Lightbridge Modifications

[astronut (John)]

Here are a few mods I've made to my 12" Lightbridge.
1. first photo is a 12v SLA battery, wired up to a control box. The box is doubled fused for the fan and the switched pot. The pot controls the eyepiece heater and a heater for a future optical finder.
The wiring runs inside the truss and then is held in place with velcro. The heater is also homemade.
The circuit board needed to contol the heaters was put together by a friend of mine.
I hope this helps other LB owners who would like to head down this road.
Apart from the batteries that are about $25 each, the remainder of the parts cost about $40.
The two cases carry my eyepieces 26mm Meade 2" QX, Widescan 111, 16mm 84AFOV, 24mm Ultima, 17mm Celstron Plossl and Meade Shorty Barlow + assorted filters.
The second case has two SLA batteries, Orion Collimator and my red headlight torch.
I put together the chart table from plumbing supplies and 4 ply and a healthy coating of Marine varnish.
The denver chair was put togther by the same friend that built the circuit board for me. It all fits neatly into my Laser along with my freezer suit and nibblies to keep up the energy on those loooong observing sessions.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

1. first photo is ...

... photo?

[ving (David)]

are your photos too big john? they dont seem to have loaded so you may have to resize them.
sounds good though

[astronut (John)]

Sorry about that The images are now in place

[ving (David)]

thats one serious looking setup john!

[iceman (Mike)]

Great stuff John! Looks excellent. A job well done.

[dhumpie]

Wow! Nice mods (and setup)....

Darren

[matt]

Excellent work John.

Of course, you know you'll have DP and Asimov on your case. That's just far too neat and tidy a job!

[astronut (John)]

Thanks Guys, Do you think I should rough it up a bit, before they see it

[stringscope (Ian)]

Your LB mods look really nice John. Also your Denvers chair and chart table look nicely made and practical.

Cheers,

[circumpolar (Matt)]

Well done astronut.

Q: Regarding photo number 3. The focus nobs on your lightbridge are not parallel with the scope. Can it be rotated?, or is set in this position?

[astronut (John)]

Hi Matt, There is a small set screw on either side of the focuser, you just have to loosen them with a allen key and you can rotate the focuser in any direction you choose.
This is the same focuser that all the G.S.O. scopes have, so I'd say that it's possible if you have one of these.
I came across this suggestion on the CN forum, otherwise I don't think I would have noticed.

Originally Posted by circumpolar

Well done astronut.

Q: Regarding photo number 3. The focus nobs on your lightbridge are not parallel with the scope. Can it be rotated?, or is set in this position?

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Watching the mods with interest - Astro have you had any update on the brake?

Cheers Petra

[astronut (John)]

Hi Petra, I've spoken to Mike & Don at Bintel and they have said to leave it up to them, and that all will be fixed. I am waiting patiently.
Bobs Knobs should have the new secondary and primary collimation screws available soon, I can't wait the current primary screws are useless.
You can use any of the mods, there isn't any copyright on them

Originally Posted by spacezebra

Watching the mods with interest - Astro have you had any update on the brake?

Cheers Petra

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi John

I have lodged my concerns about the brake also.

I must admit that the collimation screws are a little confusing as they all appear to have a hand in the adjustment, not just the three. So I am looking to see what Bob has to offer.

Many thanks - I would like to use some of your ideas esp the power supply - I have been looking around for the ideal one and there you have it. You are a great inspiration for me to start getting into mods on my scope.

Cheers Petra