[glend (Glen)]

So tangible progress has been made. I finished the template design, cut out all the frames from 18mm marine ply, and routed and sanded them, built the jig, and have set everything up to be checked and measured (at least twice) before locking it down for the epoxy glue up.

With a structure like this it is imperative that the front plate and rear plate be exactly aligned because they will hold the objective and the focuser. Sure both those components have collimation adjustment but that's no substitute for dimensional alignment. It does't matter too much if the intermeadiate frames are out be a mm here and there but the lense and focuser must be exact. People run into this same problem with tubes that are not cut exactly square on either end - same thing.

I will be leaving the rear panel unbonded until I get the focuser and objective and can do a focal length test. I know the focal length of the objective but it is best to test it on the structure while I still have the ability to slide the rear panel (and focuser) forward or backward as required. I will have to complete the dovetail to allow it to go onto the mount for testing.

The Moonlight dual-speed long travel focuser is on the way and I have decided (after discussing with Ron) to go with the TAL250 adaptor as this allows flat panel mounting. The iStar objective has been tested and I am waiting for Mike to give me the tracking number. The objective is coming via UPS so I should have it by this time next week.

Here are some photos, (and excuse the mess in the shed, it was raining else it would be out in the carport).