Building the primary mirror box

	Primary box assembly. Each side panel is joined and glued. Baltic birch plywood is used. This gives a very strong construction. On this photo, the top panel is glued.
	Detail of a split-block socket. They are made with maple.
	The ALT axis encoder was built in the side bearing.
	A “T” nut is installed in this block. The encoder arm attaches to it.
	Close up view of the encoder arm attached to the block.
	Close up view of the encoder arm attached to the encoder.
	View of the ALT encoder assembly.
	Three “U” shaped brackets hold the mirror in place. In the case of a very huge road bump, these brackets would absorb most of the energy by bending. They are made from aluminum and have rubber padding.
	Close-up view of the ALT axis stepper motor. Primary box is isolated from the motor vibration with the use of rubber pads.
	View of the AZ axis stepper motor. You can also see the encoder.
	Two heating devices (resistors) are installed under the primary mirror to prevent dew formation on the mirror while the telescope is being stored. Resistors are better than light bulbs because they will never burn and stop working...