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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 opti-
cal 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 revolution-
ized 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
