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CAN I USE THE OPTICAL TUBE FROM MY DOBSONIAN ON ANY
OTHER MOUNTS?
The optical tube from your Dobsonian telescope will work on any type
of mount, as long as the mount is able to support the weight and size of
the optical tube while still moving freely. In order to use the optical tube
from your Dobsonian telescope on an equatorial mount, you will need to
purchase the correct size tube rings and a dovetail plate; these will allow
you to attach the optical tube to the mount. Tube rings can be purchased
in many different sizes and are available through many astronomical
retailers. In order to determine the correct tube ring size, measure the
diameter of the optical tube (which is larger than the diameter of the
primary mirror). If you have questions about whether a particular mount
will work the optical tube, please check with the mount’s manufacturer
about the specifications for the mount.
WHY IS IT CALLED A DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE?
Although it is based on the Newtonian optical tube design, the Dobsonian
gets its name from the person who developed the type of mount used
on most Dobsonian telescopes. John Dobson revolutionized the world of
astronomy by making telescopes out of “junk”. One of his first telescopes
was made from a ship’s porthole window, scrap wood, and cardboard.
Dobson’s approach to design drastically reduced the price of telescopes
and made the price of large aperture telescopes accessible to amateur
astronomers. John Dobson was known for both his ingenuity in using
common materials and his outreach to the general public through the San
Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers.
FAQ
S
FOR YOUR
ZHUMELL DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE
