Here is a telescope I started assembling in Los Angeles in the 1960s....5 years ago I dragged it to Sydney and started a big job on rebuilding. The first problem was how to get the polar axis turning the "correct" way. I can post photos of the mod if anyone is interested. The mount is a beast...very heavy and not very steady, but the scope weighs around 50 lbs. To head of any possible excitement, no, it's not an original Cave refractor. It's got a great 5" F15 lens though, and I built the tube and baffles. The upgrades includes a Moonlite electronic focuser and a dovetail mounting system. The original configuration of the mount would not allow for any tube rotation. (That's not actually true - from the photo you can see some straps around the tube...they were so weak that Cave replaced them and just bolted the scope right onto the mount!) I also scratch built the drive corrector - old technology, the RA drive motor is a 60hz synchronous motor so just running it in Australia with a step down transformer was not an option. I can post more details if anyone interested. The "Santa Barbara" photo shows the original version of the mount and scope...
This is my setup at home. I have been using a Field De-Rotator and have been very happy with it, I am just learning to align the wedge that I got from another IIS member. Been having a little trouble but getting thier with help from members. I love my outfit and feel very lucky to own such a nice item. You have NO idea how many jobs I had to do around the house to get the OK to get this scope. In fact I am still paying today. I could not afford to purchase new, so this I got used and have been slowly adding to my kit. My next item will be a guide scope to mount on the rig. I use a philips SPC900NC and a Canon 300d to get my pictures.
To anybody looking at this site and wanting to start in this hobby. Let me tell you it,s great fun and very rewarding. Full of frustrations and challenges that will test you and give you reason to learn and not be beat.
Thanks for sharing my joy of this hoppy and looking at my gear.
Here is a telescope I started assembling in Los Angeles in the 1960s....5 years ago I dragged it to Sydney and started a big job on rebuilding. The first problem was how to get the polar axis turning the "correct" way. I can post photos of the mod if anyone is interested. The mount is a beast...very heavy and not very steady, but the scope weighs around 50 lbs. To head of any possible excitement, no, it's not an original Cave refractor. It's got a great 5" F15 lens though, and I built the tube and baffles. The upgrades includes a Moonlite electronic focuser and a dovetail mounting system. The original configuration of the mount would not allow for any tube rotation. (That's not actually true - from the photo you can see some straps around the tube...they were so weak that Cave replaced them and just bolted the scope right onto the mount!) I also scratch built the drive corrector - old technology, the RA drive motor is a 60hz synchronous motor so just running it in Australia with a step down transformer was not an option. I can post more details if anyone interested. The "Santa Barbara" photo shows the original version of the mount and scope...
Nice! I love a slow, classic refractor with all those finders attached.
I took delivery of my portable 12" goto sdm today. I am waiting for an 18" compact sdm to be finished in oct 2011 but in the mean time have a look at this work of art. I have loved every sdm I have ever seen and this is no exception. The level of detail is a testament to Peter's skill and sharp eye. I am very happy with his work. well here it is:
cheers stacey
my scope
12 inch meade lightbridge
I just bought recently second hand.It is my first big dob.
it looks a bit like the AAT (Anglo Australian Telescope).
these came as bonus extras with it :
3 lockable wheels on the bottom of dob box
bonus black shroud
There is something about a "live" view through a telescope that is very difficult to capture in photographs, no matter how spectacular
Ready to catch ancient light from the universe!! This is a great complement to my other telescopes ( 4inch,5in,6inch refractors and 10 inch dob)
i may be able to see ufos in space but won't have close ups of them like the US spy satellites.
