My 25" f/5 Obsession is for sale

[Paul Alsing]

Age has finally caught up with me, and it is time to let go of my beloved Obsession 25" f/5 dob... even if it breaks my heart to do so. I decided to post it here before I move on to other outlets. I would like to see it stay "in the family" and perhaps get to visit it (often) at future GSSP or CalStar events. 

Here are some pertinent details:

I bought it used in 2002 from Randy Rogers, for $14,000 (not including the trailer), which was a smoking deal at that time. It had been stolen from Randy some years before, and he had since bought another one. When this one was eventually recovered, he sold it to me... but not before the mirror was sent back to John Hudek at Galaxy Mirrors for a touch-up and a new coating. The current coating is 24 years old, but since it has always been stored in a trailer, it still looks pretty good! Lots of Tacos have had long looks through this monster, and I've never heard a complaint, just a lot of complimentary oooohs and aaaws :>)

The encoders are of the 10,000k variety, and the last time I had it out (read: was allowed to erect it) it was putting an object somewhere in the field of an old Meade series 4000 UWA 8mm, like, all night long. 

It comes with a Charlie Starks stalk and an Argo Navis, and I will also include an 8-foot orchard ladder with the special "astronomy steps," which are only 8" apart. These are currently unavailable and are therefore now unobtainable, as far as I know.

It has Servocat, but it is only Generation 1, which only works with a Generation 1 Argo Navis... and I made the mistake of updating my Argo, and that was the end of that! So, no tracking, unless you can figure out how to go backwards with the Argo. I have been using it in "push-to" mode for a very long time.

It has an RX Designs Powered Ground Board, so if you run a cable under a tarp, you can power the Argo Navis externally. It also has a secondary heater for dew, but I have never used it and can only assume that it works. It is powered via a 9-volt battery behind the secondary. 

I have long ago installed an inventive 1-screw secondary adjuster and can align the secondary with the center spot in a matter of seconds. Every time. BOOM!

It comes with a shroud (supposedly made by Omar the tentmaker) and an Astrosystems (I think) overnight cover, which is the absolute biggest condom I have ever seen! Also included would be a Telrad. It is also PiFinder ready, with a Vixen type mount ready to go. The UTA has its own really big drum case to protect it for travel.

I've replaced the stock air-filled wheelbarrow handle wheels with solid tires, so no surprises anymore, no more flat tires.... but the "ride" is a little bumpier.

Obsession no longer makes these, only the f/4 version (boo), which is decidedly different from the f/5, IMHO. This telescope can bust up some of those small Shakbazians which the f/4's (and under) cannot, and this has been demonstrated on the observing field more than once. Really!

Feathertouch focuser. Not much to add about that!

Kevlar mirror sling and bolt upgrade.

Balance kit... a tube with lead shot, if needed,

This is an old telescope and has the cosmetic battle scars to prove it, but it is mechanically sound and is guaranteed to be the absolute smoothest push-to on the observing field. When they defined "butter smooth" movement, this is the telescope that they were referencing. You can push it in any direction with 1 finger, and there isn't a trace of stiction; it just moves where you move it, then just stays there. You can use any eyepiece that you own, and it will not make a difference. I have come to take this for granted all these years and have "never" used a smoother push-to Dob. Debbie and I will continue on using her #56 obsession 20" f/5... which I am currently allowed to assemble and use. It is a lot smaller, but it is "almost" as smooth, and has a killer mirror, so we will not be giving up too much... right?

The trailer is not included because we still need it for the 20", so that is something for any new owner to be aware of.

I have no idea what this telescope is worth, but I am going to start by asking $8000 for everything as described above, since that is the price that the last 25" sold for on Astromart, as far as I can tell. A new 25" f/5 mirror would cost much more than this. The accessories alone are worth a bunch! I have more eyepieces than anyone should ever own, so I could include a bunch of those, if need be.

If you can handle the size of this guy, you will not be disappointed... but it is a BIG telescope!

I could deliver it, perhaps at Spring CalStar. Or I could take a road trip. I am in the San Diego area, a long way from the Bay Area, but I am motivated.

Thanks for getting this far!

\Paul Alsing

858-254-0429

pnal...@gmail.com