From wpk@saao.ac.zaFri Jul 17 22:44:11 1998
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 16:31:02 +0200 (GMT+0200)
From: Willie Koorts <wpk@saao.ac.za>
To: Paul Herrick <pher@nauticom.net>
Subject: Re: split ring mount


On Sat, 27 Dec 1997, Paul Herrick wrote:

> 	Willie,
> 
> 		First off, OUTSTANDING design on the split ring mount. This is just what
> I am looking for and I have been looking for a long time.
> 		Your photo documentation is impressive but I am unclear as to how the
> declination axis is attached. Could you provide more details as to the
> declination mounting hardware as this is clearly my next project for my 8"
> Dob.
> 		Thanks again for an outstanding design.
> 
> 							Sincerely,
> 							Paul Herrick
> 							pher@nauticom.net

Hi Paul

Sorry for only responding now - I have been on leave and only returned 
today.

Thanks for the nice comments on my telescope.

Regarding your question on the declination axis attatchment - the short
answer is: there is no declination axis attachment (because there is no
physical declination axis, I suppose).  The best view of it is probably the
last photo in the rocker box section where you can see how the two
declination discs slide in between teflon pads on the fodable splitring where
it is held down by gravity.  Each declination disk is then riding on three
teflon pads - two on the bottom edges of the cutouts in the plywood splitring
(faintly visible in the 3rd and 4th pictures on the mount section) and a
third pad in about the middle of each of the two aluminium brackets that
keeps the splitring from unfolding (next picture). A forth teflon pad
(clearly visible in the photo mentioned first) only gives side support when
the telescope rotates in RA and because it is a snug fit, prevents the 
ring from distorting out of round under the weight of the telescope. 

Hope this makes sence.  If you are still unclear, try getting a back-copy of
Sky&Telescope, March 1986 (p303) or Telescope Making #27 (p32) where Joe
Pearson (700 Teal Place, Edmond, OK 73034) described his design.  This is
where I got the idea from. 

Regards
Willie
                        Willie Koorts   wpk@saao.ac.za   

       Cape Town,  Observatory   33d 56' 03"S   18d 28' 36"E   GMT + 2h
       Wellington, South Africa  33d 38' 56"S   19d 00' 52"E   GMT + 2h

       For - Amateur Astronomy - Telescope Making - Satellite Tracking -
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