A few years ago, Allen was working on the big scope while it was in the trailer. He had the primary cover off, but the secondary was covered. At one point, he smelled a fairly strong burning rubber smell, looked up and saw the secondary cover beginning to smoke (It is a dense foam material). After he rescued it, and covered the mirror, we determined that we could remove the secondary, put in a rotisserie spit (operated off of batteries recharged by solar power) and roast meat during the day at a star party. If we plan it properly, we should be able to set up a concession stand and at least pay for our travel expenses. Of course, it will double our travel time since we will have to keep stopping to gather road-kill on the way to the star party.... Jo At 05:31 PM 9/30/2004 -0600, you wrote:
This is why in MY Dobson kit, right there next to the eyepieces and extinguisher, you will usually find a package of A&R hot dogs. I figure if my scope goes up, it won't be a total loss. ;)
After this discussion, I am going to Kirkhams to have shoulder straps made for my 12" Dob, so I can carry it with me when I go hiking in the hills. Never know when I might get lost and need to start a fire. I know I can always find something to kill and eat, and while I am sitting around the smoldering scope, roasting prairie dogs and pot guts, I can always signal search aircraft with what's left of the mirror... ;)