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View Full Version here: : Combination OAG + flip mirror - Taurus or Van Slyke Slider?


g__day
05-01-2009, 04:31 PM
Edited this - as I realise to manage the optical train link I need a combination OAG + flip mirror and wonder if anyone has experience / views on this?

Models I have found so far are the Taurus Tracker3 and the Van Slyke Slider 2.

Basically what I want to do is have a way of flipping my main imaging scope (a C9.25) from an astrophotography set up to visual work and back with just a flip of a switch. As all my eye-pieces (Vixen LWVs are parfocal) and all these sorts of combination devices have precise focusers on both the pick off prism and the flip mirror eye-piece - I should be able to precisely focus all elements of the image train.

Interested in folks thoughts!

Tracker3 combo:

http://www.taurus-tech.com/tracker.htm or http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=230

Van Slyke Slider 2 combo:

http://www.observatory.org/slider2.htm or http://www.observatory.org/stestr.htm

g__day
09-01-2009, 12:29 PM
A patent search I uncovered provides a picture of what I want!

http://www.wikipatents.com/us/5508844.png

Merlin66
11-01-2009, 03:04 AM
I've got a Chinese? "flip" mirror system ( I think I actually got it from HOugy), interesting arrangement.
It has a 1.25 elliptical mirror on a slide which can either act as a "flip" mirror or semi-retracted to allow it to be used as an OAG with the advantage that the mirror can be as far in (or out) as necessary. Simple but very effective.

g__day
18-01-2009, 08:48 PM
Could you post some pictures, mention the product name and or brand if its in English and comment on its performance please!

Many thanks

Merlin66
18-01-2009, 09:39 PM
There's no "branding" marked on it, but it's a robust piece of equipment. I'll post some images later. The effective lock on the slide mechanism means you can achieve accurate positioning of the "pick off" mirror and effectively view the field of view from the centre to the edge.
The "guide" eyepiece holder has a helical focuser which is nice..... and it attaches to an 1.25" focuser and has a rotatable T2 attachment at the other. Maybe H0ugy can remember more detail???

g__day
19-01-2009, 12:37 AM
Many thanks!