checked the mirror lock bolt depth

I was curious about the ability to lock the C14 mirror. And I had some time to spare... stoopid clouds. The standard bolts, with the focuser equipment installed, did not seem to work.

I tried a 1/4-20 screw that was about 2 inches long in Celestron 14-inch SCT. I found they touched mirror assembly with about 1/4" or 3/8" to spare....

Dietmar recommended a sign / warning. Good idea.

It didn't feel like they wanted to screw in. But, after reviewing some photographs, I thought it was probably an alignment issue. Next time I'll put the OTA vertical.

[ed: Actually, I don't think now they are meant to screw into anything. I think they simply touch pads and the yoke rests on those screws. That's it.]

I considered that if I was going to make ones as suggested on the Sky Imager web site, I would probably need 3" bolts.

Made a note to go to Brafasco. Perhaps I can find long bolts with a nice knob.

Dietmar talked about the port on the side of the OTA. I had noticed hat before. He intimidated that with and a long Allen key one could lock the mirror. On the shaft, I guess. Huh. Interesting...