From: "Jerry B. Hillman" 
To: 
Reply-To: "Jerry B. Hillman" 


Hi all,
Vladimir has challenged me to make the diagonal for this mirror. Actually,
he questioned why I am buying one rather than make one.  Having read horror
stories of how hard it is to make a diagonal, I had more or less decided it
wasn't worth the effort.  Now, having thought about it all day, and doing
internet research on the subject, I am asking myself, Why not?? I have some
5/8" thick glass that is the top of a small side table. Considering
how expensive good diagonals are, and considering I can have it coated at
the same time I coat my primary for no additional cost, it makes sense to
give it a try. I'll wind up with a better one than I can buy anyway, and
without any additional cost to myself. I already have all the necessary
grinding and polishing supplies, and the glass to boot. I'll be star
testing the scope again tonight, so I'll have a chance to do the Ronchi
test also.  I am going to spend some extra time to make sure the scope is
properly collimated (Thank you Nils Olof Carlin for a very informative
desertation on the subject ) and check everything else I can to make sure
all is in proper working order. I highly recommend Nils FAQ on the subject
of collimating a telescope. It makes things very clear on the how and why
of collimating a scope.
Clear skies, Jerry

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