16" Mirror Cell Work Started

This afternoon I started work on the mirror cell for the 16" scope.  It is designed just like the 12.5" mirror cell with some added holes for air flow.  I am adding a fan to blow onto the back of the mirror cell as well as two that will blow on the surface of the mirror.

Throughout the week, I hope to finish it up.  Fellow ATM Tim Scott is making the triangles and bars for me (thanks Tim!).  I should have the mirror box finished over the next couple weeks.  About that time, the new secondary and spider should be ready from Protostar.

I also ordered some split bolts from Obsession Telescopes and some muffin fans from Startech.com.

Slow but steady progress...

Last week I ordered a Protostar 3-vane spider with built in dew control and a 2.6" secondary mirror.  That should show up in the next couple of weeks.  I also ordered the aluminum for the triangles and bars for the 18 point mirror cell.  A good friend of mine will be making those items for me (he can do a much better job than myself).  This week I hope to get the mirror cell started and hopefully finish it by the end of next week.

I am still fighting with myself on how I want to do the secondary ring.  I like the look of the single ring, but having two rings (like most truss dobs) opens up some more possibilities.  Like using a light shroud without having it custom made.  I will probably go with what I know and stick to the single ring design.  The 12" is just fine and I have no problems with it.  I think I loose some contrast, but not enough to cause major problems.

My goal is to finish most of the scope before winter hits.  I think I will be able to get it done by then.