I would like to build a larger DOB. I have been thinking of a 16" using a Royce mirror and a telekit. Has anyone had experience with these manufactures?
buiding a large DOB
Started by paulhart, 10/22/2003 12:56PM
Posted 10/22/2003 12:56PM
Opening Post
Posted 10/23/2003 12:56AM
#1
I've avoided woodwork perfection. The first project is a 10" prototyping scope. It's a truss-and-string system that uses simple materials and correction-oriented subsystems.
This 10" is a precursor to a major 16" scope project. Got the 16" mirror already, so the 10" is a learning project. Eventually I want a back-packable 10"... ;^)
Seems to me there are five critical Dobsonian subsystems:
-- Base
-- Mirror cell
-- Truss-and-string or tube (with shielding and baffles)
-- Secondary and spider
-- Focuser
Telkit for the 16" costs $1400 USD, which is nothing if not expensive.
I'm budgeting $700 with $400 in the secondary mirror and spyder. The trick to pull off is getting an equatorial rocker (15+ degrees rotation) in under the budget cap.
So far it looks to me that crafting the mirror cell (according to PLOP), the tube system, and a threaded-tube focuser are doable for non-expert hobbyists. Each subsystem can be built to perform as well as over-the-counter alternatives.
If you don't want to do wood work, aluminum is doable. Minimal sanding.... ;^)
For example, a single-ring aluminum upper frame is a major convenience, if you go do-it-yourself. Everything attaches without wood's design issues.
Good luck. Like model airplanes, building the thing is a big part of the fun.
This 10" is a precursor to a major 16" scope project. Got the 16" mirror already, so the 10" is a learning project. Eventually I want a back-packable 10"... ;^)
Seems to me there are five critical Dobsonian subsystems:
-- Base
-- Mirror cell
-- Truss-and-string or tube (with shielding and baffles)
-- Secondary and spider
-- Focuser
Telkit for the 16" costs $1400 USD, which is nothing if not expensive.
I'm budgeting $700 with $400 in the secondary mirror and spyder. The trick to pull off is getting an equatorial rocker (15+ degrees rotation) in under the budget cap.
So far it looks to me that crafting the mirror cell (according to PLOP), the tube system, and a threaded-tube focuser are doable for non-expert hobbyists. Each subsystem can be built to perform as well as over-the-counter alternatives.
If you don't want to do wood work, aluminum is doable. Minimal sanding.... ;^)
For example, a single-ring aluminum upper frame is a major convenience, if you go do-it-yourself. Everything attaches without wood's design issues.
Good luck. Like model airplanes, building the thing is a big part of the fun.
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