by Bob Lombardi
Last revised: September 22, 2008
On this web page, you'll find the complete text of a book originally written to help someone who has successfully built their first telescope design and build their second telescope - or third. There is a companion software package to help with calculations presented in the book. The book is presented as a series of Adobe Acrobat files. Chances are you have an Acrobat reader. If not, Click Here
To report errors, contribute ideas, or any other feedback, email me at: bob at amateurtelescopemaker dot com substituting the appropriate symbols for the words.
Copyright © 2006 Robert Lombardi
Preface Title Page, copyright notice and a summary of what you'll find here.
1. Introduction An overview of the main ideas behind the book.
2. Design Basics 1 An introduction to mechanical engineering.
3. Design Basics 2 More of the mechanical engineering introduction.
4. Design Basics 3 the conclusion of the mechanical engineering primer.
5. Tubes Design of Optical Tubes and Trusses.
6. Tube Components Mirror cells, spiders, focusers and other parts in the tube.
7. The Dobsonian An overview of and methodical approach to Dobsonian Design.
8. German Equatorial Mounts Overview and design considerations of the GEM.
9. Forks&Yokes Overview and design considerations of these classes of mounts, including design of an equatorial wedge.
10. Horseshoes and Split Rings Overview and design considerations of the split ring equatorial.
11. Drives Motor drives, speed reducers, motor controllers and other nasties.
12. Composites101 An introduction to working with composites for the ATM - including building a fiberglass and foam tube.
13. Wood101 Woodworking considerations for the ATM.
14. Metal101 Metalworking considerations for the ATM.
Appendix A Handy sizes and properties for designers.
Appendix B Using the companion software to this book.