I picked up the packages that contain my 16" mirror, spider, secondary, focuser, and a little surprise: A Meade Coffee Cup!! (Thanks Richard). You know, you don't really think about how big something is until you get it. When I pulled the mirror out, it was kind of overwhelming to see it. I did get a tape measure out and confirm that it indeed is 16" wide (instead of 18 or 20, hehehehehe)
The secondary was larger than I expected. I measured it to be about 3 5/8" wide. Pretty big for visual use, but not big enough to cause a problem (you want to stay between 20% to 25%). I measured the spider and it is just about the right size for my purposes.Now the fun begins! I will start with the secondary ring and bearings, and then onto the mirror box. I need to start getting stuff together to sell so that I can afford the truss system. This is where I learn patience. Pretty hard to do when there is a nice 16" mirror waiting to reflect some photons.
Cannot wait to start cutting wood!
4 comments:
Hello Jason! Great to see the mirror set arrived safely. I don't know if I mentioned that the scope this set of optics came from was found here on Craigslist. The owner hadn't been using it for some time and wanted to free-up the funds for an outdoor playset for his 18 month old daughter.
Richard
Hey Richard! Yep, optics arrived safely. I think I will end up selling the secondary and spider. Just to get something smaller (and lighter). The 16" will be my dream telescope and I am pulling out all the stops so I am getting a Protostar spider.
That 16" mirror looks sharp. I can't wait to see it all come together. You're sure to draw a crowd outside your house with this one.
Matt R.
Cannot wait, if I play my cards right, I may be able to finish it in the fall instead of the winter. Crossing fingers...
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