PATHFINDER
TELESCOPES and MOUNTS
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Here are some shots of a partially restored 8" F8 PATHFINDER
This scope is owned by Jack Sales of Citrus Heights California.
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Coast Pathfinder |
Upper Tube Assembly |
Coast Finder |
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is a 8" F8 which is being restored to operation. It is not
the intent to restore to original condition, but to create a nice
usable
telescope. |
The
business end showing the HYDRO-GLIDE Focuser and Coast
finder. The tube covers were recently added. |
This is
an original Coast finder however the mounting rings may be from another
manufacturer. |
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Mirror Cell Detail |
End Ring Gap |
The Original Spider and an added stiffening ring |
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| This
is the original mirror cell and components. The knurl nut
and spring were replaced with Stainless Steel wing nut and
spring. The points where the spring presses against the cell were
counter bored to help center the spring on the tension screws to
improve the action. |
This
photo shows the type and design of End Rings used by Coast.
The Mirror Cell Detail and Spider photos show how the End Ring is
riveted to the tube. |
From this shot you can see
the rivets used to hold the end ring together and to the tube.
A ring was added to
increase the stiffness to the tube as it was collapsing over time due
to the tension of the spider. The spider is original.
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Closer
View of a Pathfinder Mount |
The
Pathfinder Mount as advertised |
Original Tube Mounting Clamp |
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original mount did not have a motor drive or the clamping rings as
shown. The motor drive may be a Coast however most likely
it is a Cave. |
The
original pathfinder mount was painted a sand color using a textured
splatter effect. |
This is
how the tube was attached to the pathfinder saddle. |
Added
features and additions to the original pathfinder mount.
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New Hardware |
Motor Drive |
Improved Tube Ring Clamps |
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| All
exposed hardware has been replaced with Stainless Steel as seen in this
close up of the pear cap and RA mounting. |
This
motor drive is most likely a Cave but could just as well be a
Coast. The original mounting for the worm gear was
replaced. The original sleeve bearing were replaced with ball
bearing and a ball bearing thrust adjustment. |
The
saddle was milled out to accommodate new 1.5in x .125in ring
clamps. The clamps are in three pieces one short segment on
each side of the saddle and one 1/2 circle over the top.
The rings are clamped with a over center latch. The 1/2
circle is held onto one of the short segments with a cabinet hinge. More on this under rotating rings. rotating-rings.html |
Coast Inst
About
Oculars
TRACKER
PATHFINDER