Well, tonight the scope was rolled out, complete except for the commemorative plate for my grandfather. The protostar paper gave nice, dark contrast, and mechanically the scope performed very well. The table served it's purpose very well, and was sturdy and could rotate freely and smoothly. I didn't tighten the main azimuth bolt enough, and the Sky Commander was slipping in azimuth, but I'll take care of that tomorrow. I have a family member helping to make a shroud, but otherwise I'm done. Frankly, I'm burnt trying to get this done in time for the September starparty. I've spent almost every free hour for the past month working on this, and as satisfying as it is to have it all come together like I had hoped, the best part is finishing.
The stellarvue finder works great, but the seeing was so very bad tonight that even the Moon on low power was too much. Tomorrow is the first time I break it down to put it in my car, and I will do so with a grin on my face as I close the tailgate door with room to spare.
Thanks to all for the encouragement and the advice.
Guy
PS here was the goal image I had put together before I started this rebuild, plus the old scope.
The stellarvue finder works great, but the seeing was so very bad tonight that even the Moon on low power was too much. Tomorrow is the first time I break it down to put it in my car, and I will do so with a grin on my face as I close the tailgate door with room to spare.
Thanks to all for the encouragement and the advice.
Guy
PS here was the goal image I had put together before I started this rebuild, plus the old scope.
16" f/4.52 ATM Truss Dob, Discovery Mirror
Denk II w/nags junkie
