Members: Mark, Leigh, Wayne, Brett
Arrive: 8:10 pm
Temp: -2 C
Wayne took photos outdoors with his DSLR.
Brett & Mark removed finder scope in order to take measurements for a new finder scope bracket assy. Also removed bracket on top of scope for camera mount in order to make final measurements for accessory mounting plate mounts. Brett machined mounts out of aluminum and they look very good. Plate will allow the mounting of a guide scope and other equipment that members may wish to use in the future.
Re-mounted finder scope and moved telescope to Alnilam to synchonize scope with hand paddle and The Sky6. Mark mounted his DSLR onto the telescope and we attempted to obtain focus. We found we could not bring the camera close enough so we removed the extension tube and mounted the camera directly onto the focuser. Still unable to move camera close enough, we removed the T4 mount ring tube and Mark and Brett performed delicate surgery upon it. (note: need to buy new hacksaw blades, and a vise would be a useful tool for toolroom.) We still had to unlock the main mirror and move it slightly to obtain focus with the focuser near the middle of its travel. We then moved the telescope to M42. Mark took a series of 30 second images.
Brett and Wayne had to leave at 11:10pm.
Mark and Leigh continued taking 30 second images for awhile longer. Determined that the next step would be to remount Sbig camera and see if focus could be obtained without moving main mirror. It was too late to attempt so we started to shut down for the night.
Departed 12:15am
Temp: -1 C
Darkness meter: