new DSH on the way!

Since nobody where I work gives a rat's behind about astronomy, I thought I'd bring my good news here. Finally, after *ten years* of being without any kind of scope at all, I ordered my very own new 8" Deep Space Hunter today! *doing the happy dance* Thanks everyone who had anything at all to say about this scope, the discussions about it convinced me that the price was just a really good deal and not an indication of hideously bad quality.
Now all I need to do is survive the few days it'll take to get here. Seems like four or five days (the estimated delivery time I got) is nothing compared to ten years, but I'm going crazy already, because I know that there's a real scope out there on its way to me!

~Denise

Denise,
Stop dancing!! It's a well known phenomenon that the 'New Scope Dance' is misinterpreted by the rain gods as a call for rain. Almost all new scopes arrive with a thick layer of clouds. I certainly hope this is not true in your case.

All kidding aside, congrats. Welcome back to the observing community. I hope your new scope gives you many years of ooohs and aaahs. Let us know your impressions of the scope after a few uses.
Bob

I am sure you will have many enjoyable hours with this new scope. Hope you have dark skies!
:^)

Congratulations, Denise! You're more patient than I. 10 days, seems like a long time to me. After 10 years, I'm almost surprised that you've kept your interest level up. But, good for you.

One thing that you'll find in the box with the scope, is a little "certificate", that says that Larry Hardin will buy your scope back for 50% of what you paid for it, during the first year, if you decide to upgrade to another scope from Hardin. I can't imagine wanting to take him up on that, since the DSH 8 is really quite a bargain, and seems to be a competent performer. But, I did think that was an interesting biz angle to perhaps alleviate any initial buyer remorse, in addition to the usual 30 day return period.

Just based on using it a couple of times, I really like mine a lot, and have no plans to let it go for quite a long time.
This same exact scope is sold by many other retailers for a LOT more than what you paid. I think it's one of the very best bargains in amatuer astronomy. Also, after having several other small scopes, I think that the 6" and 8" GS DOBs are just perfect for really getting into astronomy.

Get somebody in your local astronomy club to help you collimate it beyond the simple "eyeball" method in the instructions. If you can find somebody local, that has a laser collimator, get them to insure that it's *really* collimated, after you "eyeball" it thru the focuser.

Good luck,
Mike Swaim