fwm891

My CEM60 standard is back with FLO after the long wait for iOptron to deliver. I had and sold a very nice quiet and smooth tracking iEQ45 Pro to get the CEM60. Although I've been hit by all I can think is poor quality control because iOptron had to get some CEM60's fast. I've not being tempted by either CEM40 or CEM60 EC or going down the SW route. After all the headaches with my NEQ6 Pro I won't go back to SW. I'm in Rob's capable hands now hoping he can do what iOptron should have done. If the mount is beyond repair I just pray the replacement doesn't have to go back... Time will tell.🙏

Floors down now - Tri-pier sat in position...

Tom - If your holes in the concrete are the right size then the angle of the legs lock the spikes in position. However the metal bands would lock the legs in place nicely. Trying to think back to my iEQ45 Pro's tripod the spikes I think were 8mm and I drilled 10mm holes in the patio slabs for the spikes to wedge into.

Well the hasp/staples are on the INSIDE of the build, they're screwed and GLUED to the roof framing. Access to the build is via a low door with two 5 level dead locks - no exterior handle to grab hold of. I have two dogs which will bark with strangers around.....

UK Geological magnetic variance calculator: http://www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/cgi-bin/gma_calc With ± 8° on the mount azimuth adjustments I should be OK. My site variation

Hi Tom - Sorry late reply. You can do that but better would be to leave you slab and then once you know where your tripod is going, mark where the feet/spikes sit on the slab and drill small holes at these points. Your holes will be more precise. If you position your tripod with a 'north' leg and you don't change the height/spread of the legs you can drop the tripod into the same holes each time you move and re-set for another session. That's what I did with a 2" steel tripod before investing in a tri-pier. This weekend has seen the moisture/water barrier lining installed, floor joists in their hangers and start made on the T&G flooring. I've also fitted some heavy duty hasp and staples (3) to lock the roof in it's closed position. To that end I'll simply put a carabiner through the staple. When away or if heavy weather is forecast I'll put padlocks there instead. Should also keep the roof on 🙂 I cast 3 concrete blocks with indents for the tri-pier feet to sit in. The blocks are 200 x 150mm (8x6 inches) at the base and 150x150mm (6x6 inches) at the top. The indents are 65mm diameter and 12 mm deep (2½x½ inch). I consulted the UK geological site to get an accurate magnetic variation for Hereford and set the block positions with the tri-pier in position, a reasonable compass and rubber mallet... Finish the floor tomorrow (run out of screws) then varnish the floor while I wait for the mount to be returned or replaced.

I hope you're not going to be using those 4 pieces of studding at their current length - very unstable arrangement

At just over 100 yrs old she's a little slow for any big offensive but likes to terrorise the dog when she lays down anywhere in the garden

Warm air currents a speciality - clear any room pronto 🤫

Trim added and surplus EPDM removed. Couple of small bubbles but at least it's waterproof now. Waiting on an electrician to fit an external socket on the house as a supply to the obsy. Work out just where I need storage for the link laptop, spare cables. As most of my sky is towards the south I'll fit the power supplies to the north side so the hot air from them won't pass in front of the scope. Fit LED strip lights for white and red output options. Oh yes - the 10" dob is to live in the obsy as I've been asked (read told) that now the obsy is built it doesn't need to be in the conservatory alomg with the Edge HD and... The dog's a bit of a Sun worshiper and often seen in this position

EPDM relaxing

Group enjoying the tour of the BT dishes

Well done Mark, superb event - I know you have at least one new member for Hereford Astro. Great final discussion on what the future may hold - perhaps different rocket power....

I've never owed a Meade scope but I have owned a few Celestron SCT style optics. Currently have an 8 inch Edge HD and every pleased with it. I use it for photography with its flat focal plane and cameras DX and smaller formats. Keep an eye on the classified section here and UKAB&S...

Few photos of the start of installing the insulation and internal lining. I nearly got the shiplap to match across the door with the side panels. Also a shot of the door folded fully back against the end wall giving me full door opening access. The final image shows the tracks. The nearest is removeable being held in position with the temporary metal pin. When the pin is removed the track slides outwards and can be stored inside the obsy. The rear track I decided to fix as it is against the fence and doesn't interfere with other areas. I've added a brace to maintain the track direction and stability. The near track has some flexibility when the roof opens/closes with the 'Vee' wheels engaged on the track.

Doing it to even out temperature changes. Especially the roof as the edpm will absorb a lot of heat and the foil laminations on the insulation should reflect some straight back out.

Re the C5 cap - use Velcro rather than tape.

Insulation going in today, cladding as well if time permits.

If he fixes it I know where it needs to go...…..😥

Mine....

Door made today. I've used a pair of deeper bodied hinges so the door will fully open and lay back onto the end panel of the obsy. https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/product/double-phosphor-bronze-washered-hinge-100x100x4mm-polished-brass-pair-734140 Need to sort out a lock and some internal hardware to secure the obs both closed and open. Photo to follow...

Thanks ALL @ FLO. Mine has arrived too -- rock solid on the Tri-pier!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_astronomical_catalogues

Been away for a week so everything stalled but progress made today with the track supports enabling me to take the roof back to almost it's full travel. Still to fit some stop blocks so left it short by about 200 mm. Few views of the basic structure as it stands today. Insulation, linings and a floor still to fit. Continue today firming up the track rails. The fence side I've made so it remains in situ only the garden side is removed after each session or as required. Photo 4 below shows the roof and tree tops from approx scope/mount position.

Weathered tree - Tarn Hows, lake District 2019. Panasonic Lumix GX80 12-32mm lens.