X10i modification

Hello Everybody.

Inspired by Floyd Blue's modifications on his Orion 10" dob I decided to give them it a try myself. I didn't have too much luck with the focuser. I've since given up and ordered a replacement crayford. Next up is a cooling fan, but I thought I'd share what I've just finished.

In a seated position I found it awkward to see the screen on the computer when it was Velcro'ed to the base and it was very difficult to hold with one hand while moving the scope with the other. I remembered a post and picture awhile back showing a controller holder on a post for a DSC computer. Here is my take on it. It cost practically nothing as I used scraps of oak and a dowel left over from my observing chair. I painted the dowel and the cleat that holds it gloss black to blend in with the base. The holder is then attached to the dowel by a hole on the back. It is just held on by gravity so it sets up and breaks down quickly and can be swiveled right to left. It moves with the base so it is always in the right possition. It is surprisingly sturdy as the holes the dowels go into are 2" deep. I haven't observed with it yet, but I think it'll be a nice handy upgrade when I do.

Attached Image:

Hi Jim,
Wow, I like that a lot! I like the chair too! I have one of those myself.
Hmm, could not get the Mod done on the focuser huh? :S Dang, I thought I had made it pretty easy to see how to do it. But a new focuser is not a bad thing!

The fan really needs a plate like I posted. Let me quote a customer that wrote me.

>I figured seeing would be bad and almost just went with my ED-80 but I put the 10 incher scope out anyway. About 30 minutes later, I gave it a try on Rigel and Saturn...

>Pretty amazing, the scope was nearly cooled down and the views were steady and amazingly sharp. As the evening progressed, I got some very nice views of Saturn, sharp and clear, really some of the best ever. I can't wait to try the fan on the bigger scope.

>Yes, it really does work. My previous attempts at attaching fans used much larger fans that were not sealed by a plate and they suffered from vibration. Your design keeps the fan small so it is smooth and free from vibration and the plate across the back seals it so it is efficient...