The tiniest yet real telescope I've built
2 days ago
- #astronomy
- #3D-printing
- #telescope
- A 3D-printed dobsonian telescope designed to fit in a jacket pocket.
- Built around a 76mm/300mm parabolic mirror kit with key features: balance, smooth movements, rigidity, collimatable, focusable eyepiece holder, and style.
- Materials used include PETG-CF filament, 4mm carbon rods, M3 screws, heat-set inserts, a spring, nylon screws, magnets, paraffin, and a lycra light shroud.
- Focuser design inspired by Analog Sky’s recipe, using a rounded thread for smooth movement without additional hardware.
- Alt/az movements utilize teflon pads (HDPE/UHMW) with rubber backing.
- Optical tests initially showed overcorrection (70%), but after refiguring, performance improved to ~0.9 strehl.
- Post-refiguring, the telescope can resolve fine details like spider web strands and dew droplets.
- 3D files available for download on Printables; discussion on Astrosurf.