refractors

[john56]

I have a 4" object lens, and would like to try and make a refractor telescope. My main scope is a LX90 8" meade. would like to use the eye pieces to make the scope. any help would be good. Thanks

[Bizibilder]

Do you have any idea of the focal length of your lens? With that information we can give you better advice. The basic idea seems sound.

[Capricorn]

You will need a lens cell for the lens.

That will have to drop into a length of aluminium tube.

The inside of the tube needs to be blackened.

Few baffles (3) along the inside of the tube. Work out the ray path on paper.

At the other end you will need the focusser.

Think Scope and Skies sell some, also check out the Telescope Service site. These can be expensive. Cannot recall other focusser suppliers, but in Feb Astrofest is on and that is a source of information if you can get to it. Cannot work out if the Birmingham one is still going ahead - all gone quiet on that event.

Various plates will need to be made. Holding the focusser for example.

As said you need to know the focal length.

Go search out the TAL Scopes, as basically you are trying to make one of those.

Someone around Milton Keynes makes things like lens cells, just cannot recall who. May be worth asking Kieron as I recall him making some items that were along the engineering line.

I have 2 or 3 4" lens and a 5" that I would like to make into a scope (all f/10). Just never get round to it.

[john56]

Hi thanks for the info. used one of my 2" eye pieces 26mm and got it to work a bit. got some grate shots of the moon last night, will have to post them. if any one wonts to contact me its at johnmac54@hotmail.co.uk. thanks again all.

[Glider]

Have a look at AstroBoot, they have hundreds of items for knocking up your own kit.