January 14th - 83/500 Scope Version 2!

I bet you can guess that I like to tinker.  While the first version of this scope worked quite well I was not very happy with the focuser from my "junque box"  (no wonder it was in the box!) so I decided to do something about it.  After looking at many focusers of various prices I settled on the Apogee "Heavy Duty" 2" refractor focuser.  This unit has a short body but retains a 4" focus range.  It also has a focus lock for astrophotography.  I ordered one form Apogee and I found out some interesting things.  This is a unit that they assemble "in house".  I suspect the parts are made for them by a local shop to their design.  It seems well made and I like the simple design of the rack and pinion.  I was informed that the focuser is designed to only have one focus knob.  The fellow that took my order told me that he had to assemble the focuser and he could extend the shaft so I could install two knobs if I wanted.  I told him that I would like the extended shaft and he could keep the single knob.  I have a "thing" for brass focus knobs.....

While I waited a few days for the new focuser my piece of 3 1/2" aluminum tubing was delivered.  I disassembled the PVC version of the scope and started to think about an aluminum bodied scope.

Once the focuser arrived I got to work.  I decided to keep the PVC cell and found that the 3 1/2" tubing was a very snug fit into the back end of the cell.  A little lathe work took care of the size leaving me a still tight - but not impossible - fit.  I made an adapter ring to fit the focuser into the tube.  One of my FAAC friends scrounged some 4" tubing and a small piece of that made a nice dew shield.  Some more lathe work and I has a snug slide fit on the cell.  A little black paint inside and viola!  Version 2!!!

Once I am sure that I have the tube length right I will paint the tube and dew shield but the bare aluminum is OK for now.  The focuser looks pretty good.

Note the nice brass knobs!

Now all I need to do is make some accessories.  This solar filter was easy to make with a PVC fitting, some lathe work and a small piece of Baader film.

Next accessory - a lens cap, unless the clouds go away and I can get it out for some photos!