Star test on my DIY 5" refractor.

[steelfixer]

Hi all.

Well tonight I managed to test the 5" refractor I made a few days ago.

(link to original thread) - http://stargazerslounge.com/diy-astronomer/169940-diy-5-refractor.html#post2095529

I am astounded by its success.

I set it up cable tied to the top of an old EQ3 mount and aligned it on a faint star using a 25mm EP.

I then replaced the EP with my SPC 900 web cam.

After a bit of a struggle to find the correct focus point I finally managed it.

To my suprise it was a lot lot closer to the lens than I had thought it would be.

Anyway the 3 photos are of the star test as I adjusted the focus.

I think this one has to go down as a good one for any one else who wants a guide scope for less than £15.00.

[laser_jock99]

Where did the lens come from?

[steelfixer]

I bought it off ebay for £3.00.

All the build details are in the previous thread.

The only amendment I would advise to the build is to do what I have done and leave out the baffles until you test it.

I have found out tonight that the camera focal point is about 50mm inside the tube.

[jnp]

Looks like you had great fun with that. The chromatic aberration doesn't seem that bad considering its a very fast singlet lens. Great result for the price.

I see the lenses are about £13 buy it now on fleaby.

[steelfixer]

£13.00 is his buy it now price I was lucky enough to get this one a couple of months ago on a normal auction.

Considering this lens isn't coated I am well chuffed with the results.

Just have to make an adjustable mount for it now and get it set up on top of my Helios.

Happy days.

:hello2:

[captainlee]

great pictures steel fixer Im impressed....

[Baffa]

Nice! Really cheap and amazing result alternative for the DIY guys, IE, not for me I tend to start bleeding from some random finger just by looking at a screwdriver, haha.