Handle for aperture end of newt

[Stargazer_00]

So I'm looking for a suitable 'handle' to fix to both my newts for steering them.

I currently hook my fingers around the aperture end and it occured to me last night that there is a slim chance of my hand going from pocket to aperture and deposting lint or some other passenger of the pocket onto the primary mirror if i wasnt lucky. It's just waiting to happen.

I'm looking for something that fix to the underside of the scope that I can grip with my whole hand, fixes to the tube without drilling and doesn't weight much - lighter the better.

Any suggestions?

[Stargazer_00]

Something non metallic might be good too, so it doesn't get absolutely freezing like the OTA currently does.

[Stargazer_00]

Could something like this work? It's fixing to the curved surface that is the challenge I think

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Replacement-Vehicle-Satellite-Navigation/dp/B000F7857S/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1365078145&sr=1-10&keywords=suction+cup+mount

[Bart]

Not sure it'll handle the curvature of the tube. Some just screw a cabinet handle through the tube :0

[Stargazer_00]

I guess a small hole isn't the end of the world, and a nicely made wooden handle would look nice and not get too cold. I could use a nice softwood to keep the weight down.

I've seen those no nails double sided sticky pads, maybe i'll give them a run for their money first to see how adhesive they actually are!

[JamesF]

Yes, I'd be tempted to try a smallish wooden cabinet handle held on using a sticky foam pad first. If that comes off then perhaps drilling the tube is required.

The flextube OTAs come with plastic knobs already attached, which is very useful.

James

[RikM]

I used a small plastic coated draw handle for the underside of my dob. I had a round knob on there first, but found that I couldn't get a decent grip with woolly gloves. With this bar shape, I can hook the tip of my finger through it and it feels much more secure.

[Moonshane]

learn the terminology mate! it's a dob knob.

I have used several things in the past but always drill a hole (or use a hole drilled in the OTA previously by other owners.

Plastic furniture feet, drawer handles etc. I prefer small ceramic shiny black ones myself if I can get them but anything will do really.

[lennylovit]

Rolson load strap , velcro fitting and a handel £1.99 cheap shop ,best mod for a dob

[LukeSkywatcher]

I currently hook my fingers around the aperture end and it occured to me last night that there is a slim chance of my hand going from pocket to aperture and deposting lint or some other passenger of the pocket onto the primary mirror if i wasnt lucky. It's just waiting to happen.

I cant see a bit of lint falling on the primary as being a problem.

Another idea i am thinking is a couple of bits of double sided velcro on the OTA and then a length of nylon strap with another couple of bits of double sided velcro on each end of nylon strop.........with enough lenght to allow you just to to use with a couple of fingers as a handle to push pull the Dob.

[8kids]

I use a wooden cabinet knob. Pick your spot on the tube, drill a hole and screw it on.

Gary.