3D Printed Newtonian 114/900mm Telescope

Introduction

Stargazing has fascinated humans for centuries, yet the barrier to entry is often prohibitively high due to the cost and complexity of telescopes. In an attempt to democratize this captivating hobby, I decided to build the Hadley Telescope—a 114/900mm telescope designed for both beginners and enthusiasts. Originally designed by @Maff, this open-source, 3D-printed telescope aims to offer a high-quality alternative to the more affordable yet less reliable telescopes commonly available.

Technologies Used

  • 3D Printing: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Lenses: Purchased from Aliexpress
  • Hardware: Various items from Leroy Merlin
  • Add-ons: OpenOcular v2.0 for photography and videography

Project Goals

  • Build an affordable, yet effective telescope suitable for both visual and photographic astronomy.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of telescope mechanics, particularly the collimation of lenses and eyepiece functionality.
  • Promote accessible astronomy and astrophotography.

Challenges Faced

  • Lens Calibration: Accurately collimating the lenses to achieve a sharp focus.
  • Component Sourcing: Finding the right materials and lenses that fit the project’s requirements.
  • Assembly: Making sure all 3D-printed parts fit together as designed.

Solutions and Approaches

  • Community Engagement: Leveraged the open-source community for troubleshooting and modifications.
  • Iterative Testing: Conducted multiple rounds of assembly and disassembly to ensure optimal performance.
  • Eyepiece Experimentation: Tested various eyepieces for different astronomical objects.

Key Features

  • 3D-Printed Structure: The entire telescope structure is 3D-printed, making it customizable and relatively easy to assemble.
  • Spherical Primary Lens: Effectively a perfect parabola, ideal for this telescope’s size.
  • OpenOcular v2.0: Allows for the capturing of videos and photos of celestial objects.

Outcomes and Impact

  • Astrophotography: Captured detailed photos and videos of planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
  • Visual Observation: Successfully observed the rings of Saturn, moon craters, and several star clusters.
  • Educational Value: Gained an in-depth understanding of telescope mechanics and assembly.

Lessons Learned

  • Precision is Key: The meticulous process of lens collimation is critical for optimal telescope performance.
  • Community Support: Open-source communities can significantly enhance the quality and capabilities of a DIY project.

Future Directions

  • Mount Development: Considering options for a more permanent and adjustable mount.
  • Lens Upgrades: Exploring better lenses and eyepieces for enhanced celestial viewing.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to @Maff for the original design and to the vibrant community around this project for their ongoing support and innovations.