Some features of my 22" f/4 telescope Mounted mirrorcell with cooling fan.
The cell was fabricated based on Kriege and Berry's book
Mirror cell (photo taken during the re-finish project and
nothing was done to the cell during this project, just
taken out of the mirror box.) 1/4" aluminum
flotation triangles and bars. The frame was
fabricated with 1" tubular steel and 1.25" flat steel on
the sides. The white flotation pads are the original
furniture glides. They are nice and slippery.
The black flotation pads are the non-slip hard rubber, so
the mirror will not shift laterally while on the sling,
especially when the scope is near horizontal and on the
equatorial platform.
Lower truss clamp - top view
Unique ball and socket upper clamps.
Upper truss connector detail. From left to right;
1" Phenolic ball with brass threaded insert, lock nut,
large washer (slightly larger than the diameter of the
truss itself, smaller washer just small enough to fit
inside of the truss (to prevent the connector from moving
laterally as the tube insert is not strong enough to
prevent lateral movements), regular nut. All of this
is one a regular threaded rod. I used 5/16-18
threads.
Tube insert inside the truss. I got mine from a
place I don't remember.
Upper truss clamp assembly (side and top)
Upper Cage (1/2" Baltic Birch with 3/16" Baltic Birch
focuser board) Very light!
Detail of the focuser board. I used 3/16" Baltic
Birch plywood.
Front end of the 22" mirror box and rocker box. The
four furniture glide feet on the "front" side of the
mirror box is there for support during unloading or
loading. When I load or unload the mirror box, I
actually place it standing vertically on the ground on the
"front" side, so it is easier for me to pick it back
up.
Same assembly as above, but from the side. The
bearings were made by Obsession for their 18"
telescopes. I decided on these instead of the larger
bearings as the larger bearings has a notch for trusses
that are mounted on the outside. That would not work
in my application. The diameter is a little smaller
than I wanted, but my telescope is light enough so it is
still buttery smooth. In fact, this 22" telescope
weighs less than the 18" Obsession. You can get the
bearings here.
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