Pier installation advice sought.

[Lobo]

I have a Mead 14” SCT I was gifted, complete with pier and wedge. I’ve read that many installing piers use a 1 x 1 x 1 metre concrete cube. Is such a huge block of concrete strictly necessary? Is there an easy way to ensure tthe pier is lined up accurately or is it sufficient to just set it on a compass and then use the wedge’s adjustments for final alignment? As I don’t really have the budget or space for a shed/dome, does anyone have experience of using a Telegizmo long term?

[David Frydman]

I used to store the 12.5 inch Dall Kirham and tripod indoors.

Taking the scope out and setting it up had long term consequences for my back.

So, unless you are young and strong, it may be sensible to store the scope outside, unless you have someone to help you carry it.

The 14.5 inch and 20.5 inch Newtonians were in my garage and could be rolled or wheeled out.

Some people use a trolley.

It may be that a dew heater around the SCT corrector could be kept on constantly at a low level.

Energy costs are high nowadays, but I don't think that would be too expensive.

My 12.5 inch windowed Dall Kirkham had a thin edge mirror and stabilised in less than 40 minutes after taking out from 20C to 5C.

A 14inch Meade may take longer to cool if stored indoors.

Some scopes have fans or even water channels in the main mirror in a Dutch scope.

I stored the 8.5 inch f/6 Newtonian C. Frank mount in a public observatory for a year with temperatures down to below minus 30C, but kept the tube at home.
I also could keep the mirror in a hat box if necessary.
I observed down to minus 25C, and had few problems with the mirror cooling.
However, the eyepieces sometimes froze to my eye.
It is good they weren't RAS thread eyepieces.

Regards,
David

[Lobo]

Thanks David. Well I’ll soon be 70. I’m reasonably fit and strong (ex staff nurse), but the 14” Mead is very heavy; it took myself and my son to carry it and even then, it wasn’t easy. A permanent set up for this is, realistically, the only solution. Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to installing and using it - even though it will have a somewhat restricted view (my house is in the way).

[David Frydman]

It wasn't only the telescopes, but also my work in the carpet trade, but I am disabled.

Amazingly, I am still around in my ninth decade.

I think that you need a permanent fixture, perhaps taking the tube indoors in particularly bad weather.

If your son is available that should be possible.

I am not sure how much dew heaters cost to run.

If you have a garage, there are also problems.

Within a week from new my 20.5 inch mirror was stripped of its coating by the exhaust of the pre catalyst Saab 900i.
I had to take the mirror back to Jim Hysom to be coated. It was heavy.
I then put the car in front first, which was difficult as it was the end garage near a wall.
I would then leave the garage door open for quite a while.

Modern cars should have less exhaust fumes, but I definitely would not want a car exhaust near telescope optics.

Regards,
David

[David Frydman]

A member here has his telescope under his roof, which has an opening when he wants to use the scope.

Regards,
David

[Lobo]

Well that’s something I’ve learnt, David. I never thought of exhaust fumes damaging mirrors. I don’t run any vehicles in my garage - mostly because it’s full of a part restored Moggy and two motorcycles. My main bike and car live outside.

[RMSteele]

Our ages and interests seem to coincide Lobo, I just sold my motorcycle, a Kawasaki W800 and thinking about what to get next. What are yours? Bob

[Lobo]

Hi there Bob,
I’m lucky enough to own three motorcycles. My main one is the Triumph Thruxton, Hinckley Triumph’s retro cafe racer. I have a Harley Heritage Softtail and in November I acquired a Triton with a T110 650 cc Tiger engine of ‘57 vintage in a Featherbed frame of ‘59 vintage; I’m currently have a tachometer built into a speedometer housing and, when that’s done and I’ve changed the timing case, I’ll put it on the road. 🏍

[RMSteele]

In 1973 I rebuilt a wrecked Triumph 5TA from the early sixties and put on clip-ons rear sets, a five gall tank and Cibie headlight. My dad made a single racing seat for it and I got the oil tank chromed and new rear shocks, together with swept back exhausts and reverse cone megaphone “silencers”. I doubt if it cost more than 100 quid to buy and do up myself. If I had it now it would be a classic cafe racer. Bob

[Lobo]

Ah, you really should have kept it, Bob. But then I really ought to have kept the Speed Twin I built as a teenager - £15 and it came in an assortment of boxes!

[RMSteele]

We share the same experience here, Boxes of bits, a frame and an engine. The 5TA of course was essentially a Speed Twin. The last thing I did up was a MZ ETZ 125 2-stroke. You can’t get much more of a contrast! Bob