String Bathinov Mask

thingiverse

Experimenting with Bahtinov Mask designs has become a fascinating endeavor for me. I once successfully crafted a Newt telescope with a secondary mirror suspended by very thin steel wire, resulting in noteworthy diffraction spikes. This experience sparked my curiosity about creating a mask using thin string. The current design boasts an outside diameter of 158mm and is specifically intended for my WO 132FLT scope. However, I have yet to compare it with a standard Bahtinov Mask due to various setbacks such as weather, personal commitments, and other unforeseen circumstances. Thus, I am presenting this innovative design for you to try. The prototype shown in the image was strung with extremely thin monofilament thread, which I acquired from the sewing department of my local store. You can also utilize Spider Wire or regular thread; the key is to find a material that can be tensioned sufficiently without sagging excessively, yet not so tight that it bends the frame significantly. I would appreciate your input and feedback on whether this design produces better focusing spikes than a standard Bahtinov Mask. I am particularly curious about the impact of varying string types and thicknesses on the performance of the mask. This design can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate scopes of similar size, and if you're interested in making your own version, I can provide the Fusion360 file used to create it for editing purposes. Update: An alternative option has been added. By opting for a version featuring holes instead of pegs, you can significantly speed up the threading process using a large needle that fits through the holes. Approximately 20 feet of thread or string will be required; it's advisable to cut this length before beginning the threading process. Two versions with holes are now available, including one with an added reinforcing ring for enhanced stability. When strung, these masks tend to bend slightly due to tension, but the second version should provide a more consistent and stable performance.