22" Binocular scope debuts at Coonabarabran star party
These pics were , I thought , noteworthy of posting, If not just as an example of the human pursuit of sheer deep sky observing bliss.
These are a new Australian based 22" F4.5 binocular built in the USA with Australian made matched optical mirrors , that debuted at the 2009 Deepest South Texas Star Party at Coonabarabran a few weeks ago, hosted by the Three Rivers Foundation.
They had only just been assembled from parts out of a shipping crate, and had the inevitable teething problems, but I did experience observing DSO nirvana with the view of Omega Centauri and Eta Carina using twin 22mm Type 4 Televue Naglers
Ignore the incorrect date imprints on the photos which were a camera operator error.
Awesome, just awesome. Not only does it sport a pair of huge primaries but they work within what appears to be a lightweight or compact framework. A fantastic construction
I really like the structure Mark. Looks like I might have to reconsider the tailgate/box design I've been thinking of for mine. How was co-collimation and stability throughout full altitude variation?
Hmmm, the truss poles look quite thin - are they carbon fibre?
If the secondary was not holding collimation from horizon to zenith it would be interesting to know where the exact flexure problem was (eg. poles, top ring, wire spider).
Being entirely diplomatic here ..I would recommend somewhat heavier construction if anyone wanted to emulate these binoculars.
a couple of members from the NAS were up there and enjoyed the hospitality of the texans. their inital impression of the scope was dubious and from what they said the views were spectacular when collimated - then when moved they were severely out of collimation and then another couple of hours to redo the collimation, the mirrors dewed up very quickly. It was passed on to me via these guys that the conversation that you had during the chinese meal was interesting, especially when the texans asked you what you thought of the binos? Mark - if they were redesigned with the frame do you think they will work?
Mark - if they were redesigned with the frame do you think they will work?
Houghy, your whole message sounds more like it should be a private conversation to me particularly as it contains what looks like hearsay and second hand gossip...very sensitively handled matey
Actually I sat next to the designer and builder of the binoculars , Bruce Sayre , at the Chinese banquet , so your mates if they were privy to my conversations didn't hear anything that the designer didn't hear....
This instrument like any custom built one will be have a lot more tuning. The implementation of the drive system is excellent and the optics aren't half bad either
I presented photos of it here because its born out of enthusiasm for binocular deep sky observing and human enginuity and a fantastic idea on the part of 3RF and I thought its arrival shouldn't go unnoticed by the wider amateur community.
I didn't present it here to criticise... If the ATMers want to draw out the pros and cons of the design then a thread in the ATM section would be best. This thing is commercial in the sense that it was built for 3RF but you would unlikely be able to buy one.
Can't figure out the focusers mark ?.. so there both working on independant diagonals?.. how to fine tune alignment?
The design is pretty standard for a Newt binocular, although 2 pairs of Crayfords on each side allow adjustment of IPD and defocus, although adjusting IPD will mean refocussing. There is a small XY adjuster linking the two tubes at the top with which you can make fine adjustments in convergence.
sounds like an obvious question .... but what are the views like through it?
I've never physically "ghasped" before I looked through my first pair - Paul Shoppis-built 12" set (which will be at BSG). The view down two individual light paths with two dark-adapted eyes are nothing short of stunning. IMO they are far more satisfying to look through than a monster monocular scope.
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Mark - if they were redesigned with the frame do you think they will work?
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