rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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By looking through the glass plate...while it is fixed to the tube adapter for the lens cell. You can visually see the laser bounce back toward its origin. Once done..you are assured the tube adapter is collimated.
Mark it and drill...tap...and bolt it in place.
It's all good.
Rob
Rob,
I like this collimation concept. I wish I would have used it in conjunction with the focuser laser collimation method I performed on my 127mm. Nevertheless, I still could do it after the fact! I just need a disk of glass with an aluminized central spot. Perhaps Surplus Shed may have some offerings. Where did you acquire yours?
Mel
Mel...dude...I made mine. Simple enough to find a glass disk from a clock...or small craft glass disk. Use your imagination. Then I fixed a compac mirror(the kind found in womans powder compacts) to its center. it's not rocket science..because..of the focal length. once the laser beam hits the mirror it returns to where ever the glass disc is aiming...and if its flush agains your tube adapter it will allow you to align the adapted according to the beams return. Generaly you can find a frame shop that has small amounts of glass you can have cut to match your dapater aperture. This kind of glass is pretty flat and adequate for the job.
Good luck...with it. 
Rob
Hey Rob!
I know... I know...  I should have known better. Thanks for the notes on how to make one. I will be adding this to the list of projects I already have on my plate.
Mel
Yeah it's easy to make and it really aids in aligning the adapter plate/ring into a tube that is a press fitted designed.
You can even test your system that screws onto the tube to see how square it really is to the focuser.
Rob 
Thanks, Rob... I will work on this once I have completed building the tripod for the 127mm; which has been delayed due to other more important circumstances.
Mel
Mel...I know what you're talkin about.
I've been so busy with the new tennants next door....I've done nothing...but tinker on Droids mirror a bit.
Can't wait to see your project.
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Hey Rob,
Speaking of Droid. I look forward to seeing the 80mm finder bracket you will build for him. One of these days I will have to commission you to fabricate something for me! 
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4047
Loc: ohio
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Mel; that might be a while.I just got back to work off lay off for the summer, bills and vehicle repairs are taking all my resources right now.I just wanted to know if Rob could do it.
Then ,assuming murphy doesnt visit Rob, when the 13 inch mirror arrives Itll take any resources I can throw towards it ,without getting divorced... 
So far Ive traded with rob for the mirror , a cloudy nighter donated a 2 inch focuser, and I think another cloudy nighter is going to give me a secondary mirror.
Spider and mirror cell, still unaccounted for.Not to mention the coating,lol.
Wouldnt one of his Buck rogers finder mounts look cool on top of a large reflector though?????
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12 inch Truss Reflector "John"
102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Mel; that might be a while.I just got back to work off lay off for the summer, bills and vehicle repairs are taking all my resources right now.I just wanted to know if Rob could do it.
Then ,assuming murphy doesnt visit Rob, when the 13 inch mirror arrives Itll take any resources I can throw towards it ,without getting divorced...
So far Ive traded with rob for the mirror , a cloudy nighter donated a 2 inch focuser, and I think another cloudy nighter is going to give me a secondary mirror.
Spider and mirror cell, still unaccounted for.Not to mention the coating,lol.
Wouldnt one of his Buck rogers finder mounts look cool on top of a large reflector though?????
Yeah..I can do it...just need what your dovetail looks like. Assuming its the typical Orion/Celestron mounting..then its easy.
Back to work on the mirror today..the new tool is doing very nicely...and sure enough the edge is turned down so...we'll have to remove a bit more glass to bring it into unity with the entire sphere. That's no problem.
Cutting another 13" for someone else too....so I'm busy.
Automated operations makes this process go my way easier and not having to stand over the operation is a real blessing.
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Hey Rob,
Speaking of Droid. I look forward to seeing the 80mm finder bracket you will build for him. One of these days I will have to commission you to fabricate something for me!
Mel
No problem...if I can.
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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Hi Rob. i haven't popped in to ATM for a while. Nice work! I sure hope I get to look through it some day!
I wasn't sure about the color scheme at first but it's really grown on me. Looks classy!
Now finish Droid's mirror and get that cell mounted, chop chop, so you can post a picture of the Moon or Jupe or something. 
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Hi Rob. i haven't popped in to ATM for a while. Nice work! I sure hope I get to look through it some day!
I wasn't sure about the color scheme at first but it's really grown on me. Looks classy!
Now finish Droid's mirror and get that cell mounted, chop chop, so you can post a picture of the Moon or Jupe or something.
Thanks Scott. I knew the color was a winner...Clay helped.
Yeah...doing lots of work in the optical shop...cutting and making mirrors. I'll get a new 13" cut out today(yeah..another one)...and am firing up the machine to work on Droids mirror. I've backed off on the tube adapter for the 10"f/15 till I can get out to my cuz's and get on his massive lathe. Lots of sticks in the fire for sure.
I'll keep this thread active with stuff. I might do some retro work on the spotter mounts before I cut the tube.
What do you think of the new spotter and its mount?
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
Scott Horstman
Vendor- Backyard Observatories
Reged: 03/11/04
Posts: 8074
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Quote:
What do you think of the new spotter and its mount?
Most awesome!
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droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4047
Loc: ohio
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Rob : I know youve been busy with a pain in the mirror shop, and now have a few mirrors in process, but hye any news on the 10 inch refractor??? updates, news, etc?
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12 inch Truss Reflector "John"
102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Rob : I know youve been busy with a pain in the mirror shop, and now have a few mirrors in process, but hye any news on the 10 inch refractor??? updates, news, etc?
Unfortunately..I've done nothing with the 10"f/15.
It sits amidts my mirrors and is waiting its day. I want to finish up with my mirror orders first. I can always work on it this winter. Everything is ready for me to turn the tube adapter and cut the tube.
I wish there were more of me to go around.....
I'll be letting everyone know when that time comes.
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 574
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Tell you what, Rob! You can send it to the Vega Sky Center for testing and validation...
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Tell you what, Rob! You can send it to the Vega Sky Center for testing and validation...
Mel
LOL... If I only had the time.... 
Droid's mirror is giving me fits..and I can't seam to get the edge under control.....grrrrrr 
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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If you do send it Rob make sure it's UPS.  Oh lighten up...jjeesh Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
If you do send it Rob make sure it's UPS. Oh lighten up...jjeesh Mike
You guys......
My 10"f/15 is staying right here. However.....I'll entertain the notion of you coming and helping me.....
Rob(My hobby has become HUGE) 
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Well after many months working on mirrors..I've decided to put some time into the 10"f/15.
I finalized the design to fix the tube adapter to the tube.
The part of the adapter that fits inside the tube is 1/4" to small in its radius...meaning the OD of the adapter that will slide inside the tube needs a 1/4" shim to bolt to it and then be used to secure the adapter to the tube.
I devised a slick way of ding it. I rolled 1/8" x 2" stock around the adapter...and then rolled another 1/8" around it. Equaling 1/4"/ Then I'll bolt both pieces down with countersunk 1/4.20 flush taper head bolts. Once done...I'll sand these bolts down completel to patch the curve. Once done the pieces will be one nice *tough* piece....that will slide into the tube..giving me a cool taperd dew cap flange..to slide the dew cap over.
The lens cell screws into the adpater and all done.
My original plan was to turn the adapter on the lathe...but too much material would have to be removed and I didn't want to compromise the integrity of the adapter.
Here's adrawing of the work-up
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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BradleyB
sage
Reged: 09/01/06
Posts: 267
Loc: Olympia, WA
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I like that Rob, turning down the adapter had me worried that it might end up too thin at one point.
Brad
Edited by BradleyB (11/04/09 10:52 PM)
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Well after bolting the rings on and sanding..I test fit the adapter to the tube.....snug fit.
Here is an image it of partially fitted.
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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And another view....
I measured the 150" focal length from the EP location to the tube end and marked the location the tube will need to be cut. It's about 10"(Imagine that...)from the current end.
Slick thing about my design is that the cut ends do not have to be perfectly square(though they will be close).
I'll need to also remove the amount that the cell adapter uses to hold the lens. Roughly another 2". I built adequate back focuse adjustment in the design so no problems.
Once cut I will clean up the ends and press fit the adapter..then place the 10 1/2" glass sphere I had made in it and after fixing a small mirror to its center...shoot a lazer down the tube from the EP and align the adapter.
Once done..drill and bolt it tight.
Then the fun part comes......screwing in the large lens cell and testing it.........
I'm so excited....I can hardly keep from shaking.....
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4047
Loc: ohio
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Rob; this is great news...I await a first light report.Good work that.
But hey no shaking around my mirror , ok??? huh.. lol.
Can you imagine lunar terminator photographs possible with a monster refractor, oh my.
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12 inch Truss Reflector "John"
102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
|
rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8334
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Rob; this is great news...I await a first light report.Good work that.
But hey no shaking around my mirror , ok??? huh.. lol.
Can you imagine lunar terminator photographs possible with a monster refractor, oh my.
Well...I hope to get to your mirror today..now the tool is finished.
I'm excited about the adapter fitting...and I'll devise a nifty way to cut the tube soon. I might use my router against a gate.....
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
|
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