Telescope wedge

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

 

For the last few weeks I've been making a telescope wedge for my Celestron telescope. I've been filming the endeavour for Youtube in both Welsh and English. I've never made such a lengthy series of videos and tend to write things up on my WordPress site.

Anyway, here are a few photos from the build. I hope it works when we get a clear sky.

I couldn't work out how to rotate some of the pictures sorry!

Mod Edit: rotated photos.

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 14/07/2023 20:23:55

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

The first video is online! https://youtu.be/_c9T1E00XJg

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Looks very nicely made, and the anodising really sets it off

Well Done!

[HuubParticipant @huub]

Well done and a good anodising result.

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

Thank you Howard, Huub. The anodising really does complete it, I think I need to spend a bit of time trialling a variety of polishes, grinds, brushes etc to see what results work best.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Excellent work as befits a scientific instrument, really matching the telescope and tripod !

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

Thank you Nigel. For some reason I designed it to be red and blue. I'm glad I changed my mind 😂

[jaCK HobsonParticipant @jackhobson50760]

pretty

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

Thanks Jack!

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

For anyone interested in this, ep 2 and 3 are now on youtube;

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

https://youtu.be/ubxj76DhEp4 Episode 4

[damianParticipant @damiannoble34800]

Hi Gaz,

Late reply to this and very nice work and a very well turned out project.

How is the anodizing bearing up and could you detail more of your set up?

I’m putting together a set up myself but only have 5L of battery acid and it is difficult to get more. I have run through getting an EPP licence to the stage where the home office now want to send out a counter terrorism security advisor to assess my property.

I’m guessing you already had your sulphuric acid?

Thanks

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Damian,

In my experience Sodium Bisulphate is just effective as Sulphuric Acid for home anodising and is readily available here in the UK.  I have used both and find no difference.

Mark Presling in Australia has the same acid issues and describes his method here on Youtube:

HTH,

Rod

[damianParticipant @damiannoble34800]

Thanks Rod for the reply.

I will look into it and will acquire some to try

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

Hi Damian,

Thank you very much! The anodising is holding up well thanks!

I was able to get the supplies from Gateros plating quite a few years ago (probably 10) for the bath etc.

I did top up the sulphuric acid a few years ago when I bought a motorbike battery and had some extra acid left over. I’ve had a few batteries in the post since which came pre filled so I’m assuming they aren’t allowed to post acid in containers anymore.

I cant remember the quantity of acid involved however if you have 5L, you would be able to have a significant bath or plenty of refills over the years.

All the supplies live in my unheated garage and give good performance whenever I use them.

As far as the set up goes. All the acids etc get put into a suitable container for what I’m coating. the dye will get warmed either on a hotplate or with an aquarium heater.

The acid is agitated with an aquarium air pump with a coil of tubing with some holes poked in it. the coils get weighed down with some lead strips.

Hope that helps.

I’m on here periodically. If I don’t respond send a PM.

Gareth.

[damianParticipant @damiannoble34800]

Hi Gareth

Many thanks for the reply. My 5 litres is of 15% strength battery acid and it is enought to probably do parts approx 200mm long.

I have most of the equipment and the dye ready with a temperature control and two heating elements so will get set up in the near future and post the results.

For larger parts I’ll look into using the Sodium Bisulphate that Rod suggested as the list of recommendations for the CTSA visit to grant me a licence includes 2m high fences around my property, 2m high gates, extra secure locks on my outbuildings and an approved security safe to keep it in.

The rest of the requirements I have been through and passed. It is sad times we live in when you can’t purchase things for the sake of the minority forcing the government to make it difficult. To put into context the acid is around £40 but I’d need to spend £4K I’m security to store it.

I’ll post when I have an attempt. Again thank you for the reply

Damian

 

 

 

 

[Taf_PembsParticipant @taf_pembs]

Nice one Gareth, that looks really good.. Yes, glad you changed your mind about the colour!

Does it work as well as intended?

Got something to watch on YouTube later too 👍🍻

[GazParticipant @gaz13336]

You’re right Damian it really is a sad state of affairs when people ruin it for us. But I suppose if those tighter regs mean that someone doesn’t get attacked its a win win.

 

Taf, it does work better than without it but it still isn’t as good as a proper EQ mount would be.

Good luck trying to stay awake haha!

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

For convenient reference

Yuasa has a very clear guide to the U.K. legislation, here:

https://www.yuasa.co.uk/2018/08/important-uk-announcement-new-regulations-will-change-the-way-motorcycle-batteries-can-be-sold/

MichaelG.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

The regs are not being adhered to as I have recently had a dry batt delivered with the acid in a container in the box

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