Hey! This thing is still a Work in Progress.
Files, instructions, and other stuff might change!
Primary Mirror Cell for Newtonian Telescope
29
Likes
894
Downloads
845
Views
Published on November 3, 2011
Description
This thing securely holds, positions, and aligns the primary mirror of a Newtonian telescope.
This cell is designed around a 114 mm spherical primary mirror, since it's cheap enough to experiment with (around $40 for primary & secondary at this place: meridiantelescopes.com). Plus, a much larger mirror cell won't fit on the beds of most printers.
Scaling up will certainly require some design changes, since larger mirrors are much heavier. Larger mirror cells will likely require a bigger printer bed or a modular design (check out the multi-cell arrangements below). Even at it's current size it might warp.
This cell is designed around a 114 mm spherical primary mirror, since it's cheap enough to experiment with (around $40 for primary & secondary at this place: meridiantelescopes.com). Plus, a much larger mirror cell won't fit on the beds of most printers.
Scaling up will certainly require some design changes, since larger mirrors are much heavier. Larger mirror cells will likely require a bigger printer bed or a modular design (check out the multi-cell arrangements below). Even at it's current size it might warp.
Instructions
Print out the plastic parts and assemble.
I listed 1 m of 8mm threaded rod in the parts list because you probably can't buy it any shorter than that, but you'll actually need under 300 mm, in three pieces. You can get by with long M8 bolts (~65mm)if you only use a 150mm diameter tube(6").
I've included a sketchup file with all the parts assembled, so you can refer to that it instructions. If you get stuck with anything, ask in the comments.
Note: The new thingiverse doesn't let me edit the parts list below, but Lanthan advises you use m6x35 bolts instead of 30mm.
I listed 1 m of 8mm threaded rod in the parts list because you probably can't buy it any shorter than that, but you'll actually need under 300 mm, in three pieces. You can get by with long M8 bolts (~65mm)if you only use a 150mm diameter tube(6").
I've included a sketchup file with all the parts assembled, so you can refer to that it instructions. If you get stuck with anything, ask in the comments.
Note: The new thingiverse doesn't let me edit the parts list below, but Lanthan advises you use m6x35 bolts instead of 30mm.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Collections
3D-Printed Tech
by dimensionext
Stuff to print when I finish my 3d printer
by cgapeart
Things to Make
by flash-u
License
Primary Mirror Cell for Newtonian Telescope by Buback is licensed under the Creative Commons - LGPL license.
More from Buback
Actually I'd advise to use M6x35mm instead of M6x30mm :)
Looks and feels good and sturdy.
I've seen other interesting designs that put an acorn nut in the middle as a pivot. Might be worth trying.
ah oops. fixed!