Image of the day

Captured by
Michael Scherman

M17 Swan-Omega Celestron C6 Hyperstar2

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Split Level Mirror Box?

Started by web0178230, 07/26/2006 02:12AM
Posted 07/26/2006 02:12AM Opening Post
[COLOR="Purple"]Am I crazy to even try this?

Some background...I was shooting for a nice low profile mirror box. Unfortunately, the [SIZE="Large"]L O N G[/SIZE] truss poles necessitated by my semi-long focal length (f/5.22) mirror have thrown off my balance point by about 4 inches.

Soooo...I've extended the sides of the mirror box where the alt bearings will go by about 6 inches to bring the balance point into the center of the bearings. Now it's a split level mirror "box". I know I could make all of the side longer but that's just more weight. Ultimately I'll get the balance worked out and then trim away anything that I can do without. Should be interesting looking. wink

Is having different sized sides going to cause any issues? I can't think of any major problems. Maybe some flexure but I can address that with some cross pieces if necessary.

Oh well...at least it will be different from all of the usual scopes out there.
Bill[/COLOR]

Attached Image:

web0178230's attachment for post 32630
Posted 07/26/2006 03:37AM #1
Hello:
I did something similar, using welded alimunum tubing. The only problem I've had is with some flexture. The top end of the scope can "wag" from side to side a little, which can be annoying at high powers. Some corner braces would solve the problem. Lightening the top end is an easier way to solve the problem.

Cheers
Mike Connelley
Posted 07/26/2006 03:44AM #2
How about an "A" shaped doubler running up the inside or something with a nice decorative shape to add rigidity?

[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue grin
Amateur Imager