Friday, October 12, 2007

Building a small ball scope

So I have a 114mm F8 Mirror with a secondary and spider, I have been wanting to turn this into a telescope for some time (and will do so if I ever have any money). I would like to build a small ball scope with it.

Needed:
  • Sheet of plywood (1/2 inch should be fine)
  • 3/4 Al tube (enough for 3 trusses)
  • Tube Cutter
  • 6-7" Sphere
  • Random fasteners
  • Some Lead Shot for counter balance
  • Wood Varnish
  • 8cm fan





Monday, October 8, 2007

Large format Astrograph

Plans for a 4x5 astrograph box camera.

Framework of camera 1/2" Plywood inner painted flat black with velvet ribbon light traps.

Front with current 150mm F5.6 Lens on lensboard.

Back Ronchi Screen 100LPI printed on transparency film over glass.

Ensure that film plane and the glass are in the same spot. Focus with Ronchi Screen, then check the focus with B&W film.

Focus travel +/- 1".