Yes, we’re building a 3D Printed Newtonian Telescope called Hadley. It’s being printed in PETG and in the video below, I give a quick tour.
My build isn’t done yet, but it’s darn close. In the next video I’ll be discussing aligning (collimating) the optics and hopefully have some first impressions to share.
More info about Hadley here: https://www.printables.com/model/224383-astronomical-telescope-hadley-an-easy-assembly-hig
And the Hackaday article I wrote on it here: https://hackaday.com/2022/11/04/3d-printed-newtonian-telescope-has-stunning-looks-hadley-breaks-the-bank/
2 comments
I know this won’t be a popular opinion but I consider the Hadley a ‘hobby-killer’. While relatively cheap to make it’s easy to get a better telescope on the second hand market. I’ve bought two 114/900 telescopes there for 50$ with better mirrors. Had to replace the focuser on them (they came with 0.965″) but for less than 100$/piece I have two excellent beginner scopes and far more durable than a PTEG or PLA scope. While I’m thinking it’s great to have 3D printed telescopes being developed, I also think many are going to print it and not use it soon after. DIY is fun, sure. But dont go thir route if you’re seriously interested in Astronomy!
Author
Hey Benny, I appreciate your opinion. I fully agree that a lot of the fun here is saying “I built my own telescope!” which is a huge draw. And being able to modify it as desired goes a long way, too. I’d say that the counterpoint to the “hobby killer” that this can be the “gateway drug” into deeper understanding and use of telescopes. I certainly learned a lot that I wouldn’t have otherwise had to learn. Thanks for the comment!