This page last modified 1996 December 20th
112mm f/18 Refractor
I made this atm 112mm f/18 refractor from scratch. The objective is a Littrow-type lens:
I made it so that R1 = -R2 = -R3; R4 = inf.
One of the things important in lens-making is the control of "wedge",
or differential thickness of the lens elements, which causes the lens to behave
as a prism, giving false colour. This is identified by measuring different
parts of the edge of the lens element with a micrometer and a simple jig.
The objective/dew cap assembly unlatches with 3 suitcase latches
(assymetrically placed so that there is only one orientation which fits).
The lens elements are not bloomed. However, instead of spacers between the
elements, I used thickened cedar oil (sold as microscope immersion oil) in order
to reduce internal reflections. It makes a great deal of difference and gives
the objective end of the telescope a smell reminiscent of Mediterranean forests
(or, if you're cynical, lavatory disinfectant).
The tube is 6 inch aluminium irrigation pipe, with a stack of internal
baffles made of 2mm MDF mounted on 3mm dowel.
The baffle stack is quite flimsy, but is very secure inside the tube.
The finder is based on a Ross 300mm camera lens, mounted in a modified down-pipe bracket.
The instrument performs quite well, but the lens does star-test as slightly
undercorrected. However, it is far too long -- it won't fit in the family car
(Citroen ZX diesel saloon) and it is a real pig to manouever onto the mount.
Once up, it catches the slightest breeze and oscillates like a politician's jaw.
For this reason, it was rarely used and is now in bits, awaiting a 3"
flat, in preparation for being folded. I hope the folded version will be a bit
more user-friendly.