From my backyard

PIRE-WEDGE

Manufacturing details (1)

(Click on image for larger picture)

 

      The problem.
A fork mounted telescope to be used between parallels +20 and -20,
presents 2 great disadvantages:
1-Few companies build wedges that reach that latitud.
2-In astrophotography, the North/South is limited, because the camera could hit the wedge.
The image shows a modified Meade wedge, to work by  parallel +10. (location of my observatory)

 

       The idea    
First, I drew some patterns using Coreldraw
   Next, I made a scale model with pieces of cardboard. 

 

       Materials and aids.  

The basic materials were 6 iron sheets  of 6 mm of thickness, acquired already cut from a metallurgical company. Price 10US$.

I decided to use iron, because it is easy to weld. The weight is not problem (16 lbs), because this wedge will be placed at  a permanert pier.

"A" is the wedge base.
"B" are sidewalls of "A" .
"C" is the telescope base.
"D" are the "C" laterals.
 
I have a permanent pier. The top has a base like the LX200 tripod base.
At the left, there is a system with 2 screws to fix the image in azimuth.
II used an electric welding machine and a drill to perforate the 6mm iron sheets. For this, I asked for the help of my childhood friend, Mr. Franco Gonnella. who combines his architecture job with his  hobby as a blacksmith.
 
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