mount for conical mirror

Any tips on where to buy a lightweight mirror mount that's compatible with the Royce conical mirrors (8" model)?

My most-used scope is a 10" f/5.2 dob. It's nice, but I'd like something a little smaller, that's easier to carry outside and allows seated viewing. It looks like I could make an 8" f/6 ota at about 10 pounds, which I think would be pretty convienent.

Thanks,

Duane

Hi Herbert,

Yes, I've seen the illustrations on his website. I agree that the conical mirrors seem like a great idea, with really no downside as long as the work as advertised.

I'd like to build a lightweight 8" dob that reaches thermal equilibrium quickly (an 8-inch "quick look" scope!). Toward that end, I'd like to have as little thermal mass as necessary in the mirror+cell. I could make a wooden mounting plate, but I wonder if there's a better alternative out there. I'm also wondering if adding a fan would be worthwhile for such a small piece of glass?

Thanks for your observations.

Duane

Herbert Highstone said:

Have you checked out the Royce internet site? It tells how to mount a conical mirror. If I understand the information correctly, you merely bolt the conical mirror onto a flat surface. There is no mirror mount at all in the usual sense.

This to me is the greatest attraction of a conical mirror. The usual concerns about a cell and its problems are completely bypassed. Thus the Royce 10-inch conical mirror looks to me like the optical bargain of the decade. Because you can discount the price of the mirror by at least $100 if you consider the cost of the mirror cell that you don't need and won't be buying.

Best wishes from Herbert Highstone

Joe and Jim,

Thanks for your comments. I'm certainly not surprised to hear that Bob Royce is a great guy. His website has some fantastic articles, and it shows that he obviously has a passion for observational astronomy.

Duane