Re: (ATM) Planetary Telescopes

[akelly@ghgcorp.com]

In reply to:

>       There was some mention a month or more ago in reducing spider
>diffraction by using thin piano wire to support the secondary.  Does
>anyone have experience or references in this method?  I would very much
>like to use this technique, but thinking about how to terminate/adjust
>the wire ends has me stumped.  Any ideas?
>
>                                       -Dean

        My first thought is to use guitar "pegs" which are used to tighten,
adjust, and hold guitar strings.  I have no immediate suggestion on how to
mount these outside the tube, but I suspect that it could be easily done.
        By the way, Dean, I met you at the TSP a few years ago where you let
me fondle a piece of the special glass you use to melt into mirrors at your
wonderful place in Arizona.  I remember the strange, rubbery feel of that
glass....interesting stuff!  I think you observed with me through my 32"
that night.  Let's do it again!
                                        AL Kelly