[SJAAboard] tests of mirror for #8 (14" homebuilt)

[Rob Hawley]

Gary and I did a Ronchi test of the mirror on Saturday.  At first blush it
looks good.  The main problem is that it is 40 lbs.  That is roughly twice
what a current commercial mirror would weigh. At 40 lbs there is really no
way to permanently mount the mirror and still stay under 50 lbs.  50 lb is
the most weight that you should reasonably expect people to lift.  If
someone cannot picture how heavy this is I will be happy to bring a 50lb bag
of cat litter for them to try.

I am going to recommend we sell the optics for #8 and either the club buy or
accept the donation of a 12" Meade Lightbridge

http://preview.tinyurl.com/3b8uz7
http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/index.html


Vendors are currently offering a rebate so we probably need to decide
quickly on this.

I had a customer for #8 so the Lightbridge would likely be loaned
immediately.

I suspect whenever Craig tires of #7 we will have a similar discussion with
it.  I do not think either the Highe or Obsession Truss design would work
well for an f/7 scope. 
http://www.sjaa.net//loaners/No-7.JPG

but that is a topic for another day.


Rob Hawley