22" Binocular scope debuts at Coonabarabran star party

[Satchmo]

These pics were , I thought , noteworthy of posting, If not just as an example of the human pursuit of sheer deep sky observing bliss.

These are a new Australian based 22" F4.5 binocular built in the USA with Australian made matched optical mirrors , that debuted at the 2009 Deepest South Texas Star Party at Coonabarabran a few weeks ago, hosted by the Three Rivers Foundation.

They had only just been assembled from parts out of a shipping crate, and had the inevitable teething problems, but I did experience observing DSO nirvana with the view of Omega Centauri and Eta Carina using twin 22mm Type 4 Televue Naglers :eyepop:

Ignore the incorrect date imprints on the photos which were a camera operator error.

Mark

[gb_astro]

Mark, any idea where/when it's next appearance might be?

gb.

[jjjnettie]

:eyepop:
They look absolutely awesome.

[GrahamL]

Can't figure out the focusers mark ?.. so there both working on independant diagonals?.. how to fine tune alignment:shrug:?

[Jone5y]

Awesome, just awesome. Not only does it sport a pair of huge primaries but they work within what appears to be a lightweight or compact framework. A fantastic construction

[Omaroo]

I really like the structure Mark. Looks like I might have to reconsider the tailgate/box design I've been thinking of for mine. How was co-collimation and stability throughout full altitude variation?

[Satchmo]

Being entirely diplomatic here ..I would recommend somewhat heavier construction if anyone wanted to emulate these binoculars.

[tnott]

Looks great.

Almost exactly like Bruce Sayre's.

Hmmm, the truss poles look quite thin - are they carbon fibre?


If the secondary was not holding collimation from horizon to zenith it would be interesting to know where the exact flexure problem was (eg. poles, top ring, wire spider).

[jjjnettie]

Hubby wants to know if they come with a leatherette case so you can hang them off your belt.

[h0ughy]

a couple of members from the NAS were up there and enjoyed the hospitality of the texans. their inital impression of the scope was dubious and from what they said the views were spectacular when collimated - then when moved they were severely out of collimation and then another couple of hours to redo the collimation, the mirrors dewed up very quickly. It was passed on to me via these guys that the conversation that you had during the chinese meal was interesting, especially when the texans asked you what you thought of the binos?;) Mark - if they were redesigned with the frame do you think they will work?:whistle:

[erick]

Full points for the vision, not sure about the execution :shrug:

A 22" binocular scope - drool!

[Satchmo]

Its hard to say. Peter Read of SDM in Victoria is caretaking them for 3RF. Perhaps they will be at Border Stargaze ?

Mark

[toryglen-boy]

sounds like an obvious question .... but what are the views like through it?

:)

[Satchmo]

Houghy, your whole message sounds more like it should be a private conversation to me particularly as it contains what looks like hearsay and second hand gossip...very sensitively handled matey :rolleyes: :)

Actually I sat next to the designer and builder of the binoculars , Bruce Sayre , at the Chinese banquet , so your mates if they were privy to my conversations didn't hear anything that the designer didn't hear....

This instrument like any custom built one will be have a lot more tuning. The implementation of the drive system is excellent and the optics aren't half bad either ;)

I presented photos of it here because its born out of enthusiasm for binocular deep sky observing and human enginuity and a fantastic idea on the part of 3RF and I thought its arrival shouldn't go unnoticed by the wider amateur community.

I didn't present it here to criticise... If the ATMers want to draw out the pros and cons of the design then a thread in the ATM section would be best. This thing is commercial in the sense that it was built for 3RF but you would unlikely be able to buy one.

Mark

[Satchmo]

The design is pretty standard for a Newt binocular, although 2 pairs of Crayfords on each side allow adjustment of IPD and defocus, although adjusting IPD will mean refocussing. There is a small XY adjuster linking the two tubes at the top with which you can make fine adjustments in convergence.

Mark

[lacad01]

Amazing piece of engineering :thumbsup:
Out of interest, how are the primaries held in place? Do the truss pole supports act as a clamping mechanism as well ?

[Satchmo]

When they are adjusted correctly the views are awesome. They are the biggest true binocular in the southern hemispher to my knowledge.

[wavelandscott]

I think they look, at least conceptually, really cool.

[mental4astro]

Man, are they the ultimate pair of coke-bottle specs or what. I wouldn't mind being called 'four eyes' with one of those perched on my nose.

It will be nice to see how these binocs develop.

I haven't had a chance to expience the views offered by big binocs, just dream for now.

Lovely work, :2thumbs:.

[Omaroo]

I've never physically "ghasped" before I looked through my first pair - Paul Shoppis-built 12" set (which will be at BSG). The view down two individual light paths with two dark-adapted eyes are nothing short of stunning. IMO they are far more satisfying to look through than a monster monocular scope.

[Paddy]

Oh!Oh!Oh!

That must be absolutely stunning to look through!

[Spanrz]

You know, I will never ever know what it's like to view one of these.
I have one eye! :sadeyes:
Discrimination? (hehe)

Can they make an eyepiece that puts the 2 signals together? (Maybe it's just called a Telescope, ahaha)

[spacezebra]

I had the pleasure to look through the 22"'s at Coona, excellent views.

Cheers Petra d.

[Marclau]

Damn it, now I'm really confused..........first I was dreaming of a set of binoculars, then bck to a bigger telescope, then binoculars, then telescope again.....binoculars.....finally yesterday settled on 10" reflectors or DOB, now I just dont know anymore.............my head hurts.....!!!

[erick]

Don't worry Marcel, you won't be getting a binocular telescope unless you can build your own (various designs are published) or can shell out a lot of money for one of these:-

http://www.jimsmobile.com/buy_rb16.htm

Drool!

Settle for a 10" reflector on a dobsonian base for now.

(Then buy a second and build a binocular mount - making a "binonewt" - for them!;) )

[Marclau]

Thanks Erick, after 20 years of marriage, if my wife sees this, it will certainly end in divorce...........:lol:

Can you imagine pulling this behind the car down the freeway....?? Imagine the looks you would get...........OMG......:D

[xstream]

I was also fortunate enough to spend time looking through this Bino Newt. at Coona and I must say, the views of Omega Centauri and Eta Carinae were nothing short of spectacular!

If you ever get the chance to look through them, do yourself a favour and do it.

[Archy]

Drool