2.02.2022 Imaging. [NOT!] Observation slit fixing.

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 Wednesday 2nd Feb 38F, clear and cloudy by halves. We were promised all day sunshine!

11.00 Set up for imaging but the fast moving cloud from the NW is increasing. At least 80% by now.

 Using the cloudiness to adjust and collimate the telescope. Not getting enough clear sun to focus! No images worth processing so far.

11.30 I might as well return to working on the new dome. There was precious little sun for the next hour and half.

 First I carefully checked the slit was central to the dome.  By measuring across from the 10th bracket away from the center of the back of the dome. Then I fixed the two shelf brackets between the slit ribs and base ring. With the longer leg vertical. I was originally going to fit them on the outside of the slit ribs but this proved extremely difficult. The brackets would overhang the hold down lane on the base ring. Or overhang the outside of the base ring.

 When the weather improves I shall fill the gaps at the bottom of the slit ribs with matching plywood. Then a timber or plywood crossbar can be fixed to the base ring. To lock the slit ribs even more solidly in place. Anything added here will raise the observation slit's horizon.  The threaded rod [stud] is holding the slit ribs 93cm apart. So the geometry of the slit ribs is now firmly fixed for the first time. I shall remove this stud/rod only when the slit ribs have been properly patched and anchored.

 After a wet winter the Baltic Birch plywood is looking very sorry for itself. Once it all dries out I shall sand it and paint it to extend its life.

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