Various 3D printed astronomy tools and accessories I have developed that help make astronomy just a little easier.
- On This Page
Additional Resources
- 2024-07 Presentation: 3D Printed Astronomy Tools (PDF)
- Website: Thingiverse – Repository of many 3D printed items
- YouTube: MangoJelly – Tutorials on using FreeCAD
Available Accessories
Yoder’s Laser Spotter
This is an inexpensive finder that is ideal for anyone who is tired of fidgeting with typical finders, or performing gymnastic moves to get positioned to utilize normal finderscope or red-dot finders. The mount is compatible with Vixen Style Dovetail Mounting base if you already have this on your Optical Tube Assembly. You can also purchase a Mount Base Plate if you need a mount for this unit.
- Features
- Current Version: 2024-02-14
- Great Price – Less expensive than most other laser finders.
- Tool Free Installation – Does not require a standard mounting bracket, the “magnetic mount” is a set of rare earth magnets that are attached to your telescope with double sided mounting tape.
- Easy Adjustments – Tool free adjustments, just twist the knobs on the laser to aim the laser, no need to coordinate screws adjustments associated with brackets.
- Easy Removal – Slide forward to separate the mount from the base.
- Sharable – Get an additional base to add to another telescope and easily transfer the finder between telescopes. (re-alignment with primary scope will be required).
- PigTail Switch – Ensures laser is only on when you need it and does not disturb astrophotographers. Note: the Pigtail tends to wear out pretty quickly with high use.
- Pricing
- Laser Finder with Mount (Compatible with Vixen Style Dovetail Mounting base) = $45.00
- Mount Base Plate (Specify aperture size of your telescope) = $7.00
- Optional Low Temp Energizer 123 Battery (EL123AP) = $5.00
- Shipping and Handling = $15.00
- Documentation
- Product Details (PDF)
Yoder’s Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) Spotter
This device slides into your eyepiece holder (compatible with 1.25” and 2” eyepiece holders) and will show exactly where your Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) is pointing. This can speed up the process of aligning a finder scope with the main scope and help targeting a star when a telescope has not been aligned.
- Pricing
- Laser Finder with Mount (Compatible with Vixen Style Dovetail Mounting base) = $35.00
- Shipping and Handling = $15.00
- Features
- Current Version: 2024-02-14
- OTA Pointing – Know exactly where your OTA is pointing.
- Finderscope Alignment – Using this on your OTA or on your finder scope makes alignment between the OTA and Finderscope super fast.
- Flexibility – Works with all types of telescopes, SCT, Refractor, Reflector, etc.
- Dual Purpose – Slide it out of the holder to use the laser to point to objects in the sky so others can see what you are pointing at.
- Documentation
Hardware/Software Used
- Design Software: FreeCAD (Version 0.21.2)
- Printing/Slicing Software: UltiMaker Cura (Version 5.7.2)
- 3D Printer: SOVOL SV06
- Print Size: 220x220x250mm
- Printing Accuracy: +/- 0.1mm
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm (Ajustable)
- Nozzle Temperature: 300deg C max
- Hotbed Tempature: 100deg C max
- Supporting Materials: PLA/ABS/PETG/TPU/WOOD
- Filaments Used:
