Question: measuring scope flexure

[rfdesigner]

I'm trying to look ahead with my imaging setup. I'd been thinking that a Baader RCC would sit nicely in my proposed setup, but I've now found out that they are super-sensitive to scope flexure and I can't make out how I would make use of a MPCC or similar.

Now seeing as my scope is a one of a kind it means I can't take anyone elses experience, I'll have to measure the flexure of my scope myself.

So... How?.. has anyone else done this?

Derek

[Astrokev]

It probably depends on what sort of scope you've currently got. Refractor / reflector, optical design, aperture, f-ratio, tube construction, mounting design etc etc.... Difficult to give any ideas without knowing any of this.

[rfdesigner]

It's the biggest scope in my signiture

12" Windowed Newt

It's f5, 1500mm fl, crayford 2" low prifile focusser. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to modify the cell a bit as the primary mirror is likely to squash the support pads (it's 2" thick)

Point is, just how do I accurately measure the flex in this instrument?...

The only idea I have is to collimate it on it's side, then flip it 180 degrees and re-check the collimation... but that won't give me a true measurement, just a 'it's flexed a bit' result

Derek

[themos]

Metaguide can measure flexure between your guiding setup and your imaging setup.

MetaGuide

[haitch]

Have to agree the only way I think to measure is to pop the laser collimator in and try it in different positions but that doesn't quantify the flexure other than the spot has moved X mm.