GS 12" Dismantling tool

[ballaratdragons]

I was going to launch this idea at the Star Camp but I wanted to clean my Mirror today so I took pics of my new tool in use so I can share the idea with everyone now, because after trying it, I am happy to say it works excellent and costs nothing!!

Anyone who owns a GS Dob (or other brand) knows the problem of tube distortion when the Mirror Cell has been taken out. It is a real pain to get the Mirror Cell back into the tube when the tube goes out of round!

I came up with this quick solution for the 12" model.

It is simply made from a Paint drum locking band and a length of Garden Hose (or rubber hose). That's all!!!!

Go into any paint shop and ask for a 'Paint Drum locking band'. Cut a piece of Garden Hose (or 17mm rubber hose) 1110mm long.

Lay the hose inside the groove of the locking band and it is ready to use. A whole 1 minute of construction time!

Below are pics of (1)the Locking band, the locking mechanism on the band and the piece of hose.
Pic (2) The tool in place, and how the tube stays round without the Mirror Cell.
Pic (3) shows a nice clean mirror waiting to go back in.

I have never seen one of these locking bands in any other sizes, so I can only recommend it for GS 12". Sorry about that.

I hope this idea helps frustrated 12" owners. :thumbsup:

[h0ughy]

Well done Ken, I like that and I don't even own a dob! have you thought about a tube weight system with thet by filling the hose with sinkers?

[ballaratdragons]

Nah! I am very happy with my Speaker magnets Houghy. I have them in differing weights and they are simple to use and move around.

This band above has made dissassembly and assembly quick and easy though. The Mirror Cell just popped straight back in! It use to be a real hassle.

[slice of heaven]

You are one smart cookie BD !
I've 2 lid clamps ,so I just tried 1 for size... :thumbsup:
Absolutely brilliant!!!!

[ving]

well done ken... do they come in the right size for my 8"?

[ballaratdragons]

I don't know David. You will have to ask a paint shop but I doubt it. The clamp is designed to keep the lid on those really big (40 litre?) contractors paint drums.

Worth asking though!

Hey Slick, works easy huh!

[h0ughy]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

SO ALL THIS TIME YOU GUYS HAVE HAD A GLORIFIED PAINT TIN :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :poke: :poke:

[ballaratdragons]

No Houghy! We have Water Heaters that look like Glorified Paint Tins! :rofl:

[davidpretorius]

top stuff fellow star camper!!! us star campers are real smart!

[ballaratdragons]

I like things that make tasks easier! :D

My next project is for a scope-attached obsevatory! Work that one out!!

[Astroman]

Like this Ken?

http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/cot/VictorTrombotto.jpg

[ballaratdragons]

LOL!

Nothing like that Andrew! I like things simple. I am talking about a small observing roof that attaches to the scope. Keeps the dew and light away (I hope).

[slice of heaven]

I have 2 smaller ones Ving with an internal diameter of 305mm when closed tight. How does that compare to the tube on the 8".

That is too easy Ken, I just tried it, the mirror just slid out and slid straight back in no probs. :)

[ballaratdragons]

Slick and David,

I checked out the GS Dob info site and found that there are 2 different Tube diameters for the 8".

Model 200E - Length / Diameter: 113cm / 24cm

Model 200 - Metal tube - length 115cm - diameter 23cm

See here: http://www.telescope-service.com/dobsonians/dobsonians/dobsoniansstart.html

David will have to measure his to see which one it is.

[ving]

200mm = 8"
the outter diameter is abor 203-205 i think at last measure.

[ballaratdragons]

Not the Mirror David, measure the tube!! :doh:

It will either be 230mm or 240mm.

[xrekcor]

Ken,

Excellent idea, especially if your like me where my EQ mounted newt has falling over a couple of times (accidently left in windy conditions, IE: crashed and gone to bed) she has gotten a lil out of shape.

Now to adaptor your idea to an 8" version, thanks for sharing. The tube dia on my 8" is 230mm give or take a mm or two.

regards,CS

[xrekcor]

Andrew,

That's a very unique looking observatory you have there, does it track?

regards,CS

[Starkler]

I have the 10 incher, and the tube has enough stiffness to not make reassembly a problem. Are you having a problem with your 8 ?

[davidpretorius]

same for my 10", very sturdy!

[cahullian]

David you dont need one with the 8" mate. They are rerally sturdy. When we grow up and get a 12" we will need one of those BDer's.
Nice one ken

Gazz