Giving an old 6" refractor the Steampunk treatment
Hi all,
I've had this 6" f/8 refractor for some time. For most of that time it was a scope I found difficult - it's big, heavy and bulky. However, the image it throws up is actually really good, and it is what the uninitiated in astronomy consider what a "big telescope looks like". So even though it is not my own first choice scope, it is actually the perfect outreach scope when there are many other scopes around. Newcomers to astro flock around it before anything else, but they soon learn that not only do scopes come in different designs, but how that strange looking 12" dob gives a better image than this "big refractor telescope".
All the same, this big lump of a scope looked too "tame". It didn't have a certain "big scope look". It needed some more bells and whistles.
So, time to pull out the Steampunk stick and pimp up the old scope
The oversize focuser knob is functional and works as a fine focus control. The scope mounted unit is mostly decorative, but it does not impede function, and it will scare the heck out of newbies! And yes, the long brass rod does spin the wheel at the front with the lens looking tubes - this feature is my brand new invention! Behold, the "Alien Detection Device"! The whole lot comes resplendent with 8 RGB flashing LEDs. It's wired to work from the 12V that my EQ6 mount works with. The brass studded leather band is Kangaroo Leather too - had to go with the best!
That's totally awesome! You can tell noobs at outreach nights that the illuminated contraption on top is there to electrocute anyone who puts fingerprints on eyepieces.
You are a very imaginative and creative person Alex.
I have one and am thinking of upgrading it...all I need do is replace the objective with a triplet lens and give it a new focuser☺
Well done and thanks for sharing your creative venture.
Alex
Lewis, I've got four others, plus a whole bunch of other CCCP space themed badges These are great as they are so Steampunk-esk. One of the Lunakhod badges is one of dual image plastic ones that also shows Sputnik.
Alex.
Oops, sorry Lewis, that's 5 Lunakhod badges. I just saw one of the bronze coloured pieces on the left is also of Lunakhod
Certainly an interesting project Alex, not sure if I like it or not but you must have too much time on your hands if you can conjure up those modifications.
Would pull in the crowds at public viewing nights for sure.
I knew it was you who stole my old watch, now I know why.
Yeah, sorry about that Trev'. Honestly, I was going to tell you, but you know...
Thanks for the compliments folks
Thing is it isn't about having too much time on my hands. It's actually all my astro time! Conditions have been so poor that instead of spending time looking through my scopes I've been working ON my scopes And while this crap weather persists, I'll be taking to my SCT with the same Steampunk stick. I've just settled on the design for it too AND I can justify my fossicking during the council chuck out - it's ALL in the name of art! I found so many components for the wood fired oven I built this summer this way, and with the oven finished and working (got it to work with both wood AND gas) I need a new project to continue with my fossicking...
,
Nice thing about the steampunk telescope piece is when it's not coupled to the scope, I can hang it on the wall and use it as a low illumination light feature.
Last edited by mental4astro; 04-05-2018 at 09:41 AM.
Just WOW Alex....no doubt about it youve reallly gone over the edge this time.
Ive had a CA reduction idea and want to runit past your brilliant mind....this removes all CA and still delivers a bright image.....an array of yellow leds inside the dew tub close to the objective. Simple huh? To think that some spend thousands on small refractors just to see none of the dreaded CA.....my system has the same effect....no purple......or anything else but thats just theory. Havent done any experiments and naturally done no maths on the ideas either.
Thoughts....other than a straight jacket...
Dave, yes mate! I am very grateful for the tubes you gave me There's a few more that I've got projects for too.
Matt, well worth a try... And with these RGB flashing LED's I can try out any number of wavelength combinations! Could be revolutionary or a fizzer... can only try... <zap> <zap>
Just WOW Alex....no doubt about it youve reallly gone over the edge this time.
Ive had a CA reduction idea and want to runit past your brilliant mind....this removes all CA and still delivers a bright image.....an array of yellow leds inside the dew tub close to the objective. Simple huh? To think that some spend thousands on small refractors just to see none of the dreaded CA.....my system has the same effect....no purple......or anything else but thats just theory. Havent done any experiments and naturally done no maths on the ideas either.
Thoughts....other than a straight jacket...
Couldnt you go to say jcar and get some little lights and try it out.
Alex
And yes, the long brass rod does spin the wheel at the front with the lens looking tubes - this feature is my brand new invention! Behold, the "Alien Detection Device"! The whole lot comes resplendent with 8 RGB flashing LEDs. It's wired to work from the 12V that my EQ6 mount works with. The brass studded leather band is Kangaroo Leather too - had to go with the best!
And while this crap weather persists, I'll be taking to my SCT with the same Steampunk stick. I've just settled on the design for it too 
AND I can justify my fossicking during the council chuck out - it's ALL in the name of art! 
I found so many components for the wood fired oven I built this summer this way, and with the oven finished and working (got it to work with both wood AND gas) I need a new project to continue with my fossicking...
