[Tiraki (Keith)]

My 200mm/F6 bino is now operational and but for a few tweaks is working well. Just need to get the hang of using it, especially collimating in the dark after transporting. Thanks to all who gave me advise, intentional or otherwise, these last 2+ years of design and build. This is my first ATM project, hence most of the time has been consumed with research and the evolution of design. There are a number of innovative risks that seem to have paid off OK. I think it was Mark Suching who advised me to keep it simple and I will succeed. Given my background, that would be very difficult for me as an engineer, but at last I got there.

Here's a partial desciption: The tripod (which telescopes up 500mm for viewing the horizon) weighs 9.2 kg (20lbs), and the OTAs with frame weighs 22.3kg (49lbs), totalling 31.5kg (69.5lbs). The EPs at zenith are about 1,300 off ground, and about the same with the tripod extended for the horizon. The EPs are 2" wide angle and the minimum IPD 56mm. The primary mirror separation is about 480+ minimising body heat turbulence. The OTA assembly detaches from the tripod (hexapod) mount at COG by means of loosening one M8 cap screw, and the individual OTAs detach from the frame by means of two M6 cap screws each and the handlebar/IPD adjustment fixture screws.

The construction is of CF OTA tubes and other bits, heaps of machined and anodized aluminium, all stainless screws, Tufnol fittings, and Tufnol and Vesconite bearings, and NO wood.

I'll post pictures when I figure out how,

Regards
Keith Wilson