Optimizing Opto-mechanical Performance Using Simple Tools and Techniques (Abstract)

Volume 37 number 2 (2009)

Tom Krajci

Abstract

(Abstract only) You just purchased a modest setup for your observatory—perhaps a mass produced Schmidt-Cassegrain on a German equatorial mount. However, optically and mechanically it’s not performing as well as you would like. What can you do? Some simple assessments and repairs may make all the difference. Assessments can be as easy as visual inspection of various mount components, such as the tripod, where gaps between components reduce stiffness or allow unexpected shifts when loads change. Some assessments are only slightly more involved. Main mirror flop can be evaluated by aligning the main telescope and finder on a bright star and then slewing to various parts of the sky. Pointing differences between the two will be readily apparent if this problem exists. Most mid-level mounts use worm drives, but often excessive spacing between worm and worm gear produces large, and unnecessary, amounts of backlash. Visual inspection of your dovetail mounting system may leave doubts in your mind as to adequate stiffness. Imaging through the entire night may show you that your aluminum tube telescope causes excessive focus shift as temperature drops. Over time, your Schmidt-Cassegrain corrector plate may no longer be securely held by its retaining ring, and the same may apply to the secondary mirror cell. Repairs for these problems are often not difficult if you’re mechanically inclined. Gaps in mount components can be eliminated with shims. Combating mirror flop may be the most difficult task. This can involve re-gluing the main mirror and bolting the main mirror cell in a fixed position. Corrector plate and secondary mirror cells can be improved with set screws and shims—implementing sound kinematic principles. Worm gear spacing can often be adjusted with simple tools. This brief paper can’t possibly cover all problems and solutions, but it can give you the proper mindset to looking at your system with a critical eye and implementing simple, inexpensive fixes. You may be pleasantly surprised by the improvements.