With inspiration from conversations with John Bambury (ausastronomer) and Pete Read (SDM Telescopes) I have decided to undertake another little DIY project ...............
Over the coming months (hopefully not years...) I will be keeping a log of my attempt to make a telescope on a Dobsonian mount. (Yes Col & Lewis .... a DOB)
I want to thank Pete Read of SDM Telescopes who has given me a great deal of advice and encouragement and has also agreed to supply some of his custom components.
Pete has also offered to answer my questions along the way (an offer he may later regret
)
Thanks also to Les Sharpe and to Julian O'D for his recommendations on scopes.
Here is the plan for the 'Kunama Reflector'
Specifications:
Aperture: 18" (457mm)
Focal Ratio: F5.58
Focal Length:100.5" (2552mm)
Primary Mirror: Galaxy Optics 18" F5.58 by John Hudek (Thanks Les S.)
Secondary Mirror: Galaxy Optics 3.11" or 3.50"
Focuser: Feathertouch FTF2015BCR LW
Altitude bearings: SDM Cast Aluminium 23" ø
Mirror cell: 'Kunama Industries' 18pt with SDM Laser cut S/S Triangles
At the moment I am gathering the materials and components, and to that end, have now bought:
Galaxy Optics 18" F5.58 Primary, 2 secondaries, Novak Secondary holders
SDM Altitude bearings and assorted bits
Austral Hoop Pine plywood 2440x1220 @16mm
Aluminium tubing 32mm x 1.6mm wall 3 @ 6.5metres
Paints and varnishes and 2Pac Epoxy painting services are supplied by Fluid Painting Solutions of Canberra free of charge !!! Thanks Gabriel (my son-in-law)