It's also a good way to find DSO's!I have Televue Ranger on the UTA of my 20"
truss and besides providing exquisite views of extended objects, it is a great
finder. But then again I relish using Uranometria 2 and Millennium to plan
starhops and find DSO's.

Paul

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "lowellm" <cadman70454@...> wrote:
>
> If you do public outreach events, having a small scope attached to the top of
the box on a dob is a good way to keep objects centered without having to push
people out of the way of the eyepiece.
>
> Lowell
>
> --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@" <cloudmagnet@> wrote:
> >
> > Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to make
it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided pretty
decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a good
reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer through
a 3 1/4" one?
> >
> > --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@" <cloudmagnet@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB 
for about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to
use. I also have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.  I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are
logical attach candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking
of mounting it on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned,
however, about balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and
glare shield- and weighs about 7 pounds.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> >
>

If you do public outreach events, having a small scope attached to the top of
the box on a dob is a good way to keep objects centered without having to push
people out of the way of the eyepiece.

Lowell

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...> wrote:
>
> Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to make
it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided pretty
decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a good
reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer through
a 3 1/4" one?
>
> --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@" <cloudmagnet@> wrote:
> >
> > I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB 
for about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to
use. I also have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.  I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are
logical attach candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking
of mounting it on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned,
however, about balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and
glare shield- and weighs about 7 pounds.
> >
> > Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Lou,

Here are my notes from my last project
http://www.atmlist.net/pipermail/atm/2008-May/021504.html

and then then there is Mel's site:
http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/largthin.html


   -----Original Message-----
   From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
Louis
   Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 9:25 PM
   To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
   Subject: [bigdob] thin mirror grinding



   Hi everyone, I am going to buy a thin mirror blank 14 inch 7/8 thick and i
am wondering if there is anything i need to do differently to grind this
blank vs a fuller thickness mirror. do i have to support it another way to
grind a thin mirror or can i grind it the same way i did my normal thickness
blanks.

   I do have a instructor that is teaching me .I dont think he has done many
thinner mirror's like the one i want to do.

   Thanks for any help you may have

   Lou






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi everyone, I am going to buy a thin mirror blank 14 inch 7/8 thick and i am
wondering if there is anything i need to do  differently to grind this blank vs
a fuller thickness mirror. do i have to support it another way to grind a thin
mirror or can i grind it the same way i did my normal thickness blanks.

I do have a instructor that is teaching me .I dont think he has done many
thinner mirror's like the one i want to do.

Thanks for any help you may have

Lou

Thank you, John and Keith.  Very neat!



Charlie



   _____

From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
John Mahony
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 2:37 PM
To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob





http://www.carinaso
<http://www.carinasoft.com/products/skyvoyager/telescope_control.html>
ft.com/products/skyvoyager/telescope_control.html

----- Original Message ----
> From: C. Starks <cstarks@carolina. <mailto:cstarks%40carolina.rr.com>
rr.com>
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com
> Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 5:35:30 PM
> Subject: RE: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
>
> Hi Keith,
>
>
>
> I am not familiar with the Sky-Fi. What exactly does it do? Is it software
> or hardware?
>
>
>
> Charlie
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com
[mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com] On Behalf
Of
> calibos
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:36 AM
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com
> Subject: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
>
> I've got a sky-fi on order for a servocat and skycommander equipped 16"
> Meade Lightbridge. I should be able to control the scope with Carina's
> SkyVoyager planetarium app on my iPhone. Not really necessary for Tom
> Clarkes behemoth. Sure he could mount a full sized laptop near the focuser
> and it wouldn't affect his balance much 8-) For smaller dobs it could be a
> boon though. No having to climb back down the ladder to select on object
> from a planetarium program running on a base or table mounted laptop.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GknGw9E1bro&feature=youtube_gdata


Sent from my iPhone

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, John Mahony <jmmahony@...> wrote:
>
> http://www.carinasoft.com/products/skyvoyager/telescope_control.html
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> > From: C. Starks <cstarks@...>
> > To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 5:35:30 PM
> > Subject: RE: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
> >
> > Hi Keith,
> >
> >
> >
> > I am not familiar with the Sky-Fi.  What exactly does it do?  Is it software
> > or hardware?
> >
> >
> >
> > Charlie
> >
> >
> >
> >   _____
> >
> > From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> > calibos
> > Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:36 AM
> > To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
> >
> > I've got a sky-fi on order for a servocat and skycommander equipped 16"
> > Meade Lightbridge. I should be able to control the scope with Carina's
> > SkyVoyager planetarium app on my iPhone. Not really necessary for Tom
> > Clarkes behemoth. Sure he could mount a full sized laptop near the focuser
> > and it wouldn't affect his balance much 8-) For smaller dobs it could be a
> > boon though. No having to climb back down the ladder to select on object
> > from a planetarium program running on a base or table mounted laptop.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

http://www.carinasoft.com/products/skyvoyager/telescope_control.html


----- Original Message ----
> From: C. Starks <cstarks@...>
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wed, November 18, 2009 5:35:30 PM
> Subject: RE: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
>
> Hi Keith,
>
>
>
> I am not familiar with the Sky-Fi.  What exactly does it do?  Is it software
> or hardware?
>
>
>
> Charlie
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> calibos
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:36 AM
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob
>
> I've got a sky-fi on order for a servocat and skycommander equipped 16"
> Meade Lightbridge. I should be able to control the scope with Carina's
> SkyVoyager planetarium app on my iPhone. Not really necessary for Tom
> Clarkes behemoth. Sure he could mount a full sized laptop near the focuser
> and it wouldn't affect his balance much 8-) For smaller dobs it could be a
> boon though. No having to climb back down the ladder to select on object
> from a planetarium program running on a base or table mounted laptop.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Hi Keith,



I am not familiar with the Sky-Fi.  What exactly does it do?  Is it software
or hardware?



Charlie



   _____

From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
calibos
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:36 AM
To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bigdob] Re: SkyFi wireless on a big Dob

I've got a sky-fi on order for a servocat and skycommander equipped 16"
Meade Lightbridge. I should be able to control the scope with Carina's
SkyVoyager planetarium app on my iPhone. Not really necessary for Tom
Clarkes behemoth. Sure he could mount a full sized laptop near the focuser
and it wouldn't affect his balance much 8-) For smaller dobs it could be a
boon though. No having to climb back down the ladder to select on object
from a planetarium program running on a base or table mounted laptop.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've got a sky-fi on order for a servocat and skycommander equipped 16" Meade
Lightbridge. I should be able to control the scope with Carina's SkyVoyager
planetarium app on my iPhone. Not really necessary for Tom Clarkes behemoth.
Sure he could mount a full sized laptop near the focuser and it wouldn't affect
his balance much 8-) For smaller dobs it could be a boon though. No having to
climb back down the ladder to select on object from a planetarium program
running on a base or table mounted laptop.

----- Original Message ----

> From: Vic <vmenard@...>
>
> I just got back from the Chiefland Star Party where I spent
> some time playing with a late beta SkyFi wireless connection
> on my 22-inch StarStructure with ArgoNavis/ServoCAT drive system.
>
> Tom Clark wants a SkyFi system on his 42-incher as soon
> as I can get it working (SkyCommander/SkyTracker system)--or sooner!
> I spoke to Rick Singmaster (he was at the star party too), and he
> was also very interested in the system. I hope to have more time soon
> to thoroughly work through the system.

As you probably know from the Starmaster group, getting _any_ computer
communication with the SkyCommander/SkyTracker drive system is difficult.  There
are only two or three planetarium programs that claim to work with it, and at
least one of those doesn't work well.  I and others have tried using the
documentation in that group's files that claims to show how to communicate
directly with the system, and I've found that responses from the SC are _very_
frequently unreliable when going through the SkyTracker.  Attempts by at least a
few members to make an ASCOM driver for the system have failed.

I glad to hear Rick is interested.  Members of the Starmaster group have asked
him about it and he seems to only want to blame the planetarium makers for not
designing their software to work with his scopes.  Well how could they, if the
SC/ST doesn't respond the way it's supposed to?  And also that's outdated
thinking today- with so many different drive systems and programs, the days of
customized programming for one specific program to talk to one brand of scope
drive are numbered- everyone's using ASCOM now.

-John

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, Shane LaPierre <shane@...> wrote:
>
> When you say "All of this over a local wifi network" you mean
> the wifi network that the SkyFi creates, right?

Yes. The SkyFi wifi node shows up with other available wifi nodes
in your network software (Airport menu on my MacBook). It's pretty
neat.

> That's impressive.  I can't wait for mine.  I am on a list...
> but alas no call from the manufacturer yet.  I should call them
> back.

I'm not certain what the delay is at Carina, but I'm sure they're
as anxious to get this device out as you are to receive it! It will
be worth the wait.

> Thanks for the report.

My pleasure. I hope to have more soon (re: SkyCommander/SkyTracker).

When you say "All of this over a local wifi network" you mean the wifi network
that the SkyFi creates, right?  That's impressive.  I can't wait for mine.  I am
on a list... but alas no call from the manufacturer yet.  I should call them
back.

Thanks for the report.

Shane

On Nov 17, 2009, at 3:42 PM, Vic wrote:

> I just got back from the Chiefland Star Party where I spent
> some time playing with a late beta SkyFi wireless connection
> on my 22-inch StarStructure with ArgoNavis/ServoCAT drive system.
>
> Here's a quick summary:
>
> Once the system is configured (Telescope menu, "Control Setup..."),
> the telescope connected instantly and the Telescope Panel appeared.
> Using Voyager 4.5.5, I was able to initiate GoTo commands from my
> MacBook (with the AN catalog set to: "from planetarium") and was
> also able to link Voyager to the drive system so the "Telescope
> Display" (field of view circles) would track the scope's movement
> on my MacBook (running Snow Leopard).
>
> All of this over a local wifi network.
>
> Everyone who saw the SkyFi system working on my scope was *very*
> impressed. Tom Clark wants a SkyFi system on his 42-incher as soon
> as I can get it working (SkyCommander/SkyTracker system)--or sooner!
> I spoke to Rick Singmaster (he was at the star party too), and he
> was also very interested in the system. I hope to have more time soon
> to thoroughly work through the system.
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I just got back from the Chiefland Star Party where I spent
some time playing with a late beta SkyFi wireless connection
on my 22-inch StarStructure with ArgoNavis/ServoCAT drive system.

Here's a quick summary:

Once the system is configured (Telescope menu, "Control Setup..."),
the telescope connected instantly and the Telescope Panel appeared.
Using Voyager 4.5.5, I was able to initiate GoTo commands from my
MacBook (with the AN catalog set to: "from planetarium") and was
also able to link Voyager to the drive system so the "Telescope
Display" (field of view circles) would track the scope's movement
on my MacBook (running Snow Leopard).

All of this over a local wifi network.

Everyone who saw the SkyFi system working on my scope was *very*
impressed. Tom Clark wants a SkyFi system on his 42-incher as soon
as I can get it working (SkyCommander/SkyTracker system)--or sooner!
I spoke to Rick Singmaster (he was at the star party too), and he
was also very interested in the system. I hope to have more time soon
to thoroughly work through the system.

John-

My thought, exactly!  Thanks,  Greg



--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, John Mahony <jmmahony@...> wrote:
>
> If it was around f/6 small refractors can be useful for very wide fields or as
a giant finder.  But at f/12?  No, I wouldn't bother.
>
> -John
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> > From: "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...>
> > To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Mon, November 16, 2009 9:04:48 PM
> > Subject: [bigdob] Re: Add a refractor to my DOB???
> >
> > Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
> > refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
> > Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to
make
> > it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided
pretty
> > decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a
good
> > reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer
through
> > a 3 1/4" one?
> >
> > --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@" wrote:
> > >
> > > I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB 
for
> > about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters
> > and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I
also
> > have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.
> > I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking
> > of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical
attach
> > candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting
it
> > on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
> > balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare
shield-
> > and weighs about 7 pounds.
> > >
> > > Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

If it was around f/6 small refractors can be useful for very wide fields or as a
giant finder.  But at f/12?  No, I wouldn't bother.

-John




----- Original Message ----
> From: "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...>
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, November 16, 2009 9:04:48 PM
> Subject: [bigdob] Re: Add a refractor to my DOB???
>
> Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
> refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
> Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to
make
> it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided
pretty
> decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a
good
> reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer
through
> a 3 1/4" one?
>
> --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." wrote:
> >
> > I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB 
for
> about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters
> and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I
also
> have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.
> I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking
> of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
> candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
> on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
> balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
> and weighs about 7 pounds.
> >
> > Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

I have a 14" F4.7 and love it.  And with a 31mm Nagler I get awesome widefield
views of the Veil and Double Cluster in Perseus and when just cruisin' the
milkyway - I'm always amazed at the colour of some of the stars as I cruise the
sky.  And with a 5-9 mm Nagler I get awesome views of the planets and moon.  I
also have an 80mm refractor on my dob which I use as a finder at 11 x. I enjoy
the widefield view in the 80 mm as I hunt down my target before switching to the
dob's eyepiece (I don't have any navigation and use star hopping to find all my
targets).  Most of the objects 9 mag and brighter show up easily in my 80mm. 
For instance, I enjoy the view of M81 and M82 in the 80mm before I turn to my
14" to examine these beauties in greater detail.  I also use my 80mm with a
shorter focal nagler to get higher power and great views of M45.

Tim in Calgary

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...> wrote:
>
> Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to make
it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided pretty
decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a good
reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer through
a 3 1/4" one?
>
> --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@" <cloudmagnet@> wrote:
> >
> > I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB 
for about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to
use. I also have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.  I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are
logical attach candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking
of mounting it on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned,
however, about balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and
glare shield- and weighs about 7 pounds.
> >
> > Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
> >
>

Well, it's a nice clear night this evening, so I rolled out the DOB with the
refractor temporarily attached per my last post.... Had some quick looks at
Jupiter, M31 and Alberio....ya know what? - I don't think that I'm going to make
it permanent!!!  When all I had was the refractor, I thought it provided pretty
decent views, but the DOB has definately spoiled me!  Can anyone give me a good
reason why I should pull me eye away from the EP of a 14" scope to peer through
a 3 1/4" one?

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...> wrote:
>
> I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB  for
about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of clusters
and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I also
have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's objective. 
I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great goto/tracking
of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
and weighs about 7 pounds.
>
> Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
>

Thanks for the input guys-

This morning, I began a bit of experimenting.  I made a (very) temporary fixture
that allows the refractor to be fitted to the truss polls.  Tried the side
opposite the focuser first, but that put the refractor EP too close to the
ground for comfortable viewing (with a 90 degree diagonal).  Next, tried the
top, as suggested.  This seems to be the best location, although I still want to
try sliding it closer to one side while maintaining the top position.  As for
balancing, the top position seems to also require the least counterbalancing. 
For this, I'm taking some inspiration from the garage door-- torsion springs! 
The DOB is already outfitted with a "virtual" counterweight spring system, 
which I devised several years ago and am very happy with- see photo in "new"
Greg H album.  Rather than beef up the existing system, I'm going to add a
separate torsion system for use only when the refractor is being used.






--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...> wrote:
>
> I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB  for
about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of clusters
and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I also
have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's objective. 
I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great goto/tracking
of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
and weighs about 7 pounds.
>
> Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
>

You'll have severe balance problems if you try to mount it on the secondary
cage.

Some owners of big dobs mount a second scope on the "top" surface of the mirror
box, but even that requires some added counterweights on the opposite side of
the box.  Balance is critical in dobs.

-John




----- Original Message ----
> From: "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...>
>
> I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB  for
> about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
clusters
> and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I
also
> have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's
objective.
> I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great
goto/tracking
> of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
> candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
> on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
> balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
> and weighs about 7 pounds.
>
> Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I know this question if off topic  but i just had to ask being you have argo
navis on a large dob.

My question is . is your argo navis very accurate I installed it on a cheeesy
mede light bridge and i can get my agro to find any object's within the fov  I
think it is my dob base being flimsy and not human error , but you never know ?
any comments or suggestings would be great

Thank you

Lou

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "cloudmagnet@..." <cloudmagnet@...> wrote:
>
> I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB  for
about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of clusters
and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I also
have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's objective. 
I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great goto/tracking
of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
and weighs about 7 pounds.
>
> Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
>

If you use a counterweight, it'll be a big one.  Figure the distances from
the altitude axis to the CG of the refractor, and from the axis to
behind/below the primary, as far as possible.  Take the ratio of those two
and multiply by the weight of the refractor -- For example if the refractor
CG is 45" above the axis, and the CG of the counterweight is 15" below the
axis, you need about 21 pounds in (removable) counterweight.  That much mass
behind the primary can cause some visible thermal effects for the Dob, so
you'll want to think about somehow getting it outside the reflector tube
assembly -- Maybe a bolt-on refractor/counterweight assembly.  A better
alternative may be using a spring instead of a big counterweight -- The idea
is to get the spring to stretch at lower altitude angles, pulling the tube
assembly up.  There was an ATM article in S&T some years ago about virtual
counterweights using springs.  Not sure what the added weight will do to the
ServoCat but it won't be an improvement.

Roy Diffrient


----- Original Message -----
From: <cloudmagnet@...>
To: <bigdob@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 9:21 AM
Subject: [bigdob] Add a refractor to my DOB???


> I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB
> for about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of
> clusters and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy
> to use. I also have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a
> Jeager's objective.  I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage
> of the great goto/tracking of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The
> truss-poles are logical attach candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit
> them.  I'm thinking of mounting it on the side, opposite the DOB's
> focuser.  I am concerned, however, about balance.  The refractor is about
> 42" long- including focuser and glare shield- and weighs about 7 pounds.
>
> Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

I've been enjoying my ServoCat/ArgoNavis equipped 14" Obsession clone DOB  for
about 5 years now (see photo section, Greg H).  At f/4.8, the views of clusters
and nebulae are spectacular, and the SC/AN system is truly a joy to use. I also
have a 3 1/4" f/12 refractor - homebrew of course- it has a Jeager's objective. 
I'm thinking that it would be nice to take advantage of the great goto/tracking
of my DOB by mounting the refractor on it.  The truss-poles are logical attach
candidates- easy to fabricate clamps to fit them.  I'm thinking of mounting it
on the side, opposite the DOB's focuser.  I am concerned, however, about
balance.  The refractor is about 42" long- including focuser and glare shield-
and weighs about 7 pounds.

Any suggestions, opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Louis,



I agree completely with the preceding post.  The book is an excellent guide
to building a Dob and is easy to follow and understand.



Charlie



   _____

From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
tsulmer1
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10:43 AM
To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bigdob] Re: I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base





The best resource is to get a copy of the book "The Dobsonian Telescope" by
Kriege and Berry. You find everything you need to know in there.

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com, Louis Del
Sesto <faintfuzzies1@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thank you for your reply, I do belong to a astro group but there is no atm
there. I think i may have to travel a few hours to find another group with
atm's
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gordon Pegue <gpegue@...>
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups. <mailto:bigdob%40yahoogroups.com> com
> Sent: Tue, November 10, 2009 10:22:32 AM
> Subject: RE: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base
>
>
> Do you belong to a local astronomy club?
> If not, you should, if one exists nearby.
> Why? It's liable to have an ATM group, with folks who could answer
> questions and provide guidance about the project you're contemplating.
>
> Not satisfied with that response?
> There is a wealth of information on the Internet: Time, patience and
> skillful use of google search terms will yield many, many pages of
> scopes that others have built. Armed with that info, you can make better
> choices about what you'd like to accomplish.
>
> Gordon
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bigdob@yahoogroups. com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
> Of Louis
> Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:38 AM
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups. com
> Subject: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base
>
> Hi everyone, I hope you all dont mind if i ask this question.
>
> I own a 12 inch meade light bridge Truss dob.. The base it came with
> is cheesy at best and I would like to remake it from appleply or birch .
> I want to rebuild it because i feel that my argo navis dsc is not
> working well due to the shorts comings of the base ..my argo navis is
> always off .the accuracy stinks. I think it is because the base might be
> twisting .
>
> can some one please help me find plans on making a base for a 12 inch
> scope or guide me on what i should do first.
>
> I just dont know how to make the plans for this,should i just trace out
> the original patter onto appleply and cut it out. will this work well?
>
> thank you for all help and tips
>
> Lou
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The best resource is to get a copy of the book "The Dobsonian Telescope" by
Kriege and Berry.  You find everything you need to know in there.

--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, Louis Del Sesto <faintfuzzies1@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Thank you for your reply, I do belong to a astro group but there is no atm
there. I think i may have to travel a few hours to find another group with atm's
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gordon Pegue <gpegue@...>
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tue, November 10, 2009 10:22:32 AM
> Subject: RE: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base
>
>
> Do you belong to a local astronomy club?
> If not, you should, if one exists nearby.
> Why? It's liable to have an ATM group, with folks who could answer
> questions and provide guidance about the project you're contemplating.
>
> Not satisfied with that response?
> There is a wealth of information on the Internet: Time, patience and
> skillful use of google search terms will yield many, many pages of
> scopes that others have built. Armed with that info, you can make better
> choices about what you'd like to accomplish.
>
> Gordon
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bigdob@yahoogroups. com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
> Of Louis
> Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:38 AM
> To: bigdob@yahoogroups. com
> Subject: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base
>
> Hi everyone, I hope you all dont mind if i ask this question.
>
> I own a  12 inch meade light bridge  Truss dob.. The base it came with
> is cheesy at best and I would like to remake it from appleply or birch .
> I want to rebuild it because i feel that my argo navis dsc is not
> working well due to the shorts comings of the base ..my argo navis is
> always off .the accuracy stinks. I think it is because the base might be
> twisting   .
>
> can some one please help me find plans on making a base for a 12 inch
> scope or guide me on what i should do first.
>
> I just dont know how to make the plans for this,should i just trace out
> the original patter onto appleply and cut it out. will this work well?
>
> thank you for all help and tips
>
> Lou
>
> ------------ --------- --------- ------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thank you for your reply, I do belong to a astro group but there is no atm
there. I think i may have to travel a few hours to find another group with atm's


________________________________
From: Gordon Pegue <gpegue@...>
To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 10, 2009 10:22:32 AM
Subject: RE: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base


Do you belong to a local astronomy club?
If not, you should, if one exists nearby.
Why? It's liable to have an ATM group, with folks who could answer
questions and provide guidance about the project you're contemplating.

Not satisfied with that response?
There is a wealth of information on the Internet: Time, patience and
skillful use of google search terms will yield many, many pages of
scopes that others have built. Armed with that info, you can make better
choices about what you'd like to accomplish.

Gordon

-----Original Message-----
From: bigdob@yahoogroups. com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
Of Louis
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:38 AM
To: bigdob@yahoogroups. com
Subject: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base

Hi everyone, I hope you all dont mind if i ask this question.

I own a  12 inch meade light bridge  Truss dob.. The base it came with
is cheesy at best and I would like to remake it from appleply or birch .
I want to rebuild it because i feel that my argo navis dsc is not
working well due to the shorts comings of the base ..my argo navis is
always off .the accuracy stinks. I think it is because the base might be
twisting   .

can some one please help me find plans on making a base for a 12 inch
scope or guide me on what i should do first.

I just dont know how to make the plans for this,should i just trace out
the original patter onto appleply and cut it out. will this work well?

thank you for all help and tips

Lou

------------ --------- --------- ------

Yahoo! Groups Links







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Do you belong to a local astronomy club?
If not, you should, if one exists nearby.
Why? It's liable to have an ATM group, with folks who could answer
questions and provide guidance about the project you're contemplating.

Not satisfied with that response?
There is a wealth of information on the Internet: Time, patience and
skillful use of google search terms will yield many, many pages of
scopes that others have built. Armed with that info, you can make better
choices about what you'd like to accomplish.


Gordon



-----Original Message-----
From: bigdob@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bigdob@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Louis
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:38 AM
To: bigdob@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bigdob] I want to remake my 12 inch meade lightbridge base

Hi everyone, I hope you all dont mind if i ask this question.

I own a  12 inch meade light bridge  Truss dob.. The base it came with
is cheesy at best and I would like to remake it from appleply or birch .
I want to rebuild it because i feel that my argo navis dsc is not
working well due to the shorts comings of the base ..my argo navis is
always off .the accuracy stinks. I think it is because the base might be
twisting   .

can some one please help me find plans on making a base for a 12 inch
scope or guide me on what i should do first.

I just dont know how to make the plans for this,should i just trace out
the original patter onto appleply and cut it out. will this work well?

thank you for all help and tips

Lou



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

Hi everyone, I hope you all dont mind if i ask this question.

I own a  12 inch meade light bridge  Truss dob.. The base it came with is cheesy
at best and I would like to remake it from appleply or birch . I want to rebuild
it because i feel that my argo navis dsc is not working well due to the shorts
comings of the base ..my argo navis is always off .the accuracy stinks. I think
it is because the base might be twisting   .

can some one please help me find plans on making a base for a 12 inch scope or
guide me on what i should do first.

I just dont know how to make the plans for this,should i just trace out the
original patter onto appleply and cut it out. will this work well?

thank you for all help and tips

Lou

I own a 12 inch meade light bridge and want to build a new base for it  but i
just dont know where i start?

The reason i want to build a new base is i think it is not good enough for argo
navis .


I installed argo navis on this meade base and it seems like i never can get it
to be accurate and i think it is because the meade base is just to weak..It
seems like the base might twist a little bit when going left and right up and
down. It is ponly made of particle board.

I think i want to make my own base out of apple ply but where do i start. how do
i redesign a base  ? are there any plans out there?

Thank you very much


Lou

Yeah!! Good point. How can an "ultra light" and 60# mirror have anything in
common?? <lol>

My customer, Don, tells me it was a mirror from some sort of military
application that had a sphere on both sides. The price was right, the diameter
was something he thought he'd like to have -- but it is heavy.

I guess it'd be a heavier scope with a traditional design. But I did visit  him
recently and it a beautiful thing to behold..

Dennis


--- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "John" <jmmahony@...> wrote:
>
> The very thick mirror (3.85") seems to contradict your subject line.  Any
reason it's so thick?
>
> -John
>
>
> --- In bigdob@yahoogroups.com, "Dennis" <densteele@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all. I thought you'd be interested in seeing a 23" telescope I built some
components for. Turned out quite nice. Check out my webpage at:
> >
> > http://dobstuff.com/23scope.htm
> >
> > I make stuff if anyone needs something built..
> >
> > Dennis
> >
>