Physopto

I use the sky x. I have starry nights also but don't like it much. It's just a personal choice I suppose. I tried carts du ciel but again not used to it so am sticking to what I'm happy with. Derek

I see you are back on the grind again, OK polishing/figuring? Keep it going Damian, missed all the drama! Derek

A suggestion only! If you are going to build a variable speed motorized table have a look at the way an old Myford lathe or a large pillar drill press works. Just use pulleys and a slow 4 pole motor ( 1500 rpm). Easy to change speeds and reliable. Just over size the motor and any bearings used if possible. MDF can always be glued and screwed together to increase thickness to anything wanted. But it is not the best product for use near water regardless of what protection used. Derek

OK James, I was hoping it was something simple/daft. I really liked mine. After the bearing problem was realised, it was rock solid. Probably one of the best upgrades I did. Best of luck. Derek

James, Are you sure that it is not the bearing not being centred. I had the At problem at first. The roller bearing was not properly centred when Input it together the first time which allowed the movement. Derek

Now you've done it grass, oh sod it! Derek

Well you go from a high to a low. Been waiting for a camera rotator arriving from the States. Arrived today and guess what: wrong threaded end. They sent a male 92x1 mm fitting instead of a female. Partly my fault and partly theirs. So awaiting a reply to my email now to see what can be done, as I cannot find the correct bit on their site. You win some and loose some How's that edge doing? Derek

Hi Damian, You talk about taking time to do the mirror! well last night I just managed to get my Active Optics to work after nearly 14 months. Spent 5 hours last night with it. 3 hours in vain then Eureka Ta Daaaa! 2 hours of perfect guiding within 0.2 pixels, wow! Mirrors PA PISH POSH. Keep going, you'll get there. Derek

Hi Damian, I wondered about that, (the lump in the middle and shape on the pressing). Hope it works for you. I know when things are not going to plan it can get demoralising to say the least. When it happens to me on anything, I just tend to get angry with myself, becoming more centred and stubborn, I hate giving up. As I said I tried two instances of I.E. open with different pictures of your tests in view, the effect is difficult to see for an untrained eye. Thanks for the updates and explanation. I went off to Utube for a search about chordal strokes. So got it now. Best of luck Damian. Derek

Thanks John.

What is chordal ? Derek

Thanks Mike, Friends Huh? And thanks Damian. I tried opening two instances of I.E. Side by side, earlier on today, didn't help much. Ah wus still puzzled. Maybe it's an age thing! I'll try again when on the main computer. This iPad is rubbish. Keep trucking. Just remember Progress....... Derek

Nope don't use that word,try progress!!! Got to be honest Damian, I'm finding it difficult to see what the Progress is. Untrained eye ya know.

Hope you are right and Galloway is great Damian. Although I have to temper that as I'm going to Kielder first. I need the time to get some imaging in. S Shields where I live is diabolical for light pollution. I really am jealous of all the lads and lasses with darker skies and especially with observatories. Working towards it when I move, but Hey Ho. Looked at quickly it does not seam a lot 2 to 1 micron but I suppose 100 % bigger., wow! Whiskey maybe and of course our scintillating whit.............Ok then, just the whiskey! Mike and I are still trying to fathom out what we are going to charge for entry tickets to the big event. Pie and peas cost money you know! Derek

Damian, There is no rush to answer this, I know you are somewhat pushed for time. I'm just filling in mine waiting for gear to arrive for imaging. I'm in the middle of thought experiments. At times very boring others my brain hurts. Just how much are you trying to remove, maybe a difficult question I know. It is a question possibly answered in time or microns. From the bit of the process that I have watched and seen on other videos, it seems that as mirror makers you try for a slice of a circle first then change this into a parabola by using a different stroke type. ( if all goes well). As everything I have seem so far suggests, it is more of an art with careful thought than an scientific exercise. I know that the bit removed will be small but by what amount? You told me that the solution you use is made up from the powder you buy. You also mentioned the grade was not as fine, sorry wrong wording there, but cheaper than that used by another mirror maker. Would it make sense in the last bit to use the finer cerium for the very last few laps, thus saving money? Can't help wondering. Goodness........ so many questions! Just keep going got to finish before Galloway you know........ Derek

Hi Damian, In that video of John Dobson he talked about the sound changing to squeaking when it became time to replenish the cerium polishing solution. I noticed he just spread a bit cerium by spoon on the surface and wet it. Then used his finger to spread it about. From what you have said you make a solution. So I guess you think that is better. Is it because of consistency of mix? Derek

What? You mean I can exchange the Dog House for a life of Chip and Grind? Ohh the fun! Could it get any better?

My fault, as you say banter, just trying to keep spirits up.

A day or so ago I detailed the lack of response to my emails over the last 12 days from Optec in the USA. I thought it only fair to add an update to the saga. Today after still no reply to my third email, I decided to telephone them. I used Skype as it is the cheapest method and after some preliminary hick ups with a none functioning microphone on the headset, I got through to Tina, the wife of Jeff Dickerman ( owner and CEO). She was very pleasant and was at a loss as to why my emails had not been acknowledged. Jeff was on other business at that time, but she assured me she would pass on the message to him as soon as possible. We also exchanged blank emails to ensure the system was working. Sure enough a short while later I received a very nice email from Jeff answering my original email. He apologised for the delay and then went on to suggest ways to accomplish what I wanted. Over the day we have exchanged several emails until it would seem we have a solution. I have now received the formal quotation and accepted it. It now depends upon if VISA do what they often do and decline the order stating that it may be a fraudulent attempt on my account. (This happens about 3-5 times a year). Once past that hurdle I am assured that the items should be with me in the next week or so. Time will tell. If all goes well I will post a note here. The way it has been handled today suggests it has been a glitch in the system, I hope so, as they have been very helpful and pleasant to deal with. Derek

Yup, we all guessed it, actually wrong words we KNOW IT

Well now we know you aren't into S&M.

Use an angle grinder with a stone disc. Being one or two fingers short might inhibit your grinding technique a bit. Seeing a red moon is one thing but just stained .... well not quite the same is it? On a serious point though, upvc does not bond very well with anything. Not silicon or Soudal. That is why I suggested Aluminium with a rubber edge cover. You know the type fitted over car door edges to hide the metal to the interior. It fits over the edge well and is not damaged by a knife or a knock. You could also bond that on. I use Metal Supermarkets for my supplier for aluminium. You can get 2" wide by 4 mm thick in lengths. Derek

Over the last 10 days or so I have been waiting for a response to two emails sent to Optec Inc in America. The first was sent to Mr Jeff Dickerman on the 21/3/2015 asking for information on adapters for the 3" Pyxis Rotator and the rotator itself. I explained that I was interested in purchasing the rotator for my setup. I explained exactly where in the optical train I wanted to place it and the reasons for that decision. There was no reply at all. I sent a second email to the same firm two days ago with the same result. Tonight 1/4/2015 I have sent a third email, this time stating that I have not received an answer to my queries. If a firm wants business from us why do they not respond. The item concerned is not cheap it retails at $1950 plus each adapter is in the order of $95, ( I need two). Then there is about a charge of $80-100 for postage and on top of all that UK import Tax of 4.2%. Next the dreaded VAT is placed on at 20%. To cap it all the delivery company here in the UK will charge us anything from about £15 to £40, for the privilege of releasing it to us as they fill in a form and pay the import tax etc., on our behalf to the relevant department. ( there is no other way to import an item unless you are a bona fidi importer). No Astronomy Shop advertises these actual items here in the UK. One or two actually advertise the smaller types, but at vastly inflated rates compared to the actual prices in the USA. Derek

Hi Damian, You could try bonding some plastic sheet around the edge of the flag, raised edge 1/2". Then drill a hole or two through the flag to let the slurry out though a bonded in pipe (15 mm copper or plastic). just put a bucket underneath to catch it all. I use Soudal Fixall bonding for loads of things, it is very strong and slightly flexible. Most importantly unlike silicon you can just cut it off and re-bond on top again if necessary. Can't do that with silicon. Can't use polythene as it won't bond may get away with upvc as used in flat type guttering and it's cheap, just cut with a grinder. Better still some aluminium strip. Stronger and you could fit a rubber edge over the upright edge for safety. It would last a lot longer. Derek

Rough ain't quite the word I would have used but fun to watch!