Hi all, I spent the weekend nutting out the design, and finally have settled on a hybrid between an Albert Highe and light weight dob.
As I only use pen and paper I don't have a CAD design to post. So I shall try to describe the idea.
*Three pole truss design.
*Single ring secondary cage.
*Enclosed low profile mirror box.
*Large diameter removeable bearings (still tossing up with single position or variable).
*Circular ground board with ball bearing pivot like the following:
http://www.geocities.com/ruedigerhei...amt3_small.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/ruedigerhei...ker1_small.jpg
The rocker box would be beefier than the above to accomodate future electronics.
I've made an estimation to the weight of the 50mmx1.6mm size poles I'll be using, and there is little difference when compared to using 8 one inch poles, about 200g. Very stiff poles, so clamp design and build critical for the small quantity.
One thing I'm asking, would anyone have a 114mmX500mm reflector they'd like to contribute as a finder scope. I've put a posting up on this under the Trade/Wanted forum. This modest little scope I think would work well under the poor Sydney sky. Further details can be tracked down under the classified ad:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=45677
Tnott, I will be following the construction sequence you mentioned as it allows for most versatility to accomodate any design changes.
Mental.