Sewage Pipe scope finished

pmrid (Peter) · #1 19-03-2009, 09:25 AM

Well, it's done. I had this spare 90mm Surplus Shed air-spaced achro just begging to be used plus some spare PVC pipe and fittings left over from a job at the farm. Not satisfied with a 'cute' scope, I decided to see what else could be done to make it a useful wide-field refractor for imaging.
The next step was to cut down an old 8 x 50mm finder scope and convert it into a guide-scope. I had an old aluminium pully that turned down well into a focuser-tube assembly that fastens into the emall end and accepts a ToUCam with 1.25" adapter - voila - guidescope. Couple that with GP-USB and away you go.
I also had an old illuminated reticle zero-max scope off a range pistol that work well as a general guider. Add a 300D Canon, DS-USB and a motorised focuser (with a few adaptations to m ake it fit the old-style focuser) and the completed scope is now ready to see some serious sky. If only.

Now for the next adventure. I have a 127mm f/5.5 objective coming and a nice new Long Perng 11:1 focuser, plus the tube from a very old "Taiwanese" 4" Newtonian - Togther they should make a darn nice scope. It's had to stop when you're having this much fun.

Peter

rmcpb (Rob) · #2 19-03-2009, 09:43 AM

Amazing. Now tell us how it goes after you get a chance.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #3 19-03-2009, 11:28 AM

Well done Peter!
Looking forward to seeing it in action!
Though it doesn't look like it will be this week end though. I can't see this cloud moving away in a hurry.
But it's only Thursday, who knows how it will pan out.

pmrid (Peter) · #4 19-03-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjjnettie

Well done Peter!
Looking forward to seeing it in action!
Though it doesn't look like it will be this week end though. I can't see this cloud moving away in a hurry.
But it's only Thursday, who knows how it will pan out.

Yeah, it's iff-y; but we live in hope.
Peter

Glenhuon (Bill) · #5 19-03-2009, 11:03 PM

Looks good Peter

I've made two of these SS scopes with PVC tubes. 102 F9 and a 80 F5, very happy with both. I'm sure you'll be pleased with that one too.

Cheers
Bill

[1ponders] (Paul) · #6 19-03-2009, 11:09 PM

Glad to see you got that finder-guider working Pete. Hopefully see you this weekend. Fortunately you didn't buy anything new for the scope, so as long as that young fella Alex DOESN'T BUY ANYTHING NEW!!!!!! we should be good for an excellent night.

gbeal · #7 20-03-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Glad to see you got that finder-guider working Pete. Hopefully see you this weekend. Fortunately you didn't buy anything new for the scope, so as long as that young fella Alex DOESN'T BUY ANYTHING NEW!!!!!! we should be good for an excellent night.

Too late mate, his initials will soon be "R/C", so get the wellies out.
Gary

leon · #8 20-03-2009, 09:09 PM

Nice job indeed, hope it all functions as you would hope for.

Leon

Jen · #9 21-03-2009, 04:46 PM

hey that looks so cool
A sewerage pipe would have never guessed it was made from one of them nice work hope it all runs well for you cheers

pmrid (Peter) · #10 26-03-2009, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmcpb

Amazing. Now tell us how it goes after you get a chance.

Well, I took the opportunity last night to grab a few shots through the scope. I add immediately that these are also my very, very first astro photos (so I acknowledge that there will be much about them that almost all of you have learnt to do better) but they represent that moment when you feel the effort was justified by the results and the prospect of better to come. It reminds me a bit of my golf - absolutely dreadful but occasionally you hit that one good shot that brings you back next time.

But here they are, with Surplus Shed optics and all.
Peter

Jen · #11 26-03-2009, 04:49 PM

well done Peter good to see your creation is working nicely it can only get better from here