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ASSEMBLE THE STRUT TELESCOPE:

If you have any questions, or see anything I haven't covered, please let me know and I'll add that information. Simply email me at densteele@dobstuff.com and I'll follow up and quickly as I can.

Call or email any time
tel: 650-315-6578

Thanks, Dennis

 



1) A note about installing the secondary in the Destiny spider. Notice that the "spring" goes on the TOP of the assembly. If you need to move the secondary up/down along the optical axis, you can do so with the collimation thumb screws. Finally, tighten the center thumb-nut for a firm assembly.

Collimation is easy, that is you just adjust the thumb screws without the need to "loosen two, tighten one"!! Easy.



2) If I've mounted your mirror onto a cell, I've put a "register" mark on one side of the mirror cell.  Sometimes, slight variations occur, so use this register mark to insert the cell into the mirror board (see #3 below).

If I've installed your own mirror cell, it will still have a register. Usually on the "side" of the cell near one of the collimation bolts.

NOTE: Once the mirror and cell are installed onto the mirror  board, tighten the thumb knobs until the springs are "FULLY COMPRESSED".  Then, as you collimate the telescope, simply "release" some of the tension.

I like to use a 2" laser collimator and/or a collimating eyepiece.
 

 33) The mirror board register mark. Sometimes it's a "punch" into the wood, but easy to see.
 



 4)  The rocker box. This example has a encoders for digital setting circles (DSC). Yours may not. Either way, they're all the same.


5)  Here the mirror box and rocker box are "nested". This is a great way to transport and/or store your telescope.


6)  Insert the struts (this example uses the Easy Transport Telescope option -- yours may not. The process is the same.

There is a "captive" screw on the bottom end. Just turn the strut until it is tight (but not too tight).


7) At this point, install the altitude bearings. There is a LEFT and a RIGHT. Since these telescopes are custom made, each clamp may be slightly different. There is an "L" and "R" on the inner side of the clamp.

Note that the "rounded corner" (of the altitude bearing clamp)  faces IN toward the center of the primary mirror.

Note, too, that the lower bearing attachment uses a "wing nut". The upper one, on the clamp, uses a threaded knob.

For orientation, LEFT is determined from the REAR of the scope. In this example, the LEFT altitude bearings has been installed.


8) If you have the ETT option, now is the time to install the "intermediate ring".

Notice that I have placed the mirror box, with altitude bearings, onto the rocker box.


9)  For the ETT telescope only, install the top half of the main struts.  Again, tighten -- but not too tight.

Notice the "washer" is facing UP. This acts to "seat" the strut and protect the wood.
10) Now is the time to install the clamps. The counterweight, the "finder" clamp -- and in this example -- the DSC stage.

11) Install the top ring. Notice the "orientation of the ring". It will match the mirror box assembly.

12) I may have shipped the spider "collimation screws" separately. You can install the 3 thumb-knob screws now.

13) Install the secondary holder. The spring and thumb nut go ON THE TOP.

14) Install the focuser bracket. There will be a "nut" and "lock washer". You'll find one -- or both holes -- slightly OVERSIZE. This is so you can CENTER the focuser over the secondary.

15) Use a laser collimator or Cheshire eyepiece to center the secondary under the focuser.

16) Install the focuser baffle.

17) If you have a digital setting circle, mount it now.

-- Install the encoders. The short tangent arm goes on the AZ axis.
-- Install the cable.

-- Note: The longer lead goes into the AZIMUTH encoder.

The DSC may sit on:
-- A stage (the example in this photo).
-- A stalk, or
-- On Velcro on the rocker box.

Your "done". Enjoy your telescope.

For more information or help, call any time:
--Dennis Steele
--Tel: 650-315-6578 (anytime)
--Email: densteele@dobstuff.com		  

 

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