#1  
Old 03-12-2017, 05:13 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
No more MDF!

Frustrated by the weather slowing progress on obs building, looked for some weekend project to keep busy. Everybody knows the drawbacks of the dreaded MDF Dob mount, so went to the "lost projects" shelf. 2 x trailer Ford stub axles and Landcruiser hubs, and some L/Cruiser worn discs being kept for a heater. Raided the bolt box and found some ply cutoffs. Steel offcuts came in handy, as did a couple of shelf brackets for strength. The first pics are the fork mount in my little "astropark" just to the rear of the house, quick access. Not the prettiest unit, but app. 900mm into rock, handles 85kg (me) and no more dew and damp worries. As luck will have it, focuser at perfect height when at zenith. Will replace ply "ears" with urethane, and decorative gravel between the two mounts when time permits. 2 bolts mounts fork to flange (upside down disc) and we're in business, 5 mins. Still having time and material on hand, decided to do an "off-road" travelling mount (for when I'm banished from the roped off Tak area at starparties!) Basically same as for fixed mount, but found some 2" post caps for feet, which also nicely locate some great little alloy jackstands which are stabilised by tent pegs if worried. Also supports my weight whilst spinning. So, no more wrestling with the old mount, just the 2 bolts and fit the OTA..............an end to excuses for not having a quick peek when this damn weather ends!
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (IMGP0039.JPG)
132.9 KB100 views
Click for full-size image (IMGP0040.JPG)
129.8 KB95 views
Click for full-size image (IMGP0041.JPG)
116.4 KB104 views
Click for full-size image (IMGP0037.JPG)
167.0 KB91 views
Click for full-size image (IMGP0044.JPG)
144.2 KB91 views

Last edited by Boozlefoot; 03-12-2017 at 05:24 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-12-2017, 05:15 PM
Atmos's Avatar
Atmos (Colin)
Ultimate Noob

Atmos is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 6,980
I don't think I've ever seen a pier mounted dob before, looks fascinating!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 02:53 PM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement
Testar
Advertisement