16+inch+F4+Tube+assembly

The 16 inch F4 Tube assembly will be a folded design as shown below and in 16 inch F4 Optics



The tube has been made from plywood and aluminium for ease of manufacture, cost and weight. Only 4 of the upper trusses are installed in the mage below.



The mirror is suppoted on an 18 point wiffle tree. The edge support will be 6 point wiffle tree.



Mirror support well on the way to completion.



The tube was completed and installed into the Meade mount in late March 2012.



Image below shows the mirror cell in place before the mirror cover and intermediate spider are installed. Mirror cover is shown below with two limit switches shown for open and closed control of the motor. The motor will be driven via the Vellerman board and additional limits for position input may be installed.

Image below shows the top end ring and secondary spider.



Central boss for holding the CCD and focuser mechanism. This is 75mm phenolic tube and 3 inch drain pipe connetiosn machined to suit. The angle is going to be changed to a connection similar to the main spider vanes. The CCD camera and focus mechanism can slide into this for ajustment and removal in one pice. This leaves alignment unchanged.

Image below shows the device used to connect the spider vanes to the tuse mechanism. Pound shop radiator keys that have been modified. The central square hole can be tapped as is to M6 for connection. The flat area can be trimmed or connected as is to the spider vane with M3 nuts/bolts. Cheap and easy.

Image below shows the telescope as of 9th April 2012.



Images below show the Declination axis limts and park switch.