Telescope Reviews: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy?

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Equipment Discussions >> Equipment

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buddyjesus
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/07/10

Loc: Davison, Michigan

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: TL2101]
#4637890 - 06/14/11 12:21 AM

very well made. kudos

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Kchula-Rrit
super member

Reged: 10/17/07

Loc: The Matriarchy of Kzin

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: buddyjesus]
#4639739 - 06/15/11 04:40 AM Attachment (105 downloads)

How about a focus-controller made from a soap dish? I got one of those closed "travel-type" soap holders, mounted a couple of switches and battery holders. Now I can work our Meade electric focuser. The silver clip is a 9V battery holder, the black thing is a AAA battery holder. An SPDT switch sets the speed (9V=fast, 4.5V=slow). An SPDT center-off momentary switch controls direction (in/out). Power-off is when the momentary switch is released.

K-R.

Post Extras:

Kchula-Rrit
super member

Reged: 10/17/07

Loc: The Matriarchy of Kzin

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Kchula-Rrit]
#4639740 - 06/15/11 04:50 AM Attachment (63 downloads)

Oops! The blue switch is a SPST that selects speed, and the red switch is a DPDT center-off to select direction. Here's a picture of it closed.

K-R.

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Kchula-Rrit
super member

Reged: 10/17/07

Loc: The Matriarchy of Kzin

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Kchula-Rrit]
#4639742 - 06/15/11 04:52 AM

Quote:

Oops! The blue switch is a SPST that selects speed, and the red switch is a DPDT center-off to select direction. Here's a picture of it closed.

K-R.

I don't believe it! Got it wrong again! the blue switch is SPDT.

K-R.

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Kchula-Rrit
super member

Reged: 10/17/07

Loc: The Matriarchy of Kzin

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Kchula-Rrit]
#4639773 - 06/15/11 05:57 AM Attachment (106 downloads)

Laptop shade, courtesy of Home Depot "Heavy
Duty Tote with Metal Hinges" for $10.

K-R.

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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/25/07

Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Kchula-Rrit]
#4640175 - 06/15/11 12:16 PM

Very cool

powered soapdish!

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buddyjesus
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 07/07/10

Loc: Davison, Michigan

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Tom Andrews]
#4640400 - 06/15/11 02:05 PM

Your laptop shade looks nice

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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/26/10

Loc: Moonstone Observatory

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: buddyjesus]
#4642510 - 06/16/11 04:35 PM Attachment (109 downloads)

An old "Voting Booth" in suitcase form, which I purchased used; it makes a nice field desk.

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Kchula-Rrit
super member

Reged: 10/17/07

Loc: The Matriarchy of Kzin

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Mike E.]
#4643294 - 06/17/11 01:29 AM

Quote:

An old "Voting Booth" in suitcase form, which I purchased used; it makes a nice field desk.

That's really neat!

K-R.

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csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Mike E.]
#4643786 - 06/17/11 10:35 AM

Wow! That is ideal for astronomy observing!

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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/26/10

Loc: Moonstone Observatory

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: csa/montana]
#4644175 - 06/17/11 02:30 PM

It works out nice. If you notice, there is also a neon light built into the lid. Eventually I will modify it for red light.
Back on May 18th I described the desk in detail, with photos.
The post was titled "Portable Field Desk"; in the "ATM, Optics, and DIY" forum.

Correction: May 18th, not June 18th.

Edited by Mike E. (06/17/11 04:37 PM)

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csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Mike E.]
#4644205 - 06/17/11 02:49 PM

Can't think of a more perfect setup!

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Bill_Marq
member

Reged: 06/07/11

Loc: California and Arizona

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: csa/montana]
#4658806 - 06/25/11 10:29 PM

In regards to the picnic cooler battery carrier I described earlier, I should have mentioned that it is a good idea to leave the top open a crack when in use in order to prevent a buildup of hydrogen. Not much chance of an accident, but safety precautions are always good.

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terence_oh
member

Reged: 05/19/11

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Mike E.]
#4689698 - 07/13/11 12:44 AM

Quote:

An old "Voting Booth" in suitcase form, which I purchased used; it makes a nice field desk.

Thank you so much for this suggestion! I ordered one too after reading your post, and it works great.

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k9yr
super member

Reged: 05/21/08

Loc: Far North suburbs of Chicago

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: terence_oh]
#4722814 - 07/31/11 01:13 PM

I just used a 22 1/2 Weber Kettle weather cover to cover the rocker box assembly of my 16" Truss Dob. It fit perfectly.

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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/26/10

Loc: Moonstone Observatory

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: terence_oh]
#4723104 - 07/31/11 04:33 PM

Quote:

Quote:

An old "Voting Booth" in suitcase form, which I purchased used; it makes a nice field desk.

Thank you so much for this suggestion! I ordered one too after reading your post, and it works great.

Glad it worked out for you like it did for my Wife and I.

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mogur
professor emeritus

Reged: 07/29/11

Loc: WI

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: yowser]
#4744927 - 08/12/11 08:52 PM

An inverted metal washtub to raise the height of my dob base to a more comfortable viewing level.

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okieav8r
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/01/09

Loc: Oklahoma!

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: Jack Tripper]
#4745135 - 08/12/11 11:12 PM Attachment (78 downloads)

A pilot's kneeboard makes a great mini desk for sketching. It frees up your hands at the scope. a comfortable elastic strap holds it securely to your leg. It has a built-in light with brightness control knob, two pencil holders, and even has a built-in pencil sharpener. It will also hold notes or your Pocket Sky Atlas.

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csa/montana
Den Mama

Reged: 05/14/05

Loc: montana

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: okieav8r]
#4745202 - 08/13/11 12:07 AM

Now, that's another great idea!

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BRisley
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/04/06

Loc: SW Florida

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? new

[Re: csa/montana]
#4745231 - 08/13/11 12:36 AM

I found 2" x 32" Hook and Loop Strap at Harbor Freight for 1.99. These are basically velcro attached to a slide ring with the last 4" or so being the hook section. These work great for holding those tripod legs together. You can loop it around one leg, then when closed wrap it around all the legs and secure it. Then it is easy to carry the tripod. When open, either loop it around the center shaft or around one the the leg supports to keep it out of the way. With it looped around the leg, you can't lose it like you can a bungee cord and it is all smooth, so you wont mark up anything or catch the hooks on anything.
Just put one on the Park & Rec c-8 for them, and picked up 3 more for my own tripods.
Hook and Loop Strap

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