12inch Dobsonian Truss Telescope - WIP

grabcad

I've continued my previous telescope project, constructing a 12-inch (300mm) Dobsonian truss scope with a shorter focal length of about f6 compared to the initial 10-inch f9.8 version. The modular design allows for easy adjustments in mirror cell and truss arm lengths to accommodate various sizes and focal lengths. The telescope's three carbon fiber rings (3mm honeycomb core) are complemented by aluminum components from the 5000 or 6000 series. Supporting side panels consist of a welded U-channel aluminum frame, skinned in 1.5mm aluminum sheet and resin-bonded and riveted. The base is entirely constructed of sheet metal using resin bonding and riveting, with reinforcing ribs bent into an S shape for increased stiffness. Additionally, the telescope features an open-source GOTO system, searchable as "OnStep Telescope" on Google. Equipped with 400 Step-per-Rev NEMA-17 stepper motors, a 100:1 planetary drive, and a final timing belt reduction ratio of 2.2:1, this project is still in progress; questions and comments are welcome.