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A bit more progress today.


Graham

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Made the most of the good weather today.

 

First job was to weld the extension onto the counter weight bar.

 

Then came the task of fitting the loaded mirror cell which weighs in at probably the best part of 30 to 40 Kilos.

 

I remember the trouble I had when I first assembled this scope, I decided I needed a cunning plan.

 

The solution I came up with was to spin the scope and mount round until the scope was in the vertical position and as clear as possible of the pier.

I fitted a steel bar across the scope using the side bracing's allowing me to hang a chain block inside the scope.

 

A nylon strop was passed through the center of the mirror cell and hitched onto the chain block.

It was then a simple matter of winching the mirror cell up and into place.

 

Half way up I had to tilt the cell over a bit to clear the rim of the pier.

As I did this the sun chose that exact moment to come out and caught the mirror full bore which promptly removed all the hairs off my left arm. ?

After covering the mirror with my jumper to avoid any further incidents I lifted it into place. 

 

Once the mirror cell was secured in place the chain block was removed and I could start breathing again.

 

Next task was to fit the focuser and secondary mirror and align them up.

 

Hopefully I will get a chance to collimate it ready for when the motors arrive.

 

Quite pleased with the balance.

It is slightly nose heavy but once I get the shroud fitted around the mirror that should be canceled out.

 

 

More to follow as it happens.

 

 

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Sounds like your hoist worked to plan.

 

I love the smell of burning arm hair in the mornng.

Joking aside that could have been nasty.

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The irony of it all is that was the only clear bit of sunshine I have had all day. ?

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Unfortunately not Ron. Had a slight mishap this afternoon ( see shout box)  

Will take some tomorrow. 

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A couple of photos of the new rig.

 

This give you a good idea of the size of this lot.

This is my AZ EQ6 in the foreground.

I had to relocate it in the obs to give me enough room to rotate the new set up.

 

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ST 80 fitted as a finder scope.

 

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Straight down the middle.

 

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I have now set up the secondary using a laser.

All I need now is a clear night so I can collimate the primary.

Edited by Graham
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