C 11 Carbon Fibre tube

[el_draco (Rom)]

Has anyone converted a C11 to carbon fibre tube? Interested in hearing how you did it and whether the process was worth it? Thinking about buying an off the shelf tube replacement.

Thanks in advance

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by el_draco

Has anyone converted a C11 to carbon fibre tube? Interested in hearing how you did it and whether the process was worth it? Thinking about buying an off the shelf tube replacement.

Thanks in advance

I did mine last week. Got a spare tube from the US. Not much lighter all up but I hope it holds focus better when temp drops. Haven't been able to test yet though. Too windy tonight. Maybe tomorrow now. Looks good though

[asimov (John)]

I've never used an ally C11 but I use a CF version. For planet imaging I think it's the bees knees ONCE you have it at ambient - The problem is getting it there sometimes. Once at ambient, it holds better due to the insulating properties of CF.

Same scenerio with DSO imaging no doubt.

[Irish stargazer (John)]

Originally Posted by asimov

I've never used an ally C11 but I use a CF version. For planet imaging I think it's the bees knees ONCE you have it at ambient - The problem is getting it there sometimes. Once at ambient, it holds better due to the insulating properties of CF.

Same scenerio with DSO imaging no doubt.

I have to agree with this finding. I find the CF tube struggles to cool down if there is a temperature drop. My metal Meade 8" sometimes wipes the floor with the C11 with planets on a cool night as it reaches ambient much quicker. But for long exposure photos the CF holds focus very well.

[el_draco (Rom)]

Thanks for the info. I am contemplating Hyperstar imaging so the exposure times are quite short, but I am interested in weight savings.

I also gather the internal blackening of the C.F. tube is better than the metal tube? Marc, was the U.S. tube pre drilled?

Ta

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by el_draco

Thanks for the info. I am contemplating Hyperstar imaging so the exposure times are quite short, but I am interested in weight savings.

I also gather the internal blackening of the C.F. tube is better than the metal tube? Marc, was the U.S. tube pre drilled?

Ta

Yes - pre-drilled. Fitted like a glove. Straight swap. The tube is flocked as well, not painted. You can flock the old aluminium tube and use it as a rigid dew shield. That's what I did.

[h0ughy (David)]

marc the link you have goes to a rocket manufacturer? Where did you get the flocked tube again?

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

marc the link you have goes to a rocket manufacturer? Where did you get the flocked tube again?

That's right. It is the correct link. The tubes are pre-drilled and flocked. Just swap n' go

[h0ughy (David)]

i must be sniffing the rocketfuel too much, where exactly does it say C11 tubes?

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

i must be sniffing the rocketfuel too much, where exactly does it say C11 tubes?

He advertises on astromart. Send him an email. The tubes are not advertised on the website.

[h0ughy (David)]

thanks Marc i will look into it