Round Stars

[Tom Droege <droege@wwa.com>]

Just got back from the Rolls Royce Owners club meeting. An hour and a half
there, and hour + back, and a five hour (booring) meeting.  I am beat!
None the less, I fired up the Mark IV with the new cork lead screw.  The
stars are now round.  Another night I will move the mount around so that I
can tell how good it is, and do a better focus, and all those good things. 

I mention this to point out how one keeps an engineering schedule.  Often a
hard push when you are tired will cut days off a schedule.  It is clear
tonight so I could test the drive and get one more critical path item
cleared.  A better nights sleep, and it could have been cloudy for a week.

As far as I can see, the Mark IV is now running about as expected.  There
are still some mechanical things to fix.  The cork drive needs drawings so
I can order machine shop made parts.  Alain should know that I used a cork
from a bottle of good old Louis Martini Cabernet (an american wind from the
Napa valley).  I will need to find a source for corks or drink more than I
usually do.  The declination drive is still awful.  A little work on
balancing and a better cable lay will help, but I think it will always be a
weak point until someone redesigns it.

Much good data is in sight.    

Now to bed.  It has been a long day and I am beat.    Will send Michael
some stars tomorrow.

Tom Droege