Scope Mods, Have you done any/Plan to do any?

Keith,

Here's a link to a Sky&Tel article on the theory: www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/diy/3304231.html

and here's a link to a "how to" page specifically for the Telrad: www.simcoeskies.com/dew/no_can_dew_7.html

The only addition I would make to the circuit is to put in a switch - you won't need to run the heater all the time and you might as well save your 12v battery for running the other electronics!

Phil.

Well its started!!

My Visa Card Taking a battering that is!

Just ordered a 15mw Green Laser Pen from WickedLasers

Just Ordered a pair of Scope-Totes for lifting the OTA easier (instead of drilling holes in the OTA for doorhandles like I said in my first post.

Just waiting on a qoute from Brian Reed for his RoundTable Motorised EQ Platforms

Just about to order a proper flight case for my Hyperion EP's and filters. My current customised toolbox will now be used for all non EP and Filter bits and bobs

Have ordered but am waiting on an Orion Fan from Telescope Service before I can start my Fan Shroud and ring baffle mod.

Am this close to putting my name down for a Mallincam Hypercolor Plus!!

In the planning stages for my Scope Base mounted Laptop table.

Interesting and financially poorer times ahead!!


One more thing. Further to my initial question about using a laser pointer for initial EQ Platform polor alignment.

The platform has a built in compass but as I have read elsewhere magnetic north is not celestial north. Am I right in thinking that Polaris is closer to the celestial pole but still a bit off.

Can anyone coment on my idea with the laser pen. ie. How far is true north from polaris. Is it far enough from polaris that one could accurately and consistantly point a laser at it? ie Say true north is a little to the left and a little down from polaris when viewed naked eye. Could I mount the laser pen on the north axis of the platform on a little altitude mount. and rotate the platform to point the laser at this offset true north celestial pole.......or is that idea moot? Is the true celestial pole actually located too close to polaris to do an accurate laser alignment naked eye?

1. Make a Dew Shield/Light Shroud for the front of the OTA that will attach by velcro for easy attachment and removal

Camping carry mats make excellent dew shields

5. Drill my OTA again! :shock: and attach 2 carry handles on the OTA

Careful, if you are carrying the OTA via a handle in the side you could warp the tube and have to recollimate a lot.

Yes Keith,
I plan on doing a lot of 'Mods' to my ETX-125.

1 - Pick it up
2- Chuck it out the top floor window.

I reckon by the time the 'Mod' is finished it will work
100% better than it does now.

After that I plan on:

1 - Collecting all the impossibly small plastic parts of the drive
2 - Burning them on a fire and dancing about it laughing mechanically.

The final part of the modification involves me
buying a new bloody scope coz this thing has my head wrecked!


Anyone any suggestions?
(apart from a dose of Prozac?)

1. Make a Dew Shield/Light Shroud for the front of the OTA that will attach by velcro for easy attachment and removal

Camping carry mats make excellent dew shields

5. Drill my OTA again! :shock: and attach 2 carry handles on the OTA

Careful, if you are carrying the OTA via a handle in the side you could warp the tube and have to recollimate a lot.

Albert

Camping Carry Mats? Can you elaborate?

Drilling the OTA for drawer handles was the initial plan in my original post. I've actually just ordered Scope-Totes for the purpose instead.

Frank

Don't do it!!

BTW, I just picked up a copy of Sky at Night. Congratulations on another published photo!! There is probably already an old thread about it which I didn't see. I got to the gallery pages and saw the photo..."Taken by Frank Ryan Junior, Shannon Ireland" Woah! I think thats barberskum!!

Damn this crappy Irish weather!! It just gives you too much time to think. You get bored and feel the need to whip out the card and treat yourself to some astro gear.

I just spent 780 euro in the space of a few minutes!