The current gate closure time is 7 p.m. After that time, a code is needed for park entry (& access to the astronomy field).



February 2010 Update

Hello everyone.  Here’s a mile stone for you, the truss tube is 99% complete.  I took advantage of our cancelled chapter meeting this Saturday to do some assembly.

This is a shot of the primary cell with 16″ mirror (below).  I decided to assemble the scope around the primary cell with the mirror in place.  With the Plexiglass dust cover in place, there’s no danger of dropping a screw and damaging the surface, and this made assembly much easier.  The OTA is heavy, but manageable, even with the primary mirror in place.

 

w_truss_snow2010-005 

 

Our 1/20th wave 98% reflective secondary is attached to its cell as well, ready for insertion into the spider (below).

 

w_truss_snow2010-014

 

I started by assembling the lower cage…

 

w_truss_tube_2010_feb-003

 

Then the upper assembly, with focuser.  This focuser is a compromise.  I reconditioned and modified the Meade focuser, to make it a lower profile mechanism.  It seems smooth and looks relatively nice, but hopefully we can replace it in the future with a higher end model.

 

w_truss_tube_2010_feb-014

 

Then the steel spine and aluminum braces were added…

 

w_truss_tube_2010_feb-017

 

And soon, the OTA was completely assembled.  I haven’t mounted the secondary in its spider just yet.  I’ll do that after mounting the assembly on that massive Byers German Equatorial, and then I’ll collimate as well.

 

w_truss_tube_2010_feb-028

 

The next update will include photos of the OTA on the Byers mount.  If anybody wants to join me for first light, just let me know.

Dark skies,
Larry