355/406 mm are made of Pyrex , which has the effect of reducing expansion effects due to thermal changes. In fact, the coefficient of thermal expansion is lower than that of standard glass, which reduces warm-up time and ensures better image quality. Like the secondary, the primary is covered with layers of titanium dioxide (SiO2) and quartz (SiO4) for effective protection.

An achromatic finderscope on its support is also delivered as standard. With a large diameter of 50 mm and 9x magnification, it reveals objects invisible to the smallest researchers, making their search much easier. Two eyepieces of 25 mm and 10 mm focal length will allow you to start, initially, by having a good range of magnifications compatible with all possible lenses.

Focus for Dobson FlexTube 355 mm and 406 mm

Focusing is achieved using a dual-flow Crayford eyepiece. Allows you to obtain fine focus thanks to the 1:10 reduction. A very noticeable plus when observed with high magnifications. It can withstand heavy loads. An adjustment screw located at the bottom of the eyepiece holder allows you to maintain focus by following the orientation of the optical tube.

Note: Beyond 300 mm, Dobsons are difficult to transport alone (the weight and volume of the smallest piece is too high). Therefore, both the 355mm and 405mm must be placed in an observatory, on a cart or moved by at least 2 people. If you wish to transport only one very large diameter instrument, we recommend the Sky-Watcher StarGate range in Locksmith construction in 450 and 500mm (easily removable and reassembling).

Motorized GoTo system (auto-aim)

To offer more comfort to the user, Sky-Watcher has decided to equip its Dobsonian range with a dual-axis motorization (equivalent to a motorized altazimuthal mount) with a control panel capable of pointing and tracking. So that It is not necessary to know the position of stars or distant bodies in the deep sky , the AZ GOTO Dobsonian mount is responsible for moving the instrument towards the target you want to observe.

After calibration (setup), orienting the optical tube to North and leveling, select the mount alignment to one or two stars. More than 42,900 objects are registered in the database, including the main catalogs (Messier, NGC, IC, as well as the planets, the Moon and the Sun). For maximum convenience, the stand moves quickly using the SynScan control panel. Easy to use, it helps to quickly point the instrument towards any galaxy, nebula, cluster or object in the solar system. Discover in detail the famous Andromeda galaxy, the fabulous curtains surrounding the heart of Orion, the Hercules cluster M13 and its heart rich in thousands of stars. Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon are also wonders that must be examined without moderation.

The indication on the racket of the date, time and place of observation combined with "Tour" function allows AZ GOTO to point towards the most interesting objects throughout the night . Enjoy a guided sky tour at your viewing location by clicking the "Enter" button based on the object presented in a drop-down list. The ability to track any object avoids the need for systematic manual capture (practical during observation nights with the general public). The object remains in the center of the field , making it easier to discover details, especially on planets.

Sky-Watcher FlexTube GoTo range now includes an integrated WiFi card which allows you to control the telescope remotely with your smartphone or tablet, without any connection cables, using the free SynScan Pro app (iOS/Android).

Specifications

Characteristics	Dobsonian Sky-Watcher FlexTube GoTo 406/1800
Optical formula	Newton
Useful diameter	406mm
Focal length	1800mm
F/D ratio	4.4
Separating the power	0.29 arc second
Clarity	4579x
Recommended maximum increase	500x
Eyepiece holder	Crayford 50.8/31.75mm Sky-Watcher with Microfocuser (Dual Speed ​​1:10)
Optical tube length (folded/unfolded)	1071mm/1685mm
Optical tube weight	30kg
Mount	Azimuth Dobsonian GoTo Motorized dual axles with automatic Go-To pointing
Motorization	DC Servomotors Go-To Aiming Accuracy: 5 arc minutes Encoder accuracy: Motor encoder: 1,620,000 steps/revolution, Shaft encoder: 11,748 steps/revolution Aiming speeds: 1x to 1000x
Access system	SynScan control rack with 42,900 objects from common celestial catalogs Tracking mode: sidereal, lunar or solar
Wireless connection	Integrated WiFi card
Power supply not included)	10 to 15 V DC 1 A, 2.1 mm plug (positive pole in the center)