10 Inch Dob (Truss Design)
Here is the completed second version of my 10 inch dob. It can be put together in less than ten minutes using no tools. Notice the short tube 80 as a large finder scope. It requires weights but I like the optional views.
The seconday cage is attached using a threaded rod fed though the aluminum tube. It has an acorn nut on the bottom and a thumb screw on top. The truss tubes are permanently connected to the angle bracket in the photo. It has a groove notched so the thumb screw only needs to be loose and the bracket with the tubes attached just slide between the acorn nut and the bottom of the cage. Works very well.
The truss tubes are attached ass one unit making it easier to travel with. They attach to the primary mirror box by sliding in a grove in the boxed corner brace. Then tighten with a thumb screw located in the brace that tightens against the truss corner brace. Work very well too.
The primary box has a tailgate to access the mirror for cleaning. The adjustment bolts are on the outside along with a cooling fan. Power for the fan is though a Molex conector on the top right in the photo.
The rocker box has a 12 volt power supply attached (inside right) for when I'm near a 110 outlet. Other wise I use a 12 volt battery. The two trays are removable using thumb screws and are handy for holding eyepices, batterys and red lights during a viewing system. they also rotate with the scope. Notice the springs for balance.
