Lightweight Truss Tube Newtonian Telescope Designs. · Explore Scientific's 12 inch, 305mm truss tube Dobsonian telescope is a high quality full aluminum telescope design for the ultimate in portability and light gathering power..
Lightweight truss tube Newtonian telescope designs are a popular choice among amateur astronomers due to their portability and ease of use. Truss tube designs utilize lightweight metal tubes that are connected with metal trusses, providing an incredibly sturdy and stable structure. This design also allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it ideal for those who need to travel with their telescope.
The key component of any truss tube design is the trusses themselves. The trusses provide structural stability and support, allowing for the telescope to hold its shape even when subjected to extreme external forces. Trusses are typically made out of aluminum or steel, and can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes. The size and shape of the trusses will depend on the size and weight of the telescope, as well as the desired stability of the design.
The other major component of the truss tube design is the tube itself. The tube is usually made out of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, and is designed to be as thin as possible while still providing adequate structural support. This allows for the telescope to be lightweight and easy to transport, while still providing an incredibly sturdy and stable structure. The tube is typically connected to the trusses using metal bolts or screws, and the tube is usually covered with a protective coating to protect it from the elements.
Assembly Process
Assembling a truss tube Newtonian telescope design is relatively straightforward and can be done by most amateur astronomers. The first step is to assemble the trusses and attach them to the tube. This is typically done by connecting the trusses to the tube with metal bolts or screws. Once the trusses are securely attached to the tube, the telescope can then be mounted onto a stable base. Once the telescope is securely mounted, the optics can then be attached to the tube and the telescope is ready to use.
Truss tube Newtonian telescope designs are a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, portable telescope that is easy to assemble and provides an incredibly sturdy and stable structure. These designs are ideal for those who need to travel with their telescope, as they can be easily disassembled and reassembled in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, these designs are incredibly durable and can withstand extreme external forces, making them ideal for use in a variety of environments.
Setting up an Explore Scientific 16 Newtonian Reflector Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope
A short video of the procedure to set up an Explore Scientific 16" Newtonian Telescope. The video also displays some modifications I've done to the telescope. The first was to index the truss tubes, numbered 1 through 4 always returning them to the same position they were in previously. It greatly shortens the collimation procedure. The next modification was to make a cover for the open mirror box, part of it remains as a light shroud even…
The 14.5″ truss tube telescope was donated to the observatory in 2018 by Ralph Libby of Ridgefield, CT. It is an outstanding instrument, and had never been used by Mr. Libby.. ·, Lightweight Truss Tube Newtonian Telescope Designs.
