Travel Telescope 114mm (Updated version)

Description:

Telescopes are notoriously hard to travel with and I set out to fix that problem. Introducing the travel telescope that can easily be taken apart to fit in a backpack. No tools required for assembly or disassembly. This is a 114mm aperture, 900/450mm focal length reflector telescope, either mirror can be used the 114/450mm is better suited for wide field views and astrophotography (id highly recommend using a parabolic mirror for the 450mm version but spherical is okay for the 900mm version. This is a great beginner telescope to make and a great way to learn how telescopes work. Making this telescope will cost less than buying a new one! Buying the hardware kit and printing the parts should cost about $100 for the entire telescope (450mm version costs a little more, closer to $160, parabolic mirrors are premium mirrors). A tripod can be 3D printed using metal extrusions as legs or there are M6 threads to mount on any other tripod (A store bought tripod could be more stable). The OTA includes a dovetail style mount for direct mounting on star trackers (Mounting point shown in last photo)

Update: I made this a paid model because support from hobby 3D printers like you really help support me in making these projects! I look forward to continuing improving this and making more projects (Open to suggestions)!

(Join the discord for updates and assembly questions!)

Discords Server: https://discord.gg/anjj3JdsJK 

Change Log:

-Added non-rotating helical focuser

-Increased strength and stability

-Added finder scope mount

-Increased printability, reduced overhangs

-Added 450mm mirror compatible

Printing Settings:

No supports

0.6mm nozzle (Others will work)

PETG (Or other strong filaments)

TPU for legs and mirror clips 

(you don't have TPU, you can get away with printing the mirror clips out of anything but you'll need to print something to go over the legs if you use the included tripod so they don't scratch a surface)

(Recommended black for all parts)

(See user manual for more detailed printing instructions)

Hardware Needed:

There are a lot of parts required for assembly. I'm selling a kits (or the assembled Telescope) with the parts needed through an online store I made. This is the cheapest way to buy the hardware as you would be buying way more than you need if you bought them all separately. 

Link to Hardware/Telescope kit: 

https://www.nstaroptics.com/products/telescope 

Detailed assembly guide: PDF file is in downloads

(feel free to reach out with questions)

If you like the model and would like to support me:

https://patreon.com/Anders_?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 

Bill of Materials:

There are a lot of parts required for assembly. I'm selling a kit of the parts needed through an online store I made. This is the cheapest way to buy the hardware as you would be buying way more than you need if you bought them all separately. here are the links of the parts I bought:

450mm version: 

-All parts are the same except you only need 4 aluminum extrusions and a different mirror.

114/450mm Primary (Parabolic): https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804066457264.html

-Parabolic shape is recommended spherical shaped will be cheaper but lower quality. 

40mm secondary: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806013389244.html

-(Make sure to select 40mm)

Please note if you are buying your own parts, heat inserts are come in different sizes so please be aware of that. You can also use all hex bolts and use the bolt topper to turn them into thumbscrews to reduce the BOM.

[1x] 114x900mm Mirror: https://www.amazon.com/Reflector-Secondary-Spherical-Astronomical-Telescope/dp/B0B5DCJQFH

[5x] Aluminium extrusions T-Slot 400mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK24TXVN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 

Heat inserts:

[16x] M6 x9x8mm heat inserts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS6YCWHD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details 

[16x] M3 5.7x4.6mm heat inserts: https://www.amazon.com/Threaded-Inserts-Premium-Printing-Knurled/dp/B0CWGNVZKQ

Bolts:

M3: You could just buy a M3 bolt set but here are the individual sizes (Hex socket)

[3x] M3x10mm Thumb screw

[3x] M3x25mm

[4x] M3x8mm

[6x] M3x16mm

M3: Allen wrench

[3x] M6x30mm Hex: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KTLNJ7N?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

[1x] M6x25 Philips: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6CBLQR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

[12x] M6x25mm Thumbscrew: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMT6WMCW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details 

[4x] Spring 8x15x0.8mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VDX64ZC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

[1x] Fender washer 1-1/4'' (Recommended but not required)

[2x] Washer Bearing 64mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJRKRKS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

 Silicone glue (Not included in kits): 

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80050-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant/dp/B0002UEPVI/ref=zg_bs_g_256251011_d_sccl_3/142-9494576-7373107?psc=1 

Notes:

Assembly does require heat inserts, Soldering iron and soldering iron tip is not included in the hardware kit. You will also need to glue the mirror, glue is not included. (Silicone glue/sealant is recommended)

If you'd like to see a design change or an added feature please reach out for suggested improvements. 

NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN EVEN WITH SOLAR FILTERS, OPEN TELESCOPE DESINGS SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR SOLAR OBSERVING!!!