Cabrillo Mesa Observator   (decommissioned 2006)

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Link to new observatory facility ---   JMSM Observatory, Mayhill, New Mexico

Newly completed 14.25"  f7.9 RC OTA Installed  September 19, 2005

This new addition to the observatory fits nicely within the PD-10 dome.  I added two addition ME counter-weights for balance.  Also mounted on the RC is a AP 80/900mm guidescope, with ST402me guide camera.

This scope uses a 2.7" AP focuser, with newly fitted RoboFocus unit.  There is adequate back-focus to allow for SBIG's new STL-AO7 guider device, and/or Instrument Rotator (future accesories).

First-Light Images:

First Light H-alpha Image near M16

First Light H-alpha M16 image

First Light H-alpha ic1396 image

14.5" RC OTA AutoCAD Layout Design PDF File...

Updates to RC construction 10-20-05:

Added a FingerLakes PDF Focuser with adapters for a Lumicon Giant Easy Guider for use with an ST402me guide camera.

Greater stability added to the RC base mounting plate to ME VersaPlate.

This photo shows the open mechanical structure of the OTA (minus the Spider/Secondary and OTA glare shield) so the primary optics can be seen.  The upper truss assembly uses carbon fiber tubing, precision aligned to the upper ring assembly.  The lower truss system is made from 1" square steel tubing as a welded assembly.  The primary mirror mounts on a 3.5" collar, with standard 3-point alignment for collimation adjustments.  There are upper and lower dovetail mounting plates.  Machined parts and welding were done by me at my shop in Camarillo.  Optics were purchased from Star Instruments and were coated by Spectrum Coatings.  Finished weight of the OTA is 75 lbs.

Rear View.   This photo shows the OTA with the Takahashi collimation scope installed.  The white welded lower truss assembly is made of thin-wall steel tubing, which combined with the upper carbon fiber truss tube assembly, makes for a very rigid structure to support the optical configuration.

Front View.  This photo shows the Spider assembly with secondary mirror installed, with main mirror and primary baffle installed.  The secondary mirror uses a 3-point collimation mechanism.  The OTA main tube/shroud is made of light weight Kydex that does a great job of canceling stray light.  All machined parts in the optical path are anodized and painted Ultra-Flat Black.  The Spider vanes have a slight tangent offset, which results in a very stiff spider assembly with low adjustment tension.

Construction Photos of 14.25" RC OTA Project