Return to the Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews home pageAstronomics discounts for Cloudy Nights members
· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User
You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Equipment Discussions >> Mounts
Previous thread Previous   Index   Next thread Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1
fishonkevin
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 04/29/07

Loc: Michigan
Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new
      #5367985 - 08/14/12 09:52 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Hi Folks,
I picked up an updated reticle for the polarscope of my Losmandy GM-8 and I am having trouble removing the old one. Have any of you replaced your reticle? I can't seem to get the retaining ring to unthread. Do you need a special tool?

Thanks, Kevin

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Phil Sherman
Pooh-Bah


Reged: 12/07/10

Loc: Cleveland, Ohio
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: fishonkevin]
      #5371167 - 08/16/12 07:34 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

I've never seen a Losmandy polarscope but do know that most retaining rings have two slots in them for a tool called a "spanner wrench" It's two small screwdrivers mounted on a bar that allows you to adjust the distance between them to fit different sized rings. Set it to fit the slots in the rings and you can just unscrew the ring. I've also seen some rings that have small holes instead of slots. THe holes serve the same purpose and a good spanner wrench kit will include a number of tips to fit different types of rings.

Phil

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
DaveJ
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 01/07/05

Loc: NE Ohio
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: Phil Sherman]
      #5371210 - 08/16/12 08:29 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Quote:

I've never seen a Losmandy polarscope but do know that most retaining rings have two slots in them for a tool called a "spanner wrench" It's two small screwdrivers mounted on a bar that allows you to adjust the distance between them to fit different sized rings. Set it to fit the slots in the rings and you can just unscrew the ring. I've also seen some rings that have small holes instead of slots. THe holes serve the same purpose and a good spanner wrench kit will include a number of tips to fit different types of rings.



Here's the one I purchased. Rather pricy, but believe me, it's a life-time investment. Since getting it, I've used it for a number of projects with perfect results.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
fishonkevin
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 04/29/07

Loc: Michigan
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: DaveJ]
      #5371225 - 08/16/12 08:39 AM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Thanks Phil and Dave. I figured it would take a special tool. But now I know what the tool is called, and can find one locally.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Startraffic
sage
*****

Reged: 02/12/06

Loc: Lat. 39.143345, Long. -77.1748...
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: fishonkevin]
      #5374679 - 08/18/12 01:06 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Kevin,
After you get the retaining ring out, there are also 3 centering screws that you'll need to adjust to center the reticule in the PA. Be careful when adjusting the reticule. Too tight & you'll hear a tiny little "crack" & you'll need another reticule. DAMHIKT I put a tiny dab of silicon on each of the screws & let it set up overnight. You don't need a lot, just enough to cushion the reticule from the screws. HTH

Clear Dark Skies
Startraffic
39.138274 -77.168898

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
fishonkevin
Pooh-Bah
*****

Reged: 04/29/07

Loc: Michigan
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: Startraffic]
      #5379254 - 08/21/12 12:08 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Thanks Startraffic, I'll keep that tip in mind. Right now I'm still working on getting the spanner wrench.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Startraffic
sage
*****

Reged: 02/12/06

Loc: Lat. 39.143345, Long. -77.1748...
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: fishonkevin]
      #5413537 - 09/10/12 03:03 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

Kevin,
Try this http://www.harborfreight.com/watch-case-opener-91550.html. Worked for me.

Clear Dark Skies
Startraffic
39.138274 -77.168898

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
SergeC
member
*****

Reged: 03/23/12

Loc: Gainesville, FL
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle new [Re: Startraffic]
      #5413692 - 09/10/12 04:38 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

A small harwood block with two nails/brads driven in the right distance apart can serve as a spanner in a pinch...

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Geo.
Carpal Tunnel
*****

Reged: 10/01/08

Loc: Upstate NY
Re: Replacing a Polarscope Reticle [Re: SergeC]
      #5415718 - 09/11/12 04:57 PM
Edit post Edit   Reply to this post Reply   Reply to this post Quote Quick Reply: Quick Reply  

On Flea bay they start at $16. Search "Lens Spanner Wrench"

Edited by Geo. (09/11/12 04:58 PM)

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1

Previous thread Previous   Index   Next thread Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
23 registered and 42 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  Bowmoreman, bilgebay, iceblaze 

Print Thread

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled


Thread views: 519

Jump to

CN Forums Home


Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics