These are links to the web sites that I liked, found useful or was otherwise inspired by.
The MiataScope that inspired mine. Turns out that the dimensions of my Miata's trunk are different than his. In particular, my trunk is nowhere near as tall. When I first found out, I was bitterly disappointed. In the end though this forced changes to the design that allowed a 15" scope.
An Ultra Light Dobsonian Telescope is the first I found that used the idea of very over sized side bearings. This led me to the idea of having very short rocker and mirror boxes. The only problem was, "how to get those side bearings into the trunk without taking them off the mirror box"???
The suitcase scope demonstrated that I could use detachable side bearings. It took me a while to realize that with oversized side bearings, I didn't need a taller, "telescoping" mirror box. This was the eureka moment that made it possible for me to build a 15" scope and not just a 12.5". I just wish the eureka would have come before I finished the design for the 12.5"
The Flying Dobson has lots of good tips. I worked to keep my dimensions within the design parameters given here. Based on this site's suggestions, I think my MiataScope can be taken on an airplane. Then again, with the post 9/11 airline security regs these days maybe I won't.
Ultra-Light and Minimalist Dobs is a site that I wish had more diagrams and pictures. The text was full of great advice though and good things for me to think about. Very influential in my thinking when moving from my original 12.5" design to the 15".
The String Telescope is just such a completely cool idea. Too much work with composites though for me. I also worry that the scope would shake in the wind too much.
Making a Dobsonian Telescope by the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers. Where it all began - so to speak. While I went for the high end when given the choice, it was comforting to see low tech and low priced solutions that I could use if some of my experiments failed.
Star Astronomy has lots of good links for ATMs.
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Last updated 2/25/03