Horwig

I second the yoga mat, best use I've found for mine, it was curled up under the spare bed for over ten years, now it at least has a use.

H

Thanks Huw, yes that is exactly what I'm after. Could I just check that I've understood you correctly? Please see the attached sketch of your upper shutter in cross section.

Shutter1.png

If correct, I assume that you have no problems with smooth running/friction?

Yes, essentially correct. The shutter rides directly on the ali strip, without the blocks on top, I did not use any teflon between the two, but it slides relatively easily. In hindsight, a counterweight system would be useful, as it's quite a weight to control, and when fully open it has to be closed from the outside.

Huw

Hmmm, don't know if this is what you're asking after, but this is how my shutter works on my wooden dome

An aluminium flat bar is screwed to the main vertical spar of the dome, the shutter rides on it, with nylon blocks under to secure the shutter, quite weatherproof.

The upper shutter is built up at the front to go over the lower shutter,seems to work well, the lower one just lifts off manually.

Again, don't know if this is what you were asking about, but hope it helps.

Huw

Here's my attempt at a dome, same kind of construction, feel free to ask away, I'll help where I can.

Huw

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/112937-if-ikea-made-telescopes/page-5

Sorry if I'm being particularly dense, what filters did you buy?

Huw

Olly, that is just showing off!!!!!!!

I've just had one evening on Orion in the last four months. I'm not at all put off by this.

Looking forwards to October though.      

Huw

This all looks very interesting. Anybody got it working with SGP, especially the temperature sensing?

Ta

Huw

I love it, with that mechanism in mind, why not add a drawbridge as well  :grin:    

H

I finally found this article, I knew I'd seen it somewhere...

Huw

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/EF-cTi9KpbtaFN574CmX7jLGSlhi7bhyyl6BLh02WHyQoP-nUfgw-AEkisdT_gciejeF1p61Us84KMQS2qoJ5E4xCuD_4g/telescoping%20pier.pdf

My adjustable pier gives me 24 inches of lift, is powered by a 24 volt linear actuator, can easily lifts me of the ground, and gives repeatable polar alignment on my 2500mm scope.

It cost me less than 900 quid to design and build, and is really low tech. Would that answer your needs?

http://stargazerslounge.com/diy-observatories/147555-socially-acceptable-astroshed.html

Huw

I'll add another link:

Bentleys - www.aruncas.com

Found them excellent, good range of stainless, and good prices.

Huw