Re: Mel's TriDob (was Re: ATM Oregon Star Party telescope walkabout for 2002)

["John Sherman" <shermj@netzero.net>]

>How are they flex rocker folks finding the upward facing laminate
>bearing holding up in the presence of dirt? Other than that I think
>the rflex rocker is pretty interesting.
>
>tnx
>jtm


Hi Jim, Mel, list,


I've been using mine pretty regularly for almost five years. In the summer
I go into the mountains and in the winter I go into the desert. It seems to
me southern California has the USA's most astronomically friendly skies.
It's usually clear, and good seeing near the ocean. Yes the laminate really
picks up dirt. Every time I use the scope I take 80 or 100 grit sandpaper
and clean the teflon pads. You want to sand the pad perpendicular to its
direction of motion, that makes it move smoother. The bigger particles I dig
out. So far the pads are barely thinner than they started. Of course, I also
have a fifth pad next to the AZ pin, this pad has an adjustment screw to
vary the pressure from nothing to way too much. So my AZ motion is not too
bad. I used FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic) for the laminate. It is
supposed to be slipperier than Ebony Star, but I don't know that first hand.
Anyway the FRP seems to be a good deal softer than Ebony Star, and probably
wears out sooner. I replaced my FRP once already, the bumps were worn almost
smooth, and the scope didn't turn very well. I really should be on my third
piece by now. It collects dust kicked up by people, but most of it comes
from the wind. The ground in southern California tends to be dry, and gives
up dust easily to the wind. Today it rained lightly, bringing our total up
to an inch and a half since December. I have thought of making a skirt, but
that would look stupid. If it was really bothersome, I'd try putting little
pieces of carpet around the pads. You know how a lap holds polishing
compound and uses it on the glass? Well, this teflon/dirt thing is about the
same principle.

Have fun,

John

















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