12.5" F/6 truss-tube scope for
UIAS
This scope was formerly computer controlled, and hadn't been used for
at least 7 years. I refigured the mirror, and then I modified the
scope to be a Dob in a couple weeks. First, lots of stuff was
removed
from the mirror box, and I commendered the old bearings from my 10"
F/6.8
to become the 12.5" inchers new altitude bearings.
Here's a picture of the mirror box, before modification, with large
wooden pieces attached to the sides, and metal bushings installed in
the wood. Also, here's a shot of the pile of parts that came off
the mirror box and diagonal cage, removing some 15 pounds of weight
from the whole thing, and a picture of a new JMI RCF-1 focuser..
I removed the mirror cell and reinstalled it closer to the back of the
mirror box. Next, I installed pieces of wood on top of the mirror
box so that the pole clamps could be mounted on these, inset from the
outside of the mirror box. Then they didn't interfere with the
truss poles. I made new truss clamps for the diagonal cage, and
put the whole thing together and balanced it. Then I mounted the
bearings, and made the mount. Here are pictures of the mount, the
disassembled scope, and the assembled scope.
The whole thing sets up quickly and performs reasonably well. We
need to work some kinks out with the mirror cell, since the mirror
isn't quite
sitting right. It's got a fairly lumpy back.
