Re: ATM "Frozen" liquid mirrors

[PAugello@aol.com]

Peter :
     Thanks for the info.  I have a Maplenoll turntable with an 80 lb. lead
platter supported by an air bearing, on a 400lb sand / marble slab /
pneumatic isolator stand, so that part isn't a problem.
     Actually, an air-bearing shouldn't be too hard to make -- getting the
faces of the bearing flat and smooth enough should be easy for an ATM!

Take care,
Peter Augello

In a message dated 97-02-20 20:36:31 EST, CHEN@uit.gsfc.nasa.gov writes:

<<    So here's the challenge.  Does anyone know how to make a
 turntable that is vibration free, cheaply?  The liquid mercury
 mirror telescopes use air bearings which are too expensive ($8-
 15K), at least for me.  Since epoxy is lighter than mercury and
 more viscous (damps out vibrations better), it should be possible
 to use a less than perfectly quiet apparatus.  A high grade ball
 bearing motor, perhaps?  Come to think of it, something off of an
 old jet engine that is not smashed up might be a good candidate.
 Hmmmm.  Any suggestions? >>