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Posts Made By: Walter Hamler

July 24, 2004 12:34 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Massed Produced Mirrors

Posted By Walter Hamler
I just finished putting together a small 6" f/6.7 newt using an Orion mirror. This is the only telescope I have ever made for myself using a mirror I did not make myself. I am very satisfied with the performance of the scope and the figure on the mirror appears to be very good. I did not run any numbers on the foucault tester, just the total correction and appearance of the shadows. The figure was very smooth and the total correction was about 95%. The star images are nice pinpoints and I have split doubles down to 1 arc sec so far.
All in all, I could not complain, and the truth is, I could not make one at the same cost just factoring in the materials! I realize this is a small mirror, and the chances of getting a very good or better mirror at the larger sizes are reduced dramatically, but I have seen some good examples out there.

Walt

July 25, 2004 10:42 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Secondary Question...

Posted By Walter Hamler
Well, NEWT says 2.6" with a 14.8" id tube and a 2" low profile focuser.
Any larger id tube and the size goes up quickly.

Walt

July 26, 2004 05:40 PM Forum: Telescope Making

fans - front or back

Posted By Walter Hamler
I'm pretty sure the majority opinion from many here on AM is to have fans blowing across the mirror face and out the opposite side to remove the stagnant air. Then, another fan on the back side of the mirror pulling air out the tube. Some prefer to direct the air against the backside of the mirror for "maybe" quicker results. I suspect either approach is sound, but the first fan across the front seems to be the most important.

Walt

August 7, 2004 09:12 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

M8 with Digital Rebel

Posted By Walter Hamler
I only wish my first few attempts were as good smile
Ain't technology great!! 8)

Walt

August 9, 2004 09:56 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Finally a test night with good seeing!

Posted By Walter Hamler
Floyd, I just got a mirror back from the same coaters you used. It turned out very nice so I think I too have found another service to recommend!

Walt

August 11, 2004 10:28 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Binocular Mount

Posted By Walter Hamler
Another view.

August 13, 2004 12:39 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Binocular Mount

Posted By Walter Hamler
That's strange - it worked the other day but doesn't today. Anyway, do a Google search on "Binocular Mount Plans". The first link shown is a www.astro-tom.com site. It goes directly to the page. It prints out about 8 pages with pictures and even a Home Depot price sheet.
As I mentioned, I already had the tripod and a Bogen Ball Head, so the total materials at Lowes for me was less than 25.00. The 2x2 uprights were called chair legs at Lowes, and they were available in several lenghts. All had a screw stud in one end that you will have to remove but thay were priced right and solid oak.
It took less than 2 hours to cut the materials and do a first assembly, but I then sanded and sprayed with satin Urethane, so that took another two days for multiple coats and drying. Also, the teflon washers really made a big difference so you will need to find the thinnest teflon washers you can.

Walt

August 23, 2004 11:27 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

C6-RGT or C8-SGT..."observation ability" opinions

Posted By Walter Hamler
Go with the SCT. The Celestrons have excellent optics and the added ligh grasp over the 6" will be noticed. The 6" refractor is noted to be bulky on the eq mount and not as stable as the shorter sct ota.

Walt

August 27, 2004 06:45 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Novak holders and spiders

Posted By Walter Hamler
He is probably still in business, however, I would recommend you contact Astro Systems as well. Especially for spiders and diagonal holders I like their products better. Novak mirror cells are probably still among the best, but lately I have been making my own from birch plywood. It depends on how big and heavy the mirror is that you are supporting.

Walt

August 27, 2004 11:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

How far will you go for dark skies?

Posted By Walter Hamler
Presently our club has two dark sky sites. One is a 18 mile drive for me and the other is a 38 mile drive. We have recently found a third site with great potential. It is a 65 mile drive, but the skies will potentially be 6.5 to 7.0. Couple that with the terrific seeing we get here in Central FL and it should be great grin
Several of our members also travel to Chiefland a few times a year to observe, during their spring and fall events, and that is about a 150 mile trip. Those of us that are "hard core" really don't mind the drive, because we know what is at the others end. STARS! (My God, it's full of stars!)

Walt

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