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Post by scopejunkie on May 31, 2011 23:34:59 GMT -5
8" F/9 "Rail Scope". Istar lens. RTMC 2010 Merit award winner. Great lens  Attachments:
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Post by Watcher3 on Jun 1, 2011 10:23:23 GMT -5
[quote Great lens [/quote] Great scope! I'm afraid if I had a test bed like that, I would have WAAAAY to many refractors. ;D |
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Post by Mike on Jun 13, 2011 22:21:24 GMT -5
Joe, you know anything about this guy? Does he hang out on CN maybe?
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Post by Watcher3 on Jun 14, 2011 12:41:05 GMT -5
I know I saw that railscope on CN quite a while back, but I don't know scopejunkies CN user name. Let me dig a little, and see if I can get his attention.
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Post by scopejunkie on Jun 15, 2011 20:24:58 GMT -5
Hi guys  It started out as a test bed for the lens and became the scope you see. What would like to know? The scope uses 2X4's as the main OTA platform. The rest of the components are various pieces of sheet metal that puts it all together. I can post more photos if any one is interested. Also, I have the CAD files (DXF) if someone has access to CAD software and wants them. This picture shows how the lens cell is mounted. Nothing fancy. Just some 1/4" aluminum plate and a 1X1 angle bracket. Most of my postings have been on Astromart. I do visit CN though. Keith Attachments:
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Post by Watcher3 on Jun 16, 2011 6:11:50 GMT -5
Thanks Keith. CAD file would be great. I'm sure I've seen free software on the net for those of us who want some detailed drawings. Also be a good test for me to see if attachments post to this site without any complications.
Thanks again. Great job on the rail.
Joe
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Post by Mike on Jun 16, 2011 19:27:01 GMT -5
Keith, I NEED a way to star test these lenses and I really like your rig. Being able to change lenses quickly would be a great help. I need to think about making it so I can move the focuser (change focal length). I would like as many photos and details as you would care to share with me. Can I pick up the aluminum plates and brackets stock or did you cut them yourself? I will send you a PM. Thanks, Mike
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Post by scopejunkie on Jun 16, 2011 21:37:17 GMT -5
Here is the basic CAD file. Not fancy but it will give the basic info. I could have cleaned up the drawing but I wanted to show the basic components. The drawing is to scale so you can get the various size information from it. I will post more pictures showing the other components. Keith Attachments:
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Post by scopejunkie on Jun 16, 2011 21:47:37 GMT -5
Here is a picture of the front end showing the lens mount. Thanks for the compliments. Attachments:
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Post by scopejunkie on Jun 16, 2011 21:51:42 GMT -5
Here is the focuser end. Attachments:
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Post by scopejunkie on Jun 16, 2011 21:54:45 GMT -5
This one shows the one of the plates that tie the 2X4's together. It also shows one of the baffles. The brass thumb nuts in all the photos help make all the components removable. Attachments:
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Post by stellarone on Dec 28, 2011 23:32:36 GMT -5
Thank you very much for sharing these. I was wondering how, without a countercell (in iStar's terminology) and use of push-pull bolts, you collimate the objective to the rack and pinion/eyepiece at the bottom of the rail. Very attractive setup.
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Post by scopejunkie on Dec 31, 2011 23:36:53 GMT -5
There are tapped holes to attach the cell to the mounting plate. The lens can be adjusted in the usual manner. The plate is the countercell. Keith Attachments:
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