Clouds and snow=time to tinker with skywatcher 250PX

[kirkster501]

Just as a tiny aside, it all helps im sure. I use a shower cap on the primary end of my dob to stop spiders nesting in there. I store it in a dedicated scope shed. Not much chance of spiders getting in there but I dont like the idea anyway. I leave the shower cap on all the time unless im collimating. I assume the mirror doesnt need flowing air for whatever reason and I noticed that the shower cap prevent stray light making its way into the scope end. Might be worth while flocking the base between the upgrights to prevent any reflection coming off the base and into the mirror end of the tube or onto the back of the mirror itself.

EDIT: granted you vey rarely use the dob this close to zenith, but it might help.

Good idea mate. I keep the scope in the garage (madame will not permit it in the house other than at the moment where I am modding it) - albeit covered up with a scope coat [need a new one btw] - and spiders and creepy crawlies a very realistic possibility getting into the mirror cell despite the cover.

EDIT: Also going to flock back of mirror when I flock the main tube. Will also paint the mirror cell and all interior metal surfaces such as the white end rings with blackboard paint.

[kirkster501]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M4x30mm-Thread-Knurled-Plastic-Thumbscrew/dp/B0087ZCR3I

back in stock!!

[Stargazer_00]

Cheers kirk another 3 ordered!

[Stargazer_00]

Oh and scope coats at Rother Valley are not overly expensive. See picture of my dob in my shed on my flocking thread. Coat is water proof and only cost 30 quid I think. Beats the 70 others want!

[Stargazer_00]

www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/rother-valley-optics-scope-coat_d5252.html

[OneEyedSam]

Which department in wilco do they stock the flock. Ive never seen it in out local store ?

[Stargazer_00]

Kitchen section.

[OneEyedSam]

cant see why I'd want black flock in my kitchen, go figure

[Stargazer_00]

Yeah it's really weird place for it. It's with a bunch of other stuff in equally sized rolls, like stick on tiles, stick on wood effect etc. I guess someone out there has velour in their kitchen. I have velour inside my telescopes, where it belongs!

[OneEyedSam]

i bet 99% of their stock gets sold to astronomers. If they knew, they'd put up the price

[Stargazer_00]

yeah, astronomers and funky hippy 70s dudes who like stick on velour in their kitchen

[kirkster501]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/M4x30mm-Thread-Knurled-Plastic-Thumbscrew/dp/B0087ZCR3I

These work an absolute treat ! Brilliant!

[Dude_with_the_tube]

I also made a washer out of milk bottle and added these screws.much better as it was before.

[Stargazer_00]

Those screws for secondary arrived. I put them in then took them out. They Were cutting a thread into the back of the secondary! Not Working at all well