94 replies to this topic

[Yonsayvitch]

So I have the cell cleaned up and seems to look good.  I haven't put it back together because I'm letting the focuser soak with a little WD-40 to the ring. Couldn't unscrew the focuser so removed it from down inside the tube.  More difficult to reattach that way. Talking to Daleen at AP they can't do anything about the dew shield, decal for dew shield or the fasteners.  I can have a DS made but need to know the exact dimensions.  And need a decal. And still if collimation is off I will send it. Chas sold me his AP800 mount so it'll be period correct.  Just need to find or make a pier stand.  It'll eventually get there. 

[R Botero]

You could ask Daleen if they would facilitate the design of the decal and have it made/printed locally? They may do so if for your own use only.

Good treatment for the focuser. It will clean up nice and once greased it will be buttery smooth unless someone has given it a good whack.

Post pictures of your progress! I wish I had take some when I restored my StarFire EDF.

Roberto

Edited by R Botero, 06 April 2025 - 04:07 AM.

[starman876]

So I have the cell cleaned up and seems to look good.  I haven't put it back together because I'm letting the focuser soak with a little WD-40 to the ring. Couldn't unscrew the focuser so removed it from down inside the tube.  More difficult to reattach that way. Talking to Daleen at AP they can't do anything about the dew shield, decal for dew shield or the fasteners.  I can have a DS made but need to know the exact dimensions.  And need a decal. And still if collimation is off I will send it. Chas sold me his AP800 mount so it'll be period correct.  Just need to find or make a pier stand.  It'll eventually get there. 

Have you checked with Hastings Pipe to see if they have a dimension pipe that will work as a dewshield?   Or just provide the inside  dimensions you need and I will see if i have anything that will work.

[Yonsayvitch]

Didn't contact them yet. Seeing if someone local could do it. So far a couple shops said if they have scrap tubbing left over they would.  But nothing for what I need. OD is 5.45" give or take a hair. I'm assuming it needs to be aluminum so it's not top heavy. 

Edited by Yonsayvitch, 05 April 2025 - 04:05 PM.

[CHASLX200]

Didn't contact them yet. Seeing if someone local could do it. So far a couple shops said if they have scrap tubbing left over they would.  But nothing for what I need. OD is 5.45" give or take a hair. I'm assuming it needs to be aluminum so it's not top heavy. 

I think the piers AP makes are from Hasting as well.

[Yonsayvitch]

Ok so the Hastings company is out of Hastings Nebraska? Irrigation pipe company? Just want to clarify before calling and they have no idea what I'm talking about.  

[deSitter]

Ok so the Hastings company is out of Hastings Nebraska? Irrigation pipe company? Just want to clarify before calling and they have no idea what I'm talking about.  

 

They likely have a red phone to which astro inquiries are directed, staffed by an intern reading from a script. They will not be surprised.

 

-drl

[jragsdale]

Ok so the Hastings company is out of Hastings Nebraska? Irrigation pipe company? Just want to clarify before calling and they have no idea what I'm talking about.  

Email Jose at jperea@hipco-ne.com. He can set you up with the pipe, but caution, they have steep minimums and shipping fees.

[Wildetelescope]

Well, that certainly was a deal!    I thought I got a steal when I got my 5 inch F8 starfire for around 2K.  I think you will enjoy it.  My F9 152 starfire also had trouble bringing eyepieces to focus with a 2 inch mirror.   I switched to a 2 inch prism and that solved the problem.   Enjoy!   that is a great find!

 

JMD

[RichA]

Didn't contact them yet. Seeing if someone local could do it. So far a couple shops said if they have scrap tubbing left over they would.  But nothing for what I need. OD is 5.45" give or take a hair. I'm assuming it needs to be aluminum so it's not top heavy. 

This stuff is sold in 30ft lengths normally.  I'd ask the selling company what happens to the offcuts.

[CHASLX200]

This stuff is sold in 30ft lengths normally.  I'd ask the selling company what happens to the offcuts.

Heck you can make a bunch of AP scopes then,

[starman876]

This stuff is sold in 30ft lengths normally.  I'd ask the selling company what happens to the offcuts.

are you talking about the smaller diameter pipe or any diameter pipe?   I recently bought a 5' section of 12.5" diameter pipe. Shipping was expensive.

[Yonsayvitch]

The 5 inch pipe for the dew shield. I would imagine they also have scrap pieces. I just got back from a metal fab shop in town. They took measurements and will let me know Monday. I also need a pier for a AP800 mount that I got from CHAS. Have a question on that. The mount slides in the 8 inch tube but at the bottom where the legs connect is it thicker for bracing the legs? All that weight sitting on 3 small points.  

[Yonsayvitch]

I just answered my own question on the pier tube. I didn't know it was a separate piece at the bottom.   

[Kitfox]

The pier for the 800 is VERY stout at the bottom!

 

I just answered my own question on the pier tube. I didn't know it was a separate piece at the bottom.   

[CHASLX200]

The pier for the 800 is VERY stout at the bottom!

My AP pier was diff than the newer one's. It had knobs at the bottom.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Yonsayvitch]

Without the AP bottom plate I can always weld in a thicker piece of tube. Or the whole tube 1/8 inch or so thick. Look a little odd when the mount is on but at least I won't have any issues. 

[kgb]

Without the AP bottom plate I can always weld in a thicker piece of tube. Or the whole tube 1/8 inch or so thick. Look a little odd when the mount is on but at least I won't have any issues.

I wonder if this might fit?

https://www.astromar...-dew-shield-nos

[RichA]

are you talking about the smaller diameter pipe or any diameter pipe?   I recently bought a 5' section of 12.5" diameter pipe. Shipping was expensive.

Yes, 4, 5, 6 inch, etc.  30ft lengths make sense because this material is used to irrigate farms.  No 7ft lengths, too short.  

[Yonsayvitch]

I wonder if this might fit?

https://www.astromar...-dew-shield-nos

Sent a message to take a measurement. Worth a shot.  Thanks!