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

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Equipment Discussions >> Equipment

Pages: << 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | (show all)

gpelf
super member

Reged: 12/28/11

Loc: Kentucky

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

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5248765 - 05/31/12 12:07 PM Attachment (122 downloads)

Here`s one:

I work for a electronics repair center and have access to
these in 8" / 10" / 12" I Plan on using a pair of them as DOB bearings for an 8" F/8 scope I am building (They are passive speakers out of subwoofers) The 8" ones weigh in at 1 lb. after removing cone from speaker.

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munchmeister
super member

Reged: 04/04/12

Loc: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

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

[Re: gpelf]
#5260454 - 06/07/12 04:22 PM Attachment (122 downloads)

Lordy, I love this thread. I'm always looking for el cheapo ways to do things for my hobbies and pastimes and my recent re-entry into astronomy gives me another reason to express my depression era genetics.

I don't have too many pictures to share, but this one has a few of my low cost adaptations. Love the ideas shared here... I've created a page using Evernote (a very handy computer "notebook.") with many of your ideas so I don't lose them!

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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/26/10

Loc: Moonstone Observatory

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

[Re: munchmeister]
#5275334 - 06/17/12 09:09 AM Attachment (92 downloads)

Heres how to quickly make up a solar projection screen.

1.) Get a piece of plastic pipe that is about the same diameter as the viewfinder holder.
2.) Pushed a cork into one end.
3.) Attached the white inside cover of a paper notebook to the cork with a flat head wood screw.
4.) Your done.

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CarlosLM
member

Reged: 05/23/12

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

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5281594 - 06/21/12 12:06 AM

Darth Vader lightsaber used as red flashlight...

Ok, just kidding

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DoctorNoodle
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/14/07

Loc: Lawn Guyland, NY

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

[Re: CarlosLM]
#5282392 - 06/21/12 02:39 PM

Quote:

Darth Vader lightsaber used as red flashlight...

Ok, just kidding

I don't see why not.

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Smittty692k4
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/05/11

Loc: East Bernard, TX

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

[Re: DoctorNoodle]
#5283618 - 06/22/12 10:50 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Darth Vader lightsaber used as red flashlight...

Ok, just kidding

I don't see why not.

Here yall go!!

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ASTERON
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/24/07

Loc: ISRAEL

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

[Re: john gabriel]
#5283897 - 06/22/12 01:46 PM

Don't know if this helps but I posted in this thread ( 5125009 and 5125011) about using soft drink plastic bottle caps as eyepiece caps (see page 19 of this thread). Sorry about the numbers, I have no IDE how to make a link to my post.

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ASTERON
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 11/24/07

Loc: ISRAEL

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

[Re: john gabriel]
#5283908 - 06/22/12 01:54 PM

Quote:

Hi everyone,
I've posted elsewhere on CN forums, but probably not here. Can anyone please recall for me the thread about plastic caps off of household products that work as dust covers for EP's, scopes, etc.? It's a goodie, but I forgot to mark it! Many thanks!
John

Hi I don't know if this is what you are looking for , but I posted two pictures of soft drink bottle caps used as eyepiece caps. They are on the 19th page of this thread (with photos)

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john gabriel
sage

Reged: 12/13/11

Loc: Southern California

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

[Re: ASTERON]
#5286882 - 06/24/12 02:35 PM

Actually, this link is the one I was looking for. It is for household items, but more specifically about dust covers / caps than this thread. Thanks.
John

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yowser
member

Reged: 09/14/08

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? [Re: Jack Tripper]
#5299005 - 07/02/12 08:06 AM

My latest "non-astronomy" item that I use is a scuba weight as a counterweight. After modifying a Vixen R200SS with a heavier dual speed focuser, Paracorr, and going to heavier 2" 100* eyepieces, I had a major balance issue. The scuba weights are just the right size and have a curvature to hug the tube and holds with velcro. I chose a 3 lb vinyl coated weight but other sizes are available. It should also work for dobs.

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StarStuff1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/01/07

Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line

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

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5321980 - 07/17/12 01:27 PM Attachment (65 downloads)

A few years ago I obtained an aluminum walker as a "freebie" IIRC. With a little modification it was easily turned into a step stool with handles for kids to grip to.

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StarStuff1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/01/07

Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line

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

[Re: StarStuff1]
#5321989 - 07/17/12 01:30 PM Attachment (49 downloads)

The top of the step is about 14 inches from the ground. It is sturdy but lightweight and folds up compactly for travel.
Note the stair tread material to help prevent slips.

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shrevestan
professor emeritus

Reged: 04/19/12

Loc: Shreveport, LA

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

[Re: StarStuff1]
#5322011 - 07/17/12 01:51 PM

Very cool idea.

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Bob Myler
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 05/18/06

Loc: St Louis, MO

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

[Re: StarStuff1]
#5322818 - 07/17/12 10:52 PM

A clear the bases home-run!

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StarStuff1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/01/07

Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line

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

[Re: Bob Myler]
#5322912 - 07/18/12 12:08 AM

Thanks, guys!

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Gastrol
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/04/11

Loc: los angeles

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

[Re: StarStuff1]
#5323937 - 07/18/12 05:58 PM Attachment (57 downloads)

A dumbbell weight plate hanging from a length of T-track

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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 01/25/07

Loc: Albuquerque, NM

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

[Re: Gastrol]
#5324277 - 07/18/12 11:12 PM

THAT is a nice setup. Adjustable slide to get it perfect with each application. Very cool.

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shrevestan
professor emeritus

Reged: 04/19/12

Loc: Shreveport, LA

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

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5327722 - 07/21/12 12:53 AM

I got one of these free for opening up a bank account years ago, and it sat in the closet. Now it has new life as scope tool box and accessory holder, and perfect step stool for either the eyepiece or front lens.

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EyeSage
member

Reged: 06/08/12

Loc: Canukistan

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

[Re: Greyhaven]
#5328897 - 07/21/12 09:30 PM

I have made various replacement knobs and retainer screws using bottle caps and other suitably sized lids as follows.

1. Locate a bolt/machine screw of the needed length and thread size and a cap or lid that will become the knob.
2. Drill a hole just large enough to accommodate the bolt. Caps often have a little dimple right in the centre to make this easy.
3. Push the bolt through and thread a nut from the other end to hold it in place temporarily.
4. Fill the cap with something like auto body filler or fiberglass resin. Let it harden and there you go.

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Mike E.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/26/10

Loc: Moonstone Observatory

Re: "Non-astronomy" equipment adapted for astronomy? [Re: EyeSage]
#5329425 - 07/22/12 08:40 AM Attachment (64 downloads)

I found an "Ironing Board Chair" while searching for books at a thrift shop. It works very well as an observing chair, and only cost £3 pounds British, or about $4.50 cents in US funds.
Never seen one in the States, but they are common here in the UK. This one was made in Italy, is height adjustable and very sturdy.

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