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12-inch F6 Truss Dobsonian
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12-inch F6 Truss Dobsonian
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Submitted By:
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imhotep
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Date Created:
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10-28-2009
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Description:
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Background:
The Dobsonian telescope was introduced in the 1960's by John Dobson. He invented a functional means of mounting a large aperture newtonian telescope so as to allow for altitude/azimuth movement with common materials that could be purchased and assembled very cheaply. His innovative use of teflon pads and countertop laminate to create low-friction bearings for both axes worked very effectively. The utility of his design became apparent to the amateur astronomy community and gained popularity through the 1970's and 1980's. Today the vast majority of large-aperture telescopes owned and built by amateurs and professionals alike are Dobsonians.
Overview:
This project involves the design and construction of a 12.5" f/6 truss dobsonian. The truss is one variation on the original Dobsonian telescope (which featured a traditional closed tube) in which a truss conisisting of eight aluminum poles serves as the structural backbone of the telescope. The truss offers several advantages over a closed tube. It is lightweight and inexpensive when compared to the cost of a similarly sized closed tube made of aluminum. It also allows for faster cool-down times. Lastly, a truss-dobsonian can break down into three main pieces for transport and does not require an amount of space equal to the assembled length. The truss collapses down into a small stack of poles, leaving only the bottom and upper portions of the telescope which can be transported in a car trunk.
Design & Components:
The entire telescope was modeled in 3D using TurboCAD 14 Deluxe. All wooden parts were cut from baltic birch HVHC plywood in three thickness on a CNC router. Many components were purchased elsewhere and are outlined throughout the project stages.
Application:
Upon completion this instrument will serve as my main visual telescope. It will be used on many of the same nights that I conduct imaging sessions in the background. I have several observing goals centered around the Astronomical League's observing clubs, such as observing 100 binaries, the entire Messier Catalog, a good portion of the NGC and Herschel's Catalog, and others.
Thanks for checking out my project!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 21
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Next >>
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Rough Draft
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Revised Altitude Bearings
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Wooden Parts via the CNC Router
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 21
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Next >>
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All projects on Shareaproject.com are user-submitted and should be used for reference information only. The projects are not intended to be complete "How-To" articles. Use the information contained in these projects at your own risk. Projects are not checked for completion, accuracy, or safety and therefore cannot be guaranteed in any way.
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