I'm sick. High winds damaged my vintage telescope *UPDATE pg 3; FIXED pg 4*

SIGforum

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/4770086874

January 18, 2021, 09:42 PM

CoolRich59

I'm sick. High winds damaged my vintage telescope *UPDATE pg 3; FIXED pg 4*

quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Looks like the angels are smiling on me.

A local amateur astronomer and his friends have offered to rescue / repair my vintage telescope!

Great news. Made my day.

_____________________________________________________________________
“One of the common failings among honorable people is a failure to appreciate how thoroughly dishonorable some other people can be, and how dangerous it is to trust them.” – Thomas Sowell

January 19, 2021, 05:18 PM

bendable

Will there be some sort of structure to protect the new scope, in the future?

January 19, 2021, 06:52 PM

bald1

quote:
Originally posted by bendable:
Will there be some sort of structure to protect the new scope, in the future?

Not quite sure. One step at a time. The telescope is being picked up tomorrow for repair by the local volunteer.

January 20, 2021, 03:24 PM

bald1

The local amateur astronomer who volunteered to repair my damaged OTA (optical tube assembly) picked it up this morning.

And I'm happy to report that I think I've helped sig229-SAS in his quest in response to his post on page 3.

bendable, other options to an enclosure exist like sandbags on the tripod mount base or even earth anchors.

January 20, 2021, 05:41 PM

ScreamingCockatoo

I'm so glad to hear this!

I assume he collimated the mirrors too?

January 20, 2021, 05:46 PM

bald1

quote:
Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:

I assume he collimated the mirrors too?

He just took it to his home this morning to repair it.

As for collimation, I'm capable and have the tools (Cheshire & laser). That said I hope his repairs include straightening the bent spider arm which would require a collimating check to ensure the diagonal it supports is properly aligned.

January 20, 2021, 11:05 PM

V-Tail

With all the turmoil that we are going through, it is really great to read some good news!

Please keep us informed about the repairs on your telescope.

If you have time and are inclined to write about it, I would like to hear a bit about your hobby. If you assume that I know nothing about it, you would be correct.

January 21, 2021, 01:57 PM

bald1

Will do.

As for the hobby, the best thing I can do is recommend you look around on this site, especially the beginners forum. It will explain and show things far better than I can.

https://www.cloudynights.com/
sig229-SAS just joined there as he has embarked on a journey to explore the heavens.

January 25, 2021, 10:06 PM

bald1

REPAIR PROGRESS OPDATE

Received this word today from the local amateur astronomer who volunteered to repair the telescope. Earlier he had lamented the fact that the tube had very brittle layers to deal with (some resin saturated cardboard material) as well as the 45 year old hardware difficult to loosen.

"I checked the glue job on your RV6. It seems to have bonded well. So that's good. Next I am going to do some sanding on the tube and maybe a little glue on the inside of the tube. Then I will let that all dry and start the bondo process to strengthen that whole focuser area, then a bit more sanding and some primer and paint and then put it all back together and see what the collimation looks like. I will get alot done this coming weekend and will do some work on it tomorrow night as well."

January 31, 2021, 11:25 PM

bald1

Some quick snapshots from the gent who graciously volunteered to repair the scope.

Glue and bondo so far... sanding, paint, and collimation to come.

January 31, 2021, 11:32 PM

CoolRich59

quote:
Originally posted by bald1:
Some quick snapshots from the gent who graciously volunteered to repair the scope.

Glue and bondo so far... sanding, paint, and collimation to come.

Looking good. Thanks for the update!

February 01, 2021, 06:30 AM

whododat

Good to see. Very glad for you.

February 01, 2021, 11:49 AM

Rey HRH

That's some real bonding over a hobby.

"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.

February 01, 2021, 04:35 PM

ScreamingCockatoo

I was out with my Meade 200 Friday night.
I took a few photos of the nebula in Orions belt.

February 01, 2021, 08:27 PM

bald1

quote:
Originally posted by ScreamingCockatoo:
I was out with my Meade 200 Friday night.
I took a few photos of the nebula in Orions belt.

Bet that SCT gave you some nice images!

First time in eons that conditions are decent. Just put my C90 out on the back porch to cool down. Didn't feel up to the challenge of hauling my MN56 / EQ4 outside. And frankly as tired as I feel I'm not sure how much time I'll be spending at the eyepiece.

http://www.cleardarksky.com/

February 03, 2021, 01:20 PM

bald1

The gent who volunteered to fix the damaged scope returned it today ready for use again.

I have insufficient words to express my gratitude. He refused all offers from me to compensate and show my appreciation.

February 03, 2021, 01:23 PM

HRK

Getting to do things like this for others can be the ultimate compensation, that's great and it's fantastic you're back in the game!

February 03, 2021, 05:24 PM

P-220

What a nice end to a shitty situation.

When I read stories like this, it renews my faith in humanity.

February 03, 2021, 05:53 PM

Outnumbered

It makes the world a little brighter when good things happen for good people! Great resolution!

February 03, 2021, 06:22 PM

Rey HRH

All's well that ends well.