12 replies to this topic

[Edward Swaim]

Astronomy Shoppe, http://www.astronomy.../ScopeScout.htm, sells a bracket to put a Sky Scout on a large Newtonian. They include a "disrupter" to reduce magnetic interference.

Any ideas on what it is?

[ion]

Seems like a magnet stuck to the tube in this photo.

[Craig]

The point seems to be that ferrous metal (e.g., steel) throws off the device. The bracket there is a lot taller to get it further from the metal of the tube.

Craig

[Scott in NC]

Here you go:

disruptor definition 1

disruptor definition 2

Make sure that you read the manual carefully before using it around your astro gear, as use by the unskilled can be quite dangerous!

[Edward Swaim]

That would get me arrested quick.

I realize the skyscout has to be away from iron, and I've built a standoff that works. I am still curious how a little passive gizmo would negate the interference.

[Scott in NC]

With all seriousness, I'd like to know as well. Unfortunately a web search didn't come up with much (hence my Star Trek nonsense post above).

[Craig]

Seriously - I think it's just a non-ferrous stand-off to get you further away from the tube so that you don't have interference with it.

Craig

[Scott in NC]

Thanks, Craig--that sounds logical.

[Edward Swaim]

Though the standoff is longer for larger telescopes, the manufacturer provides a small, plastic rectangle with a lightning bolt embossed on it as a "disrupter" (sic). Maybe it is a magnet that one twists around until it overcomes the interference from the steel telescope tube.

[Binojunky]

A bar of Romulan laxative chocolate?? DA.

[dougf]

Edward, google "inverse square law" for a clear and broad definition of the physics.

Basically, the inverse square law states that the strength of the field is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.

[Andy92865]

I GOT THE MOUNT FROM ASTRONOMY SHOP FOR MY Z12 AND INSTALLED IT AND THE DISRUPTER DOSE NOT WORK, ON MY DOB THE TUBE GIVES OFF TO MUCH INTERFERANCE FOR THE DISRUPTER TO DO ANY GOOD.

[Andy92865]

sorry about the caps