[COLOR="Purple"]Still struggling with building this scope. :S The long focal length is making everything kinda difficult compared to past ATM projects. I'm tempted to bail out on this 18.75" f/5.22 celluler mirror and go to a traditional 18" f/4 mirror in 1.6" thickness. Mirror weight would be about the same and I'd take 26" off of the eyepiece height. Cool down would take longer but fans can help in that area.
Anyway, before I abandon this scope, I'll try to overcome the issues and see if maybe I'll grow to love it's quirks. 8O
Here's a pic of the extended mirror box sides. The truss attachments are still down low so any pole can go in any attachment point. The extended sides are only higher to allow the alt bearings to be higher so they are at the center of balance. In the pic you can see one lower side, one higher side, a truss attachment, poles, mirror face and alt bearing on the outside of the extended side.
The poles work fine with the two taller sides so that is not a problem.
Bill[/COLOR]
Anyway, before I abandon this scope, I'll try to overcome the issues and see if maybe I'll grow to love it's quirks. 8O
Here's a pic of the extended mirror box sides. The truss attachments are still down low so any pole can go in any attachment point. The extended sides are only higher to allow the alt bearings to be higher so they are at the center of balance. In the pic you can see one lower side, one higher side, a truss attachment, poles, mirror face and alt bearing on the outside of the extended side.
The poles work fine with the two taller sides so that is not a problem.
Bill[/COLOR]
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