Posts Made By: David Rutherford

I have been dreaming of a chance to observe in decent skies for a long time - I live in Louisville, KY and our weather stinks. I finally have a few weeks of vacation and will be driving to Phoenix to visit my family. Luckily it will include the new moon (planning on 13-28 March).

I am taking my 14" T-scope built by Ed Taychert in my F-150 4x4 on the long drive. I was hoping to observe around Amarillo (that Clyde Clear Sky Clock looks great) and Albuquerque (not too far from I-40) on the way out and back. Weather permitting, of course.

Just wondering if anyone else had done that route in particular or their thoughts on use of govt land/parks in general. Want to avoid hassles from concerned citizens, cops or Park Rangers. Been there. Coordination for permission to use club observing sites is my first choice, other places where regular observing takes place is also great.

Thanks
David Rutherford

Trying to run power to my Dob's secondary dew heater. Saw that some people have used doll house wire tape to run on the spider so I bought some already. But it's tougher than just soldering two wires together so I've exhausted my electronics for dummies skill set.

The copper tape has some adhesive residue that I need to get off. What's the easiest way to get the tape clean? After brake cleaner, alcohol and sandpaper it still looks like it has a film on it.

Any hints on connecting regular wire to the tape? Is there a good way to make a physical connection so the solder joint will last? Should I strip and twist and solder like it's two round wires or keep the tape flat? I can use the spider bolt and end screw as one conductor but that still leaves two connections I need to make.

Do I need to add more adhesive or a layer of black duct tape to hold the wire tight on the spider? I'm sure it will hold now but I'm worried about it holding when it gets cold and wet.

Thanks

Dave Rutherford

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Wow, I'll have to stop complaining about my weather! Time to get a solar scope?

David

Thanks for the responses. I was using too big a wire on my practice run. I will also try extra flux on the tape. I couldn't tin the tape.

I used an ohm meter to check for resistance along the spider vane. Shouldn't short out from contacting the vane due to the paint but it seems moisture might be a potential problem. Maybe a insulating layer of tape like Jarad is using would help.

I'm not sure whether the best way to finish it is covering the wires with a length of black duct tape or spray paint flat black over everything. Just don't want the thing to be so thick from three layers of tape that I could have just run a wire on top of the spider.

David