The Giant Binocular

[savarin]

have a look here John

Some investigations into the implementation of cable steering. part 1

For my new steed I decided I would like cable operated steering. No problem, should be easy. I didnt want standard Bowden cables but unsheathed stainless steel cables with awesome polished stainless torpedo turnbuckles. It should look mega cool. (If you like that sort of thing) Well, the...

www.forum.atomiczombie.com

 

[savarin]

If anyone looks at the above post can you let me know if the photos are visible please.
I used a hack when photobucket tried to ransom us all but cant remember what it was.

 

[tweinke]

Pictures do show. Interesting read also.

 

[ch2co]

Savarin
Any idea about how much these things are going to weigh? It certainly is enjoyable watching you design as you go. How thick will your mirrors be? And roughly what focal length are you designing these for?

Grumpy

 

[savarin]

too heavy?
They will need two people to assemble easily. One can do it in a pinch but they are a bit awkward.
The mirrors will be f6 3/4" thick. I will be grinding and polishing them spherical then pulling the middles down to the correct parabolic shape.
I've made an 8" f3.6-7 the same way and it was an awesome figure.

https://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/Adler-MirrorFlex.pdf

 

[Downunder Bob]

Back before I had any machine tools, I often used my drill press as a "poor man's lathe." Your post brought back some fond memories!

Yes been there, done that. even a hand held drill held down with a clamp.

 

[savarin]

The disk cut in half with no distortion so that was good.
So the next job was a very simple one, make a clevis assembly to actuate the caliper brake.
What a palaver. It took 5 attempts to fabricate this simple device.

But I got there in the end.

The threaded shaft is silver soldered to the small barrel so it has some play but cannot turn round.
The bracket the thumb screw tightens up against actually sits flat once its tightened to the start of the friction.
As a guide when assembling the bottom half of the bino I think I will chamfer a lead in on the front part of the brake pads.

 

[rwm]

I like the brake calipers. Elegant looking. It should be very effective.
Robert

 

[savarin]

Thanks Robert, they certainly have some stopping power.

 

[rwm]

I almost put one of those on my lathe as a safety brake. I may yet do so. It would be pretty easy to put a disc on the motor pulley and mount the brake with an actuator cable or solenoid.
Robert