Those who were at SPSP15 will probably have heard that one of the split blocks on my scope has developed an unintended split. It is safe to continue using the scope, but Peter Read has generously agreed to replace ALL 8 split blocks without charge, with 39 ply marine ply blocks, all colour matched to the colour of the rest of the scope. Wow!
My big news is that while Peter is doing the split blocks, he is doing two other modifications for me:
1. He is putting in thicker truss poles (1.5 inches), which will give rock steady stability with the secondary cage; and
2. He is installing a safety bar which can lock the scope, whilst set up, at a 45 degree angle so I can safely wheel the scope in and out of my garage at the start and end of observing sessions. This will be a huge improvement because it should save me a good 30 minutes every observing session in setting up/ packing away time.
Peter is coming up from Shepparton VIC to collect the scope this coming Thursday, and will drop it back with all of the mods about 2 weeks later. Amazing service, yet again. I am very impressed.
BTW, here's a shot of me with the scope at SPSP (thanks HOughy for the happy snap). As you can see, I am feeling rather affectionate towards my new girl!
