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I think you've got the answer, Doug. Pretty much what Robert suggested.

A couple of years ago I put together something similar using a 9 by 7 inch
piece of top-quality mirror. I used three screws instead of four, one of them in
the middle of a side. It's a lot heavier and bulkier than your design, which
is one reason I seldom use it. Another reason is that the mirror is so bright
I'm afraid some bystander will damage an eye by accidentally getting a blast
of the sun's reflection. With you, in the desert, that would be no concern.
Also, with a plastic sextant, the levels you use are probably all you need.

Since I have a Tamaya Spica I bought a Starrett machinist's level -- which
cost nearly $70 -- to finish the leveling.  Perhaps I should see if I can still
get stars with that mirror. If so, maybe I'll try your more easily carried
system.

But for ease of carrying, and convenience in setting up and putting away, I
don't think you can beat a well thought out water horizon. The foremost
consideration is that the house with the glass roof should not touch the pan.

At present I'm relaxing around the house, using a fresh cold and incessant
cough as an excuse to avoid physical or mental effort. Later today I hope to
have more findings to add to the body of knowledge we've built regarding boiled
water and tea.

Bruce

   

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