Thank you so much for this guide, I've been searching for a while on how to lift the mirror without cutting the tube and this took me all of 10 minutes to do and works perfectly!
Well done!
P.S would live to know if u have other mods like for the focuser etc...
1. Centre the primary mirror. The primary mirror is supported / kept centred in the cell by felt pads that contact the outside of the primary mirror. You can move the primary back and forth in this stock configuration which is not ideal, and undoes our good work as detailed above. You could add new / thicker pads of some description (cork, felt etc) or do what I did: with the primary mirror out of the cell, wrap black electrical tape around the outside edges of the mirror – a few times around. This will provide a few extra millimetres and ensure that the mirror is a snug fit when it contacts the existing felt pads.
2. Increase the resolution (reduce the clips). An experienced local planetary guy suggested that I do away with the primary mirror clips to maximise resolution. The clips do block a % of light – so that makes sense. But I found a compromise. I just use three of the clips (instead of the 6). There is NO WAY that the mirror will slip out with 3 of them in place. Test it yourself. It’s just not possible. This should increase the resolution slightly, and give you a fraction more primary mirror to work with (and mine are super loose, they float 1-3mm above the mirror - do not overtighten them!)
