Re: [ATM] New minimalist single-pole 18" ultralight

["Scott Milligan" <starzkey@charter.net>]

Russ:

Some really nice work and innovative ideas here, I think.  I hope you'll
bring it to Stellafane this year.  

BTW, how thick is the primary mirror?  Is the slight compound bend in the
tube strictly there for aesthetics, or does it also play a role in getting
the 'scope to balance properly?  Let us know how it works after you get past
the initial shake-out period.


Scott Milligan
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: atm-bounces@atmlist.net [mailto:atm-bounces@atmlist.net] On Behalf Of
Ross Sackett
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 2:18 PM
To: atm@atmlist.net
Subject: [ATM] New minimalist single-pole 18" ultralight

Hi, all,

I have posted some photos of my new single-pole 18"
f/4.3 Newt at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8315630@N04/

The scope weighs 76 pounds, so it can be carried around the yard.  It has a
3 point hybrid "dob-fork"
mounting, and the rocker latches to the mirror box so that it can be moved
as a unit.  The design evolved from earlier 8" and 12" scopes I took to
Stellafane and the RTMC.

First light was two nights ago, and it performed nicely on Saturn, Venus,
and M13.  It holds collimation well, and vibrations settle down in 3-4
seconds.  

I will bring it to the RTMC next weekend, and will display it at the scope
competition on Friday afternoon/Saturday morning.  If you are there, drop by
and say hi.

Ross




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