Truss Tube to String Telescope Conversion
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OVERVIEW

This webpage shows how to convert your truss tube telescope to a string telescope by bolting on the string assembly with minimum modifications to the mirror box.  Drill mounting holes in your existing mirror box and bolt on the string assembly.

Advantages of String Telescope:

• Easier setup (easier setup in the dark by one person)

• Quicker setup

• Fewer loose parts (Struts are the only loose parts.   Everything else is attached to the mirror box.)

• Lighter weight (four struts instead of eight)

DESCRIPTION OF IMAGES ABOVE

Design #1 -  is an 8" F6 truss tube telescope with eight 3/4" diameter struts (trusses).  Here is the telescope. 

• Loose parts include:

  • • Upper ring

    • Struts

    • Strut mounting hardware

Design #2 - is a "traditional" string telescope with four struts and eight strings.

• Upper ring is attached to mirror box by strings

• Struts are only loose parts, no loose hardware

Design #3 - is a stacked string telescope.  Here is the telescope. 

• Upper ring and middle ring are attached to the mirror box by strings

• Struts are the only loose parts, no loose hardware

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DESIGNS #2 AND #3

Design #3 may be more appropriate than Design #2 for large F-number telescopes.  See String Telescope Concepts for more details. 

ASSUMPTIONS

• The mirror box is rectangular and moderately rigid

• A four-strut string telescope design is used

STRING ASSEMBLY MOUNTING DETAIL

• • • Drill three holes in each corner of the horizontal member of the mirror box:

      • • The two small holes are used to mount aluminum plates above and below the horizontal member

        • The large hole is optional and is a clearance hole

• Pairs of aluminum plates are shown

• • • The aluminum brackets are shown bolted to the mirror box member.

STRING ATTACHING DETAIL

The string-attaching detail is very important to minimize bending moments in the upper ring and mirror box.  Click this link for a string anchor study. 

STRING ATTACHMENT AT UPPER RING

The string attachment at the upper ring is similar to the string attachment at the mirror box.

• Drill three holes in each corner of the upper ring

  • • The two small holes are used to mount aluminum plates above and below the horizontal member

    • The large hole is a clearance hole for a threaded insert

WHY THE DESIGN WORKS

The design works because the strings attach at the tops and bottoms of the struts, which means bending moments in the mirror box and upper ring are essentially zero.  For a description of how string attaching location impacts bending go to the "String Anchor Location Impact on Bending Moments" heading.