Yet another DIY Bahtinov mask

[DHEB]

Hello everybody,

After getting tired of bad focusing I decided to take matters seriously and build a Bahtinov mask. Needless to say, information and inspiration in this forum proved crucial for the success of the adventure. I used a Bahtinov model from astrojargon.net, for my Skywatcher 200 PDS f/5 (1000 focal length). I printed the SVG file to an A3 paper sheet and then transferred it from the paper to a semi-rigid plastic sheet about 1 mm thickness that I happened to have at home. I cut out the plastic using a normal hobby knife, a loborious task indeed. Lastly, applied mate paint and glued some bits of plastic foam to make the mask fit inside the tube. The whole task took me about 2 hours work, and zero costs. Now waiting to have some clear skies to test it. Hope it works!

 

[DHEB]

I attach the last to pictures of the process and the results. The whole story can also be found at my site Epistulae Astronomicae

 

Cheers

[DHEB]

Just to give an update this thread on some test of my DIY Bahtinov mask, in this example Arcturus. Overall very happy and satisfied with this focusing tool. Very recommendable!

 

 

[nicks90]

wouldnt a Y shaped mask be much easier to make and do the same job?

[DHEB]

On 5/10/2016 at 20:10, nicks90 said:

wouldnt a Y shaped mask be much easier to make and do the same job?

I do not know. I have seen pictures with the idea you mention but never tried. May be a Y shaped one suffers less from diminshed brightness. Worth a try!