TELESCOPE is WRECKED! Can I Restore It... Using A Basketball? (FULL VERSION) Reflactor
TLDRThis script documents the meticulous restoration of a severely damaged telescope. The process involves assessing the damage, cleaning, repairing mechanical issues, and recalibrating the device. The narrator meticulously addresses each problem, from dented trunion to malfunctioning encoders, using a combination of household items and specialized tools. The result is a fully functional, electronically automated telescope, ready for stargazing, showcasing the rewarding journey of turning a wreck into a wonder.
Takeaways
- 🔧 The video is a detailed tutorial on restoring a damaged telescope, including various repair techniques and parts replacement.
- 🔨 The telescope had suffered significant physical damage, including bent screws, dents, and broken feet, which required extensive repair work.
- 🛠️ The repair process involved cleaning, replacing broken parts like encoders and viewfinder arms, and even using creative solutions like hockey pucks as new feet.
- 👁️ The viewfinder was in a poor state but had good adjustment features, and after cleaning and minor repairs, it was restored to functionality.
- 🪞 The main mirror of the telescope was surprisingly in good condition despite the exterior damage, and it was thoroughly cleaned as part of the restoration.
- 🔄 Encoders, crucial for the telescope's automated tracking and positioning, were repaired and reinstalled correctly to ensure proper functioning.
- 🛡️ The importance of careful handling, especially when dealing with delicate parts like the mirror, was emphasized to avoid causing further damage.
- 🎨 Aesthetic restoration was also part of the process, with the inside of the telescope tube being repainted to improve its appearance after the dents were removed.
- 🔄 The process of realigning and recalibrating the telescope after repairs was demonstrated, showcasing the successful restoration of its electronic automated functions.
- 🌟 The final test of the telescope's capabilities was to successfully locate and view celestial objects like the Orion Nebula, proving the restoration a success.
- 🌤️ The video concludes with a humorous note of using the telescope on a rainy day in Texas, reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of the restorer.
Q & A
What is the condition of the telescope when it was first acquired?
-The telescope was in a severely damaged state with one foot missing, dents, and a non-functioning encoder. It was described as one of the most wrecked telescopes the narrator has ever purchased.
What is the significance of the dust cover on the telescope?
-The dust cover is a good sign that the mirrors inside the telescope are likely in good condition, as it indicates that they have been protected from dust and damage.
What was the issue with the viewfinder of the telescope?
-The viewfinder had been hit hard, resulting in a big dent right where it is located. The screws holding the viewfinder arm were also loose, and it needed to be cleaned due to dust accumulation.
How did the narrator attempt to fix the bent colation screw on the focuser?
-The narrator tried to straighten the bent colation screw using pliers, but the attempt resulted in the screw breaking.
What was the problem with the encoder for the elevation axis?
-The encoder wheel for the elevation axis had been installed upside down and was severely damaged, causing it not to function properly.
What did the narrator do to fix the broken encoder wheel?
-The narrator carefully removed the encoder wheel without destroying it and attempted to flatten it out by placing it in a vice and applying pressure.
How did the narrator address the issue with the mirror cell?
-The narrator removed the mirror, cleaned the cell, and then reassembled it with new springs and O-rings, ensuring the mirror was seated correctly and the clips were mildly loose.
What cleaning method was used for the telescope's mirror?
-The mirror was cleaned using a mixture of water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol. Cotton balls were used to gently wipe the mirror in a crisscross pattern to remove dust and debris.
How did the narrator deal with the dents on the telescope tube?
-The narrator used a suction cup to remove larger dents and then a car body repair kit, including a dolly and hammer, to work out the smaller dents from the inside of the tube.
What was the final step in the restoration process of the telescope?
-The final step was to reassemble the telescope, including attaching the base with hockey puck feet, installing the encoders, and performing a laser colation to ensure the optics were aligned.
How did the narrator test the functionality of the restored telescope?
-The narrator tested the telescope by using its electronic automated system to level the base, align stars, and point the telescope towards specific celestial objects like the Orion Nebula.
Outlines
🔧 Repairing a Damaged Telescope
The video begins with the host examining a severely damaged telescope, apparently thrown from a train, with broken feet, dents, and a non-functional viewfinder. Despite the damage, the host is optimistic about restoring it due to some positive signs like a dust cover indicating well-maintained mirrors. The main mirror appears undamaged, and the controller seems functional except for a broken encoder. The host outlines a plan to clean, repair, and restore the telescope to working order.
🧼 Cleaning and Reassembling the Viewfinder
The host focuses on the viewfinder of the telescope, which is dusty but in good condition. After removing the viewfinder arm, which was loosely attached, the host cleans the viewfinder with Windex and replaces a missing O-ring using a stretchy ring from an auto parts store. The viewfinder is then reassembled with adjustments for side-to-side and vertical alignment, showcasing the host's attention to detail in the restoration process.
🛠 Fixing the Focuser and Encoder Issues
Moving on to the focuser, the host encounters a bent eyepiece tightening screw, which unfortunately breaks when an attempt is made to straighten it. Despite this, the focuser is still functional with the remaining good screw. The host then inspects the focuser's internal mechanism, noting worn parts and the need for a custom Teflon insert to ensure smooth operation. After cleaning and making adjustments, the focuser is reassembled and declared functional.
🔩 Disassembling and Repairing the Base
The host proceeds to disassemble the telescope's base to address issues with the encoder and to replace broken feet. Upon removing the encoder wheel, it's discovered that it was installed upside down and severely damaged. The host manages to carefully remove and clean the encoder wheel, attempting to fix its deformation by pressing it in a vice. The base is then thoroughly cleaned, and the encoder is reinstalled with the correct orientation.
🛠️ Adjusting and Cleaning the Controller
The host examines the telescope's controller, noting that the contacts under the buttons may be corroded and less responsive. Using a pencil eraser, the host gently cleans the contacts to improve functionality. The cleaning is successful, as the controller's backlight and buttons are restored to working order, allowing the telescope to communicate its position accurately.
🪞 Cleaning the Telescope Mirror
The host undertakes the delicate task of cleaning the telescope's parabolic mirror, which is covered in dust and possibly insect residue. Following a careful cleaning process involving a soap and rubbing alcohol solution, the mirror is thoroughly washed, rinsed, and dried. The host emphasizes the importance of gentle handling to avoid scratching the mirror's aluminum coating.
🏗️ Reassembling and Preparing for Painting
After cleaning the mirror, the host reassembles the telescope, focusing on the mirror cell and trunion assembly. The mirror is placed on cork pads within the cell, and the clips are adjusted to hold the mirror loosely in place. The host then addresses the telescope's exterior, cleaning and removing dents from the metal tube, preparing it for painting to restore its appearance.
🎨 Painting and Final Assembly
The host paints the interior of the telescope tube with a matte black paint to give it a clean, professional finish. The end rings, focuser tube, and viewfinder are also painted to match. Once the paint is dry, the trunions are reattached, and the mirror cell is placed inside the tube. The diagonal is installed, and the telescope is mounted on the base, ready for the final collimation process.
📡 Collimation and Functional Testing
The host performs the collimation process to ensure the optics are aligned, using a laser collimation tool for precision. After adjusting the collimation screws and locking them in place, the telescope is tested for functionality. The host levels the base, turns on the controller, and follows the alignment process using bright stars as references. The successful alignment and operation of the telescope confirm the restoration's success.
🌌 Final Thoughts and Telescope Usage
The host concludes the restoration project by reflecting on the journey and expressing satisfaction with the results. The telescope is shown to be fully operational, with the host using it to locate celestial objects like the Orion Nebula. The video ends with a call to action for viewers to like and subscribe for more content, and the host excitedly looks forward to using the restored telescope under the clear skies.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Telescope
💡Dent
💡Encoder
💡Viewfinder
💡Focuser
💡Colation
💡Mirror
💡Trunion
💡Cleaning
💡Restoration
💡Controller
Highlights
The telescope was severely damaged with one foot ripped off and multiple dents.
Despite the damage, the main mirror was surprisingly intact with only dust and no spider webbing.
The viewfinder was hit hard, but the dust cover indicated the mirrors were likely in good condition.
The encoder for elevation seemed functional, but another encoder was found to be non-responsive.
The viewfinder's side-to-side and vertical adjustments were intact, featuring a unique spring mechanism.
The focuser was identified as a Crayford type, a preferred choice for its quality.
An eyepiece tightening screw was bent and broke during an attempt to straighten it.
A custom Teflon piece was crafted to fix the focuser's alignment issue.
The encoder wheel for the azimuth axis was installed upside down, causing malfunction.
The telescope's controller showed signs of corrosion but was cleaned and restored to functionality.
An innovative use of hockey pucks as replacement feet for the telescope base was demonstrated.
The mirror was meticulously cleaned using a method involving soap, water, and rubbing alcohol.
The process of mirror reassembly included a careful alignment and use of a collimation system.
The telescope tube's dents were addressed with a suction cup and body repair kit for automotive use.
Interior painting of the telescope was done to improve its appearance after dent removal.
The final assembly and collimation of the telescope were completed with precision.
The telescope was successfully tested for electronic operation and alignment with stars.
A creative demonstration showed the telescope reflecting outdoor scenery on a rainy day.
Transcripts
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: