View Single Post
  #1  
Old 01-04-2017, 07:59 PM
Boozlefoot's Avatar
Boozlefoot
SQM 21.98 mag./arc sec2

Boozlefoot is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Devil's Hole Observatory, Windeyer NSW
Posts: 445
GEM modification/refurbish

At the urging of other members, I will diary the refurbishing of a 1960's GEM which I came by recently. It will be housed in an observatory and carry a 12" GSO (Ex Dob), but will retain the dob mounting plates (less bearing/tensioners) on the OTA so the unit can easily be dismounted and used as a Dob at another dark site. We roughly mounted the OTA today to check slew dimensions so observatory floor plans can commence. Several things came to mind, in particular, EP height. Observatory costs can be high, so if we reduce height, we reduce cost! Also, I don't want to be up large ladders when I turn 80! We intend firstly to replace the large saddle assembly and adaptor plate, which is better suited to a BBQ. A smaller adaptor plate and GSO alloy scope rings will be employed, reducing height by 3". Pier to be shortened by 10", (C/W still has clearance) and unsure yet to retain 3 large mounting feet, this would give us a height reduction of app 17" total. Any advice more than welcome!
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (IMGP0004.JPG)
92.3 KB111 views
Click for full-size image (IMGP0006.JPG)
97.0 KB126 views
Reply With Quote