And Awayyyyyy We Go!!

Tom, from Angelus Oaks, California picks up his 17.5" Truss Telescope

And Away We Go!!

Tom's 17.5" F4.5 Complete . . .

Tom's 17.5" F4.5 Truss telescope with Swayze optics completed.

The slightly larger DSC platform will hold Tom's Sky Commander
and StellarCAT handpad.

A very nice feature is the Feathertouch focuser with
integrated Paracorr. This is beautiful hardware!!

The primary mirror sits on a 6-point all aluminum mirror cell.

Included is a Destiny "observatory grade" spider, full UTA and
finder board large enough for a Telrad base.

Shootin' the Moon . . .

I took Tom's 17.5" F4.5 truss telescope out under the stars to tune-in his Integrated Paracorr/
and Feathertouch focuser. Here's a hand-held shot with my point-n-shoot Nikon.
The Swayze Optics mirror really performs!!

17.5" Truss for Tom almost complete . . .

Tom's 17.5" is just about complete. To be added is the primary mirror
dew shield and the DSC stalk.

A neat feature of this design is the ability to transport, store and assemble
the scope with the mirror box in the rocker box. Without the alt bearings
these two components will "nest" for a smaller package.

Tom asked for a "powered ground board". Here the power connection
attaches to the "power rings" on the top-side of the ground board.

The top of the ground board and  12Vdc "power rings".
I always "sign the ground board" -- not visible unless it is removed
from the telescope for some reason.

The top of the rocker box bottom and power connection.
a 4-channel  "distribution" panel is also
 included with the powered ground.

Tom's 17.5" Truss -- Rocker Box . . .

Tom's 17.5" rocker box starts to take shape.

17.5" F4.5 for Tom. The OTA
is nearing completion.

Tom's 17.5" Upper Tube Assembly . . .

Just about complete is the Upper Tube Assembly for Tom's 17.5" truss telescope.
I need to add the finder board and truss block assemblies.

Tom's 17.5" Center Marked for Collimation . . .

Tom's mirror on the Mirror Board and ready for "the donut"

The "center mask" in place. "Donuts" are usually available in any stationary store
Carefully center the mask -- easy..

The donut in place aids in colliation.

Here's a view of the "donut" on the laser collimator with barlow,
ensuring a nicely collimated primary.

Tom's 17.5" UTA Taking Shape . . .

Full Upper Tube Assembly for Tom's 17.5" F4.5 Truss Telescope.
The focuser board and finder board checked for fit.

Tom H's 17.5" F4.5 Truss Telescope . . .

Tom H's 17.5" F4.5 Mirror Board and rear Cell.
Tom lives in Angelus Oaks, California.

Mirror Board with Cover removed.
Tom chose a beautiful MinWax Early American Custom Color.

17.5" F4.5 with Mirror Cover in Place.

Three Telescopes Under Construction . . .

12.5" Strut with ETT for Dave in Streamwood, Illinois.

17.5" Truss for Tom in Angelus Oaks, California.

18" Truss for Joe in Palos Verdes, California.