On Axis Guider build

[garymck (Gary)]

heads up:
page 72, Jan 2017 Sky and Telescope US Edition (don't know if it is in the Aussie Edition)
Article "Building your own on-axis guider"

FWIW
cheers
Gary

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Interesting...
We've been using the Vixen flip mirror body (#2680) - with similar T thread ports replacing the mirror with a 80/20 beamsplitter as a solution to slit spectroscope guiding for many years.
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs", p220

[theodog (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

Interesting...
We've been using the Vixen flip mirror body (#2680) - with similar T thread ports replacing the mirror with a 80/20 beamsplitter as a solution to slit spectroscope guiding for many years.
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs", p220

Yep, made one of these myself. Still attached to my spectroscope -attached to a 10" but not used for years.

Just of interest, the Surplus Shed seems not to deal with these any more?
Did find some similar items at Edmond Optical? for a huge cost.
Any ideas

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Originally Posted by Merlin66

Interesting...
We've been using the Vixen flip mirror body (#2680) - with similar T thread ports replacing the mirror with a 80/20 beamsplitter as a solution to slit spectroscope guiding for many years.
"Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs", p220

Interesting, was just considering something similar myself.
Where did you get the 80\20 mirror ?
What modifications did you have to make to the internals of the Flip Mirror ?
(I have one myself and it had crossed my mind to look at )

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I've taken an extract from "Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs" which details the mods to the Vixen guider.
The beamsplitter plates are available from Edmund Optics etc. Unfortunately not always from Surplus Shed.
A microscope slide can be used to give a 90/4 beamsplitter.

I have some bits' and pieces left over in the "box" - if any member has a specific need - Vixen body, beamsplitters etc let me know.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Thanks, I have some projector and laser optics windows with varying degrees of translucency to play with. May get back to you on the Beam splitter if they are not suitable.The Flip Mirror is currently part of the optics train used for final alignment and target verification so no problem with focus.

Excellent, a holiday project for 'cloud time' (about now ! )