Astronomical equipment #4 : Altazimuth mount
I will describe to you this time the simplest type of mount. This is a tripod on which each telescope is fixed. There are several types of mounts. This is a very important part of any instrument for observing the sky. It affects the quality of our observations and the general convenience of using the equipment. I invite you to read.
Refracting telescope on altazimuth mount
At the outset, I would like to remind you how an important part of each telescope is its mount. Due to the use of large magnifications, any additional telescope movement caused by poor editing is visible in the form of image vibrations. In extreme cases of very high magnification, you can see the vibration of the image to the rhythm of our pulse, while holding your hand on the part of the mount used to maneuver it! Therefore, in order not to create a ''colossus on clay legs'', it is recommended that the mount be treated in the same way as the optical tube. When we buy a super telescope, and save on assembly, it will make observation of the sky lead to unnecessary nerves. Azimuth mount is the simplest possible. It is a way of fastening the telescope in which the instrument rotates around both vertical and horizontal axes. During observation, you must adjust the telescope's position in these two planes. The advantage of the mount is its simplicity and intuitiveness. I want to move up a bit higher - I want to the right - I'm going to the right with the telescope, etc. I like this type of mount and it is convenient to look at the sky with telescopes with such mount.
Home made dobsonian telescope
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Azimuth mounting occurs in two versions: on a tripod and as a Dobson type mounting. Stand mount azimuthal usually have a load of up to 10 kg, which is why they can usually carry telescopes up to 6-8 inches in diameter. Such mounts are usually equipped with a micro-movements system, which is useful at high magnifications, so as not to move too much over the sky by hand. Dobson's mount is a simple version of azimuthal installation, which usually has no micro movements, and the whole is a platform rotating on ball bearings, providing smooth and precise guidance. Dobson's mount is used for large amateur Newtonian telescopes from 8 to 24 inches! In the majority of Dobsonian telescopes in the range of 8-12 inches, it is observed mainly sitting on a chair with adjustable height. If you have any questions about the purchase of the telescope, I am happy to help.
Greetings to lovers of Astronomy!
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I can vouch for the simplicity of an alt-az / dobsonian for grab and go astronomy where you don't want to do a lot of setup. Some of the Dobsonians will also track (after a simple 2 star calibration). Good work @astromaniac, keep them coming!
Thanks. The telescope must easily go wherever you want. I don't like observation with difficult-to-use equipment.
Very good advice on getting the right mount. At these magnifications the slightest movement must be avoided at all cost.
I like your home made scope. Very interesting.