Best way to mark 80ED draw tube?

[michaelmorris]

I'm tweaking the stock focuser on my Orion/Skywatcher 80ED. I want to add a reasonable accurate measurement scale marked on the draw tube. Any ideas on the best way of permanently marking the tube?

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[ChrisLX200]

Not sure, maybe using a carbide scriber?

I was thinking of attaching a dial gauge to mine - not expensive if you get it from an engineering supplier rather than optical dealer. If you look here http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Engineering_Menu_Dial_Gauges__Dial_Indicators____Magnetic_Bases_228.html  and about 1/3 the way down there is a Long Travel Dial Gauge listed for £27. A digital version of the same would be better but I haven't found one yet.

ChrisH

[Steve Ward]

http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-self-adhesive-measuring-tape-3m

[michaelmorris]

http://www.axminster.co.uk/ujk-technology-self-adhesive-measuring-tape-3m

Thanks for this idea.  I've just ordered some self-adhesive measuing tape from EBay for just £3.95.  I'll let you know how I get on with it.

[Bizibilder]

I just mark with a permanent marker.  A simple line and not of what the line represents eg different cameras etc.  That way I don't damage the focusser tube.

[Davey-T]

Not sure, maybe using a carbide scriber?

I was thinking of attaching a dial gauge to mine - not expensive if you get it from an engineering supplier rather than optical dealer. If you look here http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Engineering_Menu_Dial_Gauges__Dial_Indicators____Magnetic_Bases_228.html  and about 1/3 the way down there is a Long Travel Dial Gauge listed for £27. A digital version of the same would be better but I haven't found one yet.

ChrisH

Wondering if one of these could be converted, got some good features, long travel  and retains zero setting when turned off.

Dave

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MITUTOYO-6-DIGITAL-VERNIER-6-150mm-ABSOLUTE-DIGIMATIC-CALIPER-MYFORD/290938186632?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D74%26meid%3D4603142811340025663%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1048%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D291051706359%26

[Bizibilder]

They do make digital gauges that are designed to measure the travel on machine tools.  This sort of thing:  http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/digital-scales/vertical-linear-digital-scale-100mm-4-inch.html  

[Davey-T]

They do make digital gauges that are designed to measure the travel on machine tools.  This sort of thing:  http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/digital-scales/vertical-linear-digital-scale-100mm-4-inch.html

How does it work ? looks like the ends are fixed and the reading head moves up and down, could be tricky mounting it on a focusser.

Dave

[Bizibilder]

You could mount the gizmo on the main tube and just have a rigid (wire) connection from the focusser tube to the slider - very little force is needed to move it.

[michaelmorris]

Here's the adhesive tape installed. 

It works a treat and it was cheap as chips (£3.59)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201011564092?var=500215894065&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I now have well over 200 of these lengths spare!  I'll try to remember to bring the roll down to SGL9 and people are welcome to come and help themselves.

The other upgrades to the focuser will be painting the end of the draw tube matt black and replacing the eyepiece fitting with the Baader Click-lock system

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/baader-click-lock-2956256-m56-celestron-skywatcher.html

[michaelmorris]

Just got the Baader click lock to replace the original two inch fitting at the end of the draw tube. - It's more grippy than a grippy thing! - brilliant.

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