TCR baffle strategy

[glend]

Just wanted to know about the baffling on the TCR. Specifically, is it really needed or even there, as there is no tube for possible reflections and it is assumed a shroud will be used in places other than Dark Sites.  I know from my Strut Dob use that there is no baffling on Newts other than maybe some flocking by some people.  I have a shroud on my 16" dob and a shield to protect the focuser and they work great.

It appears the individual tube frame stations on the TCR might be baffles in one sense, but without a tube and assuming a shroud why bother? I assume the shields that are at either end are there to protect the objective and the focuser from stray light, and that is understandable.

[Mike]

Glen, extensive "real world" testing has proven the baffles at both ends work very well. One peek down the empty focuser in broad daylight or under inside direct lighting would show you what I mean. Once a lens cap is installed on the dew shield, the tube on the back side of the lens could be capped and would serve as a way to cover both sides of the lens for storage. So far under most "ordinary" viewing conditions a shroud is not necessary. Now if you put yourself directly under a street light... but you wouldn't do that with any scope, right?

Mike

[jimcurry]

When I was working and living in downtown Calgary I purposely set up directly under a street light for solar system viewing. Easy to read the lunar atlas and didn't effect views at all. I guess at the right angle it could allow stray light into an open tube frac which would wash out the view.

Jim