Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 17, 2010 23:43:45 GMT -6
Zhumell Green Laser Holder Bracket
17 July 2010
17 July 2010
A while ago, I got myself a 50 Mw Raw Chinese power green laser...
With some modifications, I and those around me dig it bunches.
Light saber quality, I often am asked where I got it. Can't publicly say, but I often thought it would make a great telescope mounted pointer, mostly to impress the visitors, but it would look cool on the C11 and serve as a rough guide - working with the Rigel finder.
I looked around some at the different types of laser holders and this one from an on-line retailer caught my attention...
I like the look of it, the detachable dovetail base and the ability to accept the rather large laser I have. And the final price of $19.00 delivered was cheaper than any other laser holder.
So I ordered it...and it arrived two days later...
]All metal construction, it arrived well packed in two boxes surrounded by stiff paper and bubble wrap.
Does it hold my light saber...?
Yes...!
The set/adjustment screws are very long for wide adjustments and the whole assembly doesn't weigh much...(but the C11 OTA needs to be rebalanced seriously - now with the addition of 2" accessories and hardware.)
It has a knurled set knob to secure the bracket to the base and a "dimple" that the screw fits into. Holds the whole assembly nicely.
The three radial tubes around the holder at each end, connecting outside and inner circles, can also be adjusted with a small flat screwdriver.
Now, where to mount it.
Topside real estate of the C11 is rather crowded. Holding a 60mm right angle Finderscope, the Rigel finder and the 9x50mm straight through finder scope - (All of which I use constantly during a session.)
So, I take a peek below and find a spot with two screws available...
Low enough so as not to interfere with the control bars, high enough to clear the mount and within reach of throwing the on/off switch when needed.
I remove a single screw on the rear collar of the C11 and attempt to reuse it to attach the base...but it's too short. That's cool, as I have enough screws in the workshop and garage to assemble a Hubble. I find one long enough and attach it.
(I will only attach one screw for now, until I can evaluate angles and see if the laser beam is close to where the C11 is pointing. Then later I'll tap a hole and set the other screw.)
I check clearances and it just barely makes it across the polar scope assembly....
The laser bracket just touches the polar scope, rubbing slightly. It's cool and I will accept this location.
I slip in the laser and check for clearances again...
It's all a-ok and 5x5.
Perhaps in a few, I'll set up the C11 and check out Jupiter raising in the east...putting the new laser holder through it's paces and make final adjustments.
But, I dig it, looks rather cool and will be a useful addition to public star parties and activities. I do intend to get another laser,
Maybe a 100 mw one...oooh #drool# ), but until then, I'll just mount the laser in the holder permamently, and just release it from the base when I need to use it as a pointer at star parties. But a full field review coming shortly.
The Chicago Astronomer approves of the Zhumell Laser Finder Holder Bracket...
