DobSTUFF - Weights & Measures

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES:

Here's a sample of some of the telescopes I build and their weights and measures. These will VARY somewhat. Here's a couple of items to consider when thinking about the weights and measures and your telescope project:

Diameter of mirror. The 14" telescope below can be used to estimate a 14.5" or 15" scope.
Focal length. An F5 will be a bit longer than an F4.5, for example. The weight will be very close. The height of the eyepiece at the zenith will be a bit higher.
Thickness of mirror. Thinner mirrors weigh less.
Mirror cell. These can be made of aluminum or wood, so the total weight will vary slightly.
Strut diameter. Some customers like larger diameter struts (2" vs. 1.75" for a 14" telescope, for example). Larger diameters weight a bit more.

10" F4.5 with Meade mirror:

-Height of eyepiece at zenith	46"
-Weight of OTA	24# (including two 1.25# counterweights)
-Weight of rocker box	15#
-Weight of telescope	39#
-Footprint of rocker box	17"x16.5"
-Height of rocker box	14.5"
-Diameter of the altitude bearings	18"

12" F5 with full thickness Discovery mirror:

Height of eyepiece at zenith	59 1/4"
Length of struts	53 3/4"
Weight of OTA (w/Mirror and counterweight)	40 1/2#
Weight of rocker box	23 1/2"
Footprint of rocker box	19 1/4" x 20 1/4"
Height of rocker box	14"

12" F5 with Hubble mirror. An "Easy Travel Telescope":

Diameter of primary:	12" f5
Mirror cell:	6-point all aluminum flotation
Length of struts	53.5" (26.25" folded)
Dimensions of rocker box:	15"H x 19.5"W x 20"D
Weight of rocker box:	25.5#
Weight of "mirror box" w/mirror:	19.5#
Height of "mirror box":	12"
Inside diameter of OTA:	14.5"
Diameter of altitude Bearings:	18"

13.1 F6 with Swayze mirror. An "Easy Travel Telescope":

Inside diameter of rings:	15"
Outside diameter of rings:	18"
Dimensions of Rocker Box:	15.5"H x 20"W x 20.75" D
Diameter of altitude bearings:	18"
Length of struts:	72" (six 36" travel struts)
Diameter of mirror:	13" f6 Swayze full thickness
Weight of OTA (w/mirror cover and CW):	49.5#
Weight of rocker box:	30#
Height of Eyepiece at Zenith:	79"

14" F5 with Hubble Optics mirror:

Weight of optical tube assembly w/mirror	44#
Weight of rocker box	25.5#
Weight of mirror box w/mirror	30#
Weight of mirror	19#
Height of eyepiece at zenith	71"
Rocker box size	21.75" x 20.75" x 13"
Length of struts	65"
Construction material	Furniture grade Baltic birch 12-ply plywood
Focuser	2" Crayford with 1.25" adapter
Spider	Destiny "Professional" curved vane

16" F4.5 Meade Lightbridge Truss Hybrid Conversion:

Diameter of primary:	16" F4.5
Mirror cell:	Meade Lightbridge standard cell.
Length of trusses	50.5" (1" O.D. black anodized tubing) -- 6# weight.
Dimensions of rocker box:	13"x24"x24.25" (to bottom of alt bearing "curve").
Weight of rocker box:	32#.
Weight of "mirror box" w/mirror:	46# w/Mirror (48# with mirror cover).
Height of "mirror box":	12"
Inside diameter of OTA:	18"
Diameter of altitude Bearings:	24", 1.75" wide.
Weight of top ring	8.5# -- Includes focuser and solid metal secondary holder.

17.5" F4.8 with a Coulter mirror (the equatorial platform is not included in these weights):

Diameter of primary:	17.5" -- f4.8
Mirror cell:	18-point flotation
Length of struts	77.75"
Dimensions of rocker box:	13"x24.5"x26"
Weight of rocker box:	29.5#
Weight of "mirror box" w/mirror:	45# (48# with mirror cover)
Height of "mirror box":	12"
Inside diameter of OTA:	19.5"
Diameter of altitude Bearings:	23" x

For more information about your requirements:
--Dennis Steele
--Tel: 650-315-6578 (anytime)
--Email: densteele@dobstuff.com

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