You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you you are about to do someting and you are not sure if it is going to work. I had that feeeling this evening. It was the first clear sky since the pier was installed and I wanted to get the mount fitted and do a polar alignment. From day one when I dug the hole I had been relying on the fact that I had found north accuratly. When I poured the concrete and set the bolts that hold the pier. The shape of the building was also set the the north alignment give allow an easy access when scopes are parked. So I cannot put it off any longer it was time to carry out the mount attatch to the new top plate and level it to the pier. It was an agonising 45 minute wait to see polaris. Finally the wait was over and I nervously I peered through the finder scope and wow there she was right there where it needed to be.Success I didnt have any doubts at all what was all the worrying about.Dont know what all the fuss was about.
Showing posts with label Pier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pier. Show all posts
Friday, 2 September 2011
Polar Alignment
You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you you are about to do someting and you are not sure if it is going to work. I had that feeeling this evening. It was the first clear sky since the pier was installed and I wanted to get the mount fitted and do a polar alignment. From day one when I dug the hole I had been relying on the fact that I had found north accuratly. When I poured the concrete and set the bolts that hold the pier. The shape of the building was also set the the north alignment give allow an easy access when scopes are parked. So I cannot put it off any longer it was time to carry out the mount attatch to the new top plate and level it to the pier. It was an agonising 45 minute wait to see polaris. Finally the wait was over and I nervously I peered through the finder scope and wow there she was right there where it needed to be.Success I didnt have any doubts at all what was all the worrying about.Dont know what all the fuss was about.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Pier pressure
Have been recovering in bed from a broken back. Not really. Here are the before, during and finished pics of my behemoth of a pier. Having moved it from observatory to shed for prep work and priming. I dont intend moving it again until it is installed permenantly.
The weather has not been very kind today.
So I just wanted to get a quick pic with the first of the two final coats of gloss black. Dark clouds has hindered progress. I also took the opportunity to mount the top plate. My LXD 75 mount will be attatched to this piece.
The weather has not been very kind today.
So I just wanted to get a quick pic with the first of the two final coats of gloss black. Dark clouds has hindered progress. I also took the opportunity to mount the top plate. My LXD 75 mount will be attatched to this piece.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
The pier
What phrase is it the kids are using these days OMG. I think that sums it up.
Today I looked rather suspicious in the car park at work doing what looked like a dodgy deal from the back of 2 open car boots. Let me put your minds at rest. I havent turned to the dark side but I was collecting the custom made pier made by a work colleague Nathan.
Taking us both to lift it in to my car I rushed it home. I had to wait though till I got home this evening to get it out from the dining room floor and into position. I just had to know if it fits.
Oh My God it's huge. It's heavy and a hernier later lifting it on, yes it fits perfectly onto 3 feet of cured concrete. From the state of the weather forecast It may not be till next week until I can get the scope attatched and do a polar alignment. But for this minute I am one happy man. It will get several coats of primer and a nice Glossy black finish before it takes up permanent resisdence at the new Hills Observatory. (I am sure you can picture the huge smile on my face as I typed this tonight)
My sincere thanks Nathan for a fantastic job. Our best wishes, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Today I looked rather suspicious in the car park at work doing what looked like a dodgy deal from the back of 2 open car boots. Let me put your minds at rest. I havent turned to the dark side but I was collecting the custom made pier made by a work colleague Nathan.Taking us both to lift it in to my car I rushed it home. I had to wait though till I got home this evening to get it out from the dining room floor and into position. I just had to know if it fits.
Oh My God it's huge. It's heavy and a hernier later lifting it on, yes it fits perfectly onto 3 feet of cured concrete. From the state of the weather forecast It may not be till next week until I can get the scope attatched and do a polar alignment. But for this minute I am one happy man. It will get several coats of primer and a nice Glossy black finish before it takes up permanent resisdence at the new Hills Observatory. (I am sure you can picture the huge smile on my face as I typed this tonight)
My sincere thanks Nathan for a fantastic job. Our best wishes, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
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