Re: [ATM] sonotube for telescope

["c f" <quantemlp@hotmail.com>]

David, I have to agree with the truss system.  The weight would be unreal to 
transport,,,, unless......... hmmmmmm, you could allways make a trailer with 
your scope permantly mounted on it and a small enclosure around it lol.  
There are many designs out there for truss systems.  They can look good and 
be very light compared to a solid tube.  Not to mention the benifits of 
cooling the mirror, mirror cleaning (hush bad words) and compact design that 
allows it to be portable.

>David,  24" Sonotube is pretty heavy...about 1/2 inch thick, IIRC.
>You're looking at a tube that will weigh 70 pounds or more WITHOUT the
>mirror, mirror cell, secondary and focuser.  I'd bet that the entire OTA
>would weigh well over 100 pounds.  To properly balance and support such
>a weight will require a similarly large, high-profile mounting.  Even as
>lightweight as you could design it, the mounting would still be
>large.....too large for your current transportation.  From personal
>experience, a big heavy telescope discourages observing (unless its in a
>permanent location, of course <G>)
>
>The current wisdom is minimalism; get it as light and stiff as
>possible.  A truss system could be designed that would require a much
>lighter,lower profile mounting.  With a little care, the entire
>instrument could come in at less than 100 pounds.  At the very least, no
>component would weigh more than 50 pounds (the mirror box).
>
>*****-----
>Dan F.
>Secretary/MAS
>Memphis, TN
>_______________________________________________
>ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/

_________________________________________________________________
Looking to buy a house? Get informed with the Home Buying Guide from MSN 
House & Home. http://coldwellbanker.msn.com/

_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/