Telescope Reviews: First Light: 10" F11 Report

Ed,
Good question. The lenses are all fixed mounted in one upper OTA unit. I can't find a picture this moment so I'll explain.

The theory is that if the prescription of distances and tilts is known to a high degree, then we should be able to build a fixed box to house the upper elements (secondary, L1, L2, focuser). Each unit (secondary, L1, L2, focuser) is attached to an aluminum plate which has tabs on the edges which fit like a puzzle snugly into the square aluminum tube of the upper OTA (or lens box or whatever you want to call it). The thickness of the plates is taken into account for the overall distances and tilts and decenters. Mike and Dave and Kevin have all been extremely generous and helpful. The secondary and the mirror have been siliconed while the focuser is screwed (so to speak).

I have had many challenges to this point with the Chief, but much of that is because of both the rigorous demands of the placements of the optics and my skills and shop tools. To eliminate errors with my adjustable lens holders, I went the fixed route.

Now that I have gotten the newt version working, I have eliminated many flexures in the mount that I had and platform. The newt mount can actually now recieve my Chief ladder and Upper OTA (lens box).

Other difficulties I continue to work on are flexure in the mounting of the secondary, the ladder and the focuser. My problem is that a shift of only 1/16th of an inch from perfect square in any of these components sends my light beam over an inch off center by the time it traverses it's 112" light path.

I believe I have nailed the angle of the secondary, but my focuser mount remains a little wobbly. Again, for a newt the minute wobble is nothing at all, but I worry about the compounded impact of a small error in the focuser board and the secondary and finally any twisting of the ladder.

So here is where I am. I am continuing to finish the newt and will begin my outreaches with it (this is a ministry scope for me above all else) and I will coninue to nail one Chief variable at a time. The Chief variables I need to nail are:
--Twisting of the ladder at every alt level
--Movement of the focuser
--Angle of the secondary to the lenses (I may have finished this part).

Wouldn't it be fun to have a scope that converts from a newt to a Chief and back again in a few minutes?

Thanks for checking in,
Jack