OpenBeam Telescope and Fork Mount

thingiverse

This project is an ongoing endeavor, with the majority of optical tube assembly and mount designs already finalized. Printing and testing of these parts are currently underway. The next phase will involve developing the absolute encoder, direct drive axial flux motor, and electronic controls. A key component, the 3D printed direct drive motor, was inspired by an axial flux generator that can be found at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:687743 This telescope is designed specifically for a 9.75" f/3 parabolic mirror that has been in storage for several years. It's worth noting that this design could easily be adapted for smaller or larger mirrors, as well as alternative optical configurations like the Schmidt–Cassegrain. The optical tube assembly (OTA) consists of six OpenBeam aluminum extrusions, each approximately 2 feet long, depending on the focal length of the mirror. Two 3D printed rings hold these pieces together; each ring comprises six components connected by M4 x 20mm socket head cap screws and bolts. The OTA is attached to a fork mount constructed from OpenBeam, held together by 3D printed brackets. The two-axis alt-azimuth configuration is powered by direct drive axial flux motors controlled by an Arduino Due and utilizing absolute encoders for positioning feedback. The base or azimuth of the mount still requires completion due to its larger size and the need for compact motor and encoder assembly. It's hoped that this will be finished within a month or two, allowing time to test different encoder configurations using the Texas Instruments LDC1614 in the interim. Those interested in following along with my testing progress are encouraged to visit: www.danielguice.blogspot.com The necessary components for this project can be found at Amazon and McMaster-Carr: * Approximately 3 spools of 1kg filament, mostly used from Hatchbox 1.75mm PLA transparent orange * Twelve thirty millimeter long OpenBeam extrusions * Twelve one hundred eight millimeter long OpenBeam extrusions * (Eight three hundred millimeter long OpenBeam extrusions) * (Four four hundred millimeter long OpenBeam extrusions) * (Six six hundred nine millimeter long OpenBeam extrusions) McMaster-Carr sources include: * M4 x 20mm socket head cap screws and bolts in quantities of one hundred * M3 x 6mm in quantities of two hundred, sourced from OpenBeam * M4 nuts in quantities of two hundred * M3 nuts in quantities of two hundred, sourced from OpenBeam Other necessary components include: * Nine seventy-five inch f/3 parabolic mirror * AstroSystems secondary mirror holder * Secondary mirror (2.5 inches) * Two-inch focuser, with the focuser board designed specifically for the Starlight Instruments SIPS focuser