Hi astronut. Ha I noticed that the truss was around the wrong a few nights ago. Thanks for the advice on the springs. I'll see if I can find some stainless ones.
So far this week l have flocked the inside of the tube, put some handles on the base and made up a dew/light shield for the uta out of the HIPS plastic.
I went out to a favourite spot the other night where we go to and was rather impressed how well the dew shield worked. Everyone else was packing up at 10 and I was still going fine. Even saw the Grus quartet for the first time. Amazing.
Looking into making my own base now. The original is just two big and awkward to load into the car. I just need to figure out a better counterweight set up. With the dew shield on the top along with 2 inch eyepieces it just goes straight down. Might upgrade the brake by covering more surface area.
Quote:
Originally Posted by astronut
Excellent work Curt 
It appears that the springs you have chosen are zinc coated steel. They will eventually succumb to the moisture and rust. I would then recommend that you buy the equivalent stainless steel.
I noticed in the second or third image that the truss tube has been reversed, mistake? |