Telescope Reviews: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF!

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ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)

Reged: 11/07/06

Loc: London, UK

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4401902 - 02/21/11 04:02 PM Attachment (49 downloads)

The other thing that I'd like to invite feedback on is the tapered countercell. This is now a feature on my scopes that I really like (and a bit trademark-y), and the F15m will have it too. However, I think that the tapered section of the countercell shown here next to one of my F15's might be a bit long. I'm thinking that the main run of F15m's should be about 15%-20% shorter and have more of an angle to the taper.

Once again, feedback sought here...

Post Extras:

BillP
Postmaster

Reged: 11/26/06

Loc: Vienna, VA

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4402306 - 02/21/11 06:57 PM

I personally like the longer dew shield. Generally I think the shorter dew shields one sees on 60mms are rather ugly and detract from the long lines of the scope. This longer dew shield looks quite nice IMO and adds to the classic lines.

Difficult to tell on the taper without seeing the entire tube length. But again, I'm liking a longer taper look rather than shorter.

To me, given the smaller diameter tube of a 60, it needs to have some unique features that set it apart from larger brothers. So getting a little radical with the lengths of dew shields and tapers I feels adds to the distinctiveness allowing the little 60 to be its own man as it were.

Edited by BillP (02/21/11 07:01 PM)

Post Extras:

Astrojensen
Post Laureate

Reged: 10/05/08

Loc: Bornholm, Denmark

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: BillP]
#4403118 - 02/22/11 05:01 AM

I am with Bill here! I think it looks nice! Very much looking forward to see the finished scope, but also eager to follow the design/prototype progress. Please keep us updated.

Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark

Post Extras:

Wes James
Postmaster

Reged: 04/12/06

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4404365 - 02/22/11 05:45 PM

Richard- as long as it A) doesn't enter the light path/cause vignetting- and B) is properly blackened/treated inside, I don't see it as a problem! Looking good!
Wes

Post Extras:

ngc2289
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/13/05

Loc: Some Where Around The Maypole.

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: Wes James]
#4404488 - 02/22/11 06:58 PM

I agree with Mr. James!! Looking good!! Mike Traub

Post Extras:

GlenM
Vendor - Lyra Optic

Reged: 05/20/07

Loc: Lancashire England

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4405495 - 02/23/11 08:42 AM Attachment (47 downloads)

I liked the look of the flowing lines of the Tal refractors.

This countercell is for a 100mm F/13. Needs some work yet.

Post Extras:

Wes James
Postmaster

Reged: 04/12/06

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: GlenM]
#4405550 - 02/23/11 09:05 AM

I agree, Glen- looks great!

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4405613 - 02/23/11 09:47 AM

I think that the mini's cell could use some shortening and tapering. Making it look like the bigger f/15 looks like a winner to me.
Remember to keep the dew shield longish though.

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: GlenM]
#4405622 - 02/23/11 09:52 AM Attachment (45 downloads)

Quote:

I liked the look of the flowing lines of the Tal refractors.

This countercell is for a 100mm F/13. Needs some work yet.

This is the counter cell made for my 100mm f/13. I can't complain at all about how it looks or performs.

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: Doug76]
#4405628 - 02/23/11 09:56 AM Attachment (45 downloads)

And this is the scope before it was painted....

Post Extras:

SkyscraperJim
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/29/07

Loc: Providence, RI

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4406951 - 02/23/11 08:04 PM

The length of the dew shield is just right. I find that dew shields on nearly all production refractors are woefully inadequate at doing what their namesake implies. A well-designed refractor shouldn't need to be heated to prevent dew.

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4407041 - 02/23/11 08:57 PM

Quote:

At 160mm in length, the dew shield is a long one. I think this is suitable. It's in keeping with the design, and effective. But perhaps it's too long?

Thoughts welcome here please...

That looks perfect!

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4407066 - 02/23/11 09:10 PM

Quote:

I've now completed the first cell/countercell for the Skylight F15m. As promised (and I wouldn't have it any other way anyway), it will be a collimateable cell.

Yippee!

Quote:

A modern 60mm optic with a collimateable cell does not exist (as far as I'm aware), so I've made one (holes are not drilled or tapped yet):

That is quite true, and more's the pity. However, Sheldon Faworski did make some up, using Carton cells.
http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=32592&sort=&cat=500&page=5

Post Extras:

ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)

Reged: 11/07/06

Loc: London, UK

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: BillP]
#4408848 - 02/24/11 05:20 PM Attachment (42 downloads)

Quote:

To me, given the smaller diameter tube of a 60, it needs to have some unique features that set it apart from larger brothers. So getting a little radical with the lengths of dew shields and tapers I feels adds to the distinctiveness allowing the little 60 to be its own man as it were.

Thanks Bill, your points are well taken.

Here's the first two countercells now finished. I put the first one back on the lathe, slimmed it down and adjusted the taper angle a bit...I kept the length though. I will now order the metal, which will give me the supplies to start machining the countercells in bulk next week.

Post Extras:

ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)

Reged: 11/07/06

Loc: London, UK

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4408849 - 02/24/11 05:22 PM Attachment (47 downloads)

The lens on my new F13 is the wonderful Carton lens...I'm quite familiar with Cartons' work:

Post Extras:

ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)

Reged: 11/07/06

Loc: London, UK

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4408851 - 02/24/11 05:23 PM Attachment (48 downloads)

So it's probably no surprise when you see this clue (hint; trademark Carton/Japan Blue) as to which lens I have chosen to use in my F15m:

Post Extras:

Wes James
Postmaster

Reged: 04/12/06

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4408922 - 02/24/11 05:54 PM

Looks great, Richard!!
Wes

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: Wes James]
#4409054 - 02/24/11 07:12 PM

Indeed it does, and an excellent lens choice.

Post Extras:

Doug76
Long Achro Junkie

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: Refractor Heaven

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: ukcanuck]
#4409057 - 02/24/11 07:13 PM

Quote:

The lens on my new F13 is the wonderful Carton lens...I'm quite familiar with Cartons' work:

Sweet!

Post Extras:

ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)

Reged: 11/07/06

Loc: London, UK

Re: Project: Skylight F15m (mini): launching at NEAF! new

[Re: Doug76]
#4437859 - 03/09/11 04:06 PM Attachment (43 downloads)

Ok, I've had some hiccups trying to get metal stock, but I believe I'm now over that, and expect the main batch of stock to arrive this week.

Regarding tube diameter, I have decided to use a larger OTA tube than I was originally planning. While not the 3" OD that was mentioned earlier on, the 2.75" tube should allow for creative hands to mount a larger focuser onto it should they so desire. I will be installing a 1.25" focuser as standard equipment, but more on that coming soon.

While not as skinny as I had originally envisioned, this slightly wider tube will still have nice elegant proportions.

Also, I cut the first set of finderscope bracket rings today (although they're not drilled or mounted yet)...

Post Extras:

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