H.E.L.i.O.S. T. Solar Telescope

Last crawled date: 4 years, 3 months ago

This is my refractor telescope project. The Janiszewski family made it possible for this telescope to take shape as they donated the lenses to make this happen. H.E.L.i.O.S. T. is a 6.5" primary lens refracting telescope that I will use for solar observing. Basic components are 2 lens holders (pine) and a focus mount holder (pine). I had to find the focal length of each lens (my stomach is healing fine thanks - ) then use threaded rods (3) and nuts to secure the 2 lenses at the proper length to get a great focus. Once done, I mounted them into the 8" sonotube and marked where to cut for the body. Once cut, spray the inside with matte black so no errant light bounces around. Peel the paper off the outside and paint whatever color you want. While painting, I began 3d printing the focus assembly parts provided at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3586112 (#1, #6, #7 x2, #8 x2, #9, and #10). #6 is rather loose when mated to #1 so I used blue painters tape to tighten up the slop. Once assembled, I began printing the dew cap (need 4 pieces). Glue 2 together and let dry, glue the other 2. Then, I came in 1/4" from the back edge, in 1/2" from the side and drilled a 4mm hole. I drilled a hole in the center of the single piece (approx 3.5" from the side, 1/4" back from edge) and then a 3rd hole 1/2" in from the right hand side edge. Do this for all 4 pieces that make up the cap.
Print the side bearings - est print time around 41 hours each.
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT IN PLACE
I am using a solar filter film I bought on Amazon. It is "beefy" enough to handle solar viewing and casts a pretty orange color with the digital camera.
Build your horseshoe mount and keep looking up!!!
Please feel free to ask questions...I had to learn this from very limited information found in various collegiate library books that were funneled back through my local library. I'd be happy to assist in any way I can to help you build your own.