Various Mods to 16" Lightbridge

[albedo0.39]

Hi there people. I have just started a journey to try and improve small but important parts of my new LB. Although the prior owner was a near professional when it comes to astronomy, the LB was one of many he had but for me, this is "it". I have read much about small tweaks you can make (thanks to Doc and others) so have completed a few.

Interior Flocking

Upper Tube Flocking (the flash and bright lights make it look a lot lighter than it really is)

Modified Secondary Mirror adjuster

I ground the screws to a point, and also drilled "dimples" into which the points sit to provide a "slip free" collimation

I have "indexed" the truss tubes and Upper OTA (note SS Cap screws and deep section washer on Lower OTA)

Upper (and yes... I will replace those rusty screws with cap screws in the near future)

And finally... something I hope will be on my mind everytime I use this scope.

Of course, there's a few more mods to follow, and some I haven't shown, but it's a start.

Cheers for now

[John]

Nice mods Steve - it's looking great .

When I 1st got my LB12 I was a little put out that a number of mods were needed, almost essential in fact, to create a really useful scope but I'm now enjoying planning the next "tweak" - it's a little hobby in itself !

Blackening the tube rings, some flocking and a light shield for the upper OTA are next on my list plus I'd like to put a dual speed focusser on it

John

[albedo0.39]

Hey John, I must agree with you. Of course, I'm in it for the view, but I'm also a realist and and engineer at heart so for me the LB satisfies on 2 levels. "Tweak-ability" is one of them ! The flocking is an art - especially the L OTA. When you get nearer to the event, I'd be happy to offer some "wise after the event" advice if required.

I have a light shroud, but I've yet to try it - any ideas how well they work ? (my first light was in twilight so no need to use)

Cheers

[Doc]

Very professional job you have made off the flocking. Neat idea about grinding the scecondry mirror screws, have yet to do this one.

A light shroud is a must on a scope this size. Eliminates all light scatter and makes image alot darker.

[John]

Hey John, I must agree with you. Of course, I'm in it for the view, but I'm also a realist and and engineer at heart so for me the LB satisfies on 2 levels. "Tweak-ability" is one of them ! The flocking is an art - especially the L OTA. When you get nearer to the event, I'd be happy to offer some "wise after the event" advice if required.

I have a light shroud, but I've yet to try it - any ideas how well they work ? (my first light was in twilight so no need to use)

Cheers

Thanks Steve,

I'll take you up on the flocking advice before I start on that one

I found the light shroud absoloutely essential as I observe from a patio at the rear of my house and I have neighbours lights on 3 sides up to around midnight which pretty much kills contrast without a shroud. I'm prioritising the light shield on the upper OTA for the same reason.

John

[GazOC]

A light shroud is a must on a scope this size. Eliminates all light scatter and makes image alot darker.

You think so Mick? I've never really thought about it, I'll have to give it a go.

[albedo0.39]

This mod helps you collimate easier / quicker (well it helped me)

Fairly self explanatory, but I only adjust "A" and "C" to collimate and by black dotting the collimation knobs, I can see which direction / by how much I need to tweak the mirror. Simple and almost free

[Doc]

You think so Mick? I've never really thought about it, I'll have to give it a go.

Give it a go Gaz. I've tried it with and without and you can see a difference in contrast, especially if you are surrounded by lights. From a dark site I doubt if it is that essential.