mapstar

Whats it like now, come on Neil we're all waiting impatiently

Interesting and good effort there Chris. I found a small samsung camera similar to the one you're using worked well when I was doing my testing. Although I never got on with the foucault I would revisit it when I try another mirror making project after seeing the superb camera images you're getting. Keep up the good work.

Cheers for the explanation on the Carbon fibre. I can also see the slings now you've pointed them out as I'd missed them before. I have seen the linear bearing update on the K and B cell before.

Nice scope. Guessing here but they look like flip over mirror transport clips. Nice carbon fibre was this bought and cut or self made?

I recognise that scope

Bitten by the dob bug eh Neil. I have the optics from a 14" darkstar dob sat in the house which I'm going to build a scope for a friend from. I'm not 100% certain but I think the optics were made by David Hinds? Just under F7 should be good for the planets and I'm sure you'll get it fettled. Welcome to the dobside

Be the first I've missed in 5 years

I have thought about getting one several times so it's about time I sorted one out. The cost isn't really of concern as it will be as you say more productive in the long run saving time and fuel trailing to poor viewing locations. I'll be interested about Galloway although I'm not sure I'll be there this year as I think it's going to clash with the Skye mob trip.

Scarp mentioned using SQM meters in general but said he was using the Unihedron SQM-L. I can't seem to find any others? Rother valley sell one called the Geoptik? Looks the exact same but made in Italy?

Which SQM would be advisable to get as I'm sure there are a few about? Is the Unihedron SQM-L what everyone uses Scarp?

I have changed my thoughts on observing over the last few years with regards to revealing to others where I go. Not to go off topic but it's not only about the sky quality. I like the peace and quiet visual observing brings, either being out on my own or with like minded others. You can concentrate more and pull out more detail whilst verifying what you have seen. As Calvin says I/we travel miles and do a lot of research into spots to observe from. I have thought about a SQM but would only state a general area nowadays if I was to post the readings. Apologies to those that are serious about the hobby but good secluded sites are hard to find and not easy to share after all the effort hunting them out.

Nice one Ally looking forward to the first light report. Weather has come good too

Plenty thick enough

Mine are 22mm dia and 1.6mm wall thickness. They are all linked together but once fitted to the rocker I use a T bar allen key to tighten them up. The uppers are fixed with bike skewers so there's no rattle or movement on any of them.

Full steam ahead with the build

Only small for a 22" probably smaller than most 20" scopes, also get a weeks worth of camping gear in with the seats down and still see out the rear window.

Here's mine in the boot of the car

Nice project and plenty of builds on here to look through. I'm planning a 14" in the near future and will follow with interest. Good luck with your build.

Nicely done John. The clouds thwarted my attempt at using my newly acquired Lumicon 2" H-Beta in the Isle of Skye but everytime I go back to the HH it becomes easier to find the more transparent the skies the easier it is.

Nice work Jim. A really individual scope that stands out from the crowd. Hope to hear the first light report soon

Looking good. These clouds are not good. One session out this winter so far. Hopefully they will clear and you can get it all set up. Nearly there though

Just an example the same as what I have used in the past. Being 6mm thick you can drill and countersink it so you don't have to use etched stuff to glue on. http://m.ebay.ie/itm/360978773408?_mwBanner=1 If you want thinner material I have some 3mm sheet in the garage somewhere I could sort you out with. PM me if you are interested. Damian

Ptfe sheets? Or laminate/formica sheets? Ptfe/teflon is normally used for small pads that the formica/laminate on the bearings run on. Ptfe can normally be had quite cheaply on fleabay

Nice to see another scope come together. Well done fellas