Lightbridge Mods/Accessories

[astrogeek]

Here are some pics of some accessories I have made for my lightbridge (With the help of my good friend Norm :) ). Firstly we made a booster to bring the ep up to my height (about 6'2") and help save my back and knees. Then we made a cover for the lower tube assembly that could go between the trusses and cover the top of the LTA. I didn't like the plastic mirror cover that came with the scope because I didn't like reaching down to put it on, and the risk of touching the mirror with it while putting it on. We also made a multi aperture mask for moon viewing. The mask has four 80mm size holes effectively halving my aperture to about 6". I don't like single off axis hole designs because I find that you get bad vignetting (I think that is the right term). With multi aperture I find that it is not as bad :). The last item was not made but bought. My mate Norm saw some great hobby box things at Bunnings and got one for me. Works a treat and now all my ep's can stay safe in the box and away from the evil dust and dew. Well thats it so go and have a look at the pics.

Leon

[astrogeek]

Forgot to add that the multi aperture mask is not completly finnished, obviously it needs to be painted matt black :)

[Astroman]

Nice ones Leon, that looks fantastic.

[vespine]

Yeah, great idea for the cover! I dislike the plastic 'bin lid' cover too, it's very hard to align to the mirror without light. Also, the shape is quite "deep" (as opposed to flat) and it's quite flimsy meaning you need to find a dedicated spot for it somewhere when you take it off otherwise it gets in the way or it might get knocked off or sat/stood on, it's a pain. Your lid looks like a great idea!, nice and secure and would just lie flat under your charts or something, out of the way.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Great ideas guys - I agree that the current mirror cover is a pain.

No flash mods yet for me but my technical advisor made a Dolly for the LB so that I can roll it around the yard to different locations. Pretty nifty. Looking at a handle of some kind?

Plans available on the following link.

http://affy50.tripod.com/Dolly.html

12296

Cheers Petra

[astrogeek]

Very nice idea Petra, I wish I didn't have grass outside or stairs to traverse to get there so I could use something similer. I did buy a hand trolley for wheeling the scope around when it is in it's box (Thankfully no steps to get to the car :) ) which makes life a lot easier. I love seeing all the different ideas people are coming up with to make this great scope even better, keep 'em coming :)

Leon

[ving]

sweet leon!
now all i need is one of these beasts too! :D

[spacezebra]

"Booming voice from above"

Come on Ving (Luke) - come over to the dark (light) bridge side. You will be rewarded.

:D