First Light for my 10" Dob

[acope]

Hi Everyone,

After some years of planning, faffing about and then finally getting into gear, I introduced my scope to a cold and clear Melbourne night yesterday. And it works!

I though I would post this after a couple of years of trolling this and other forums and being inspired by all your work. There are bits of designs from all over the place and a bit of my work thrown in as well.

It is still a bit top heavy and the trusses are not as rigid as they should be but this will leave me something to tinker with for a while.

Thank you to all your posts and sharing of information. I have found that whilst I have not had the opportunity to talk directly to anyone about this project, you have been able to steer me through the design and execution and given me a whole raft of skills which I can now develop.

[allan gould]

Very nice looking scope and if the views match the workmanship it will be a beauty.

[FlashDrive]

That's a nice looking Scope you got there Andrew ... real nice :thumbsup:

Flash :hi:

[ZeroID]

Excellent work there Andrew. Very satisfying when it all comes together I know.
May I suggest that you will need a black surface opposite your focusser assembly. My UTA is similar construction and there is always a light coming from somewhere. I actually wrapped mine all around, lights come from all directions.. It was just heavy black card so weight is not a problem and I sealed it with varnish on the outside so it wasn't affected by dew etc.
There you go, first mod to do already !! :thumbsup:

[alistairsam]

Nice work Andrew.

Can I ask, where did you get the truss ends from? I've been looking for similar ones for a 16mm tube.
Also, how did you curve the piece that the focuser sits on?
Thanks

[acope]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your kind words!

Some replies to for comments/questions.

The UTA does need a baffle, I discovered that on Saturday and will get to that next. Thanks Brent, well spotted.

Alastair, the truss tubes are telescopic mop handles from the Vileda Power Mop. (Disclosure: this is where I work;)) I disconnected the head and fabricated brass brackets they clip on to. It works quite well and the handles are very sturdy and extend well beyond the length required for this scope. I've posted some closer photos of the clip and brackets.

As for the focuser mount, it is a length of Tassie Oak that I roughly shaped by removing the waste with a with a narrow router bit, stepping down a notch each pass heading from the centre out. I then finished the shaping with a rasp and a final sand. The inside face is flat.

Cheers,
Andrew

[ZeroID]

Aha ! The 'MopScope' cleans up the skies !! :P

Cool as ! :thumbsup: