minimalist truss scopes

scopemankit (Chris) · #1 17-04-2009, 12:28 AM

Hi,
Over the years I have developed this design, which quite a few tube dob owners have used to convert and improve their telescopes. The scopes break down into bottom, top and trusses. I have built 12 of them, ranging from 8" to 14".

If you like the design, be my guest, and, let me see any results

Chris
Cape Town

Rod · #2 17-04-2009, 03:02 PM

Hi Chris,

That's a very elegant design. Could you tell us how you attach the truss tubes?

Thanks,

Rod.

Paddy (Patrick) · #3 17-04-2009, 03:33 PM

Nice looking scopes, Chris!

scopemankit (Chris) · #4 17-04-2009, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the comments,

The trusses are drilled for 4mm(top) and 6mm(bottom. The are attached woth bolts,as illustrated. These pics are from a new one (Dec 2008) and show the front attachment using one bolt for both, one behind and one in front of thefront cross-member.

The top trusses are attached to the ring using sections of "L" section aluminium.

2 pics attached as they will be worth 2000 words

Chris
Cape Town

Starkler (Geoff) · #5 17-04-2009, 06:32 PM

I also think its pretty cool how you have made your own crayford style focuser

scopemankit (Chris) · #6 17-04-2009, 06:39 PM

Thanks Geoff,
Crayfords are superb focusers. I build both standard and helical versions, the latter cannot be used for imaging, however, it is a great focuser for visual scopes.

Chris
Cape Town

anj026 · #7 17-04-2009, 09:34 PM

I like your design Chris, thanks for sharing the pictures.
I have an old 8" mirror that needs to be used. Scopes like yours are inspirational.

pmrid (Peter) · #8 19-04-2009, 07:28 AM

Chris, the design is elegant and simple. Well done. Do you have any schematics for a Crayford focuser?
Peter

mbaddah (Mo) · #9 19-04-2009, 08:59 AM

Beautiful!

If you plan on selling the 14" let me know

tnott · #10 20-04-2009, 08:12 PM

Great designs and finished scopes Chris!

Do you use focuser baffles in these or are you happy with the contrast provided by the one behind the secondary?

scopemankit (Chris) · #11 20-04-2009, 09:01 PM

Hi, In answer to some of your questions, the 14" was sold. Delivery would be a problem from South Africa!

I'll try and get a schematic for the Crayford.

The baffle opposite the focuser Is sufficient. matt black inside the focuser tube

Chris
Cape Town

scopemankit (Chris) · #12 25-04-2009, 09:24 AM

Peter,

Here is a sketch of a Crayford fosuser I like to build. Also a montage of a couple of finished items showing a couple of angles, finishes and variations. If you have any questions just ask.

GrahamL · #13 25-04-2009, 09:54 AM

Great looking scopes Chris .. Do you have any pics of your helical crayford ?.. I have a kineoptics
hc -2 .. and find it great .

scopemankit (Chris) · #14 25-04-2009, 10:16 AM

A montage of four helical Crayfords.

pmrid (Peter) · #15 26-04-2009, 04:01 AM

Thanks Chris.
Peter