faq


FAQ: 1. Is it really the lightest amateur telescope in the world with 12" aperture? 2. Why to make such a super lightweight telescope at all? 3. How heavy is a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope? 4. Why is it not cheaper than any usual Dobsonian telescope when it is so light and small? 5. How good are the mirrors of a LiteScope MOUNTAIN te lescope? 6. Can you set for me in the Mirrors I already have? 7. Can I use also heavy eyepieces on this lightweight telescope? 8. Is a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope shock sensible or easily get damaged? 9. Is LiteScope also useful for terrestrial observations? 10. Why do you use single normal metric screws in Aluminium, Titanium or Steel and not a captured screw fasteners system which you can’t loose? 11. Can I buy the LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope also in a telescope shop? 12. Will you build a bigger LiteScope mount or/and telescope? 13. How long will I need to wait from order to delivery? 14. I have already a 12" F/4 Newtonian mirror set in an other telescope - can I set them in (and out) by myself? 15. Is this single arm design showing a stable collimation during observation? 16. How stray light sensible is this open system?

1. Is it really the lightest amateur telescope in the world with 12" aperture? Space research institutions and space agencies have developed production technologies to construct mirrors with much lower masses, density and weight in relation to their aperture than a normal glass or ceramic mirror could normally show. Some of those extreme lightweight mirrors are even made from composites – a certain complex mixture of inorganic and organic chemical substances and particles. These ultra lightweight mirrors go normally into satellite/space telescopes but they are not available or affordable yet for normal amateur astronomers. (Who could use them as well to achieve more "aperture on the move") Cheaper and rather feasible in terms of production are the "cellular mirrors" showing a certain pattern of CNC milled (SiC materials) or casted hollow cells in the rear side of the main mirror body. Similar concept: A sandwich of two thin glass plates with a core of pillars made from fused glass is a promising technology at still reasonable costs. These designs are on the way to become affordable also for more amateurs and telescope makers. Our LiteScope MOUNTAIN mount structure for supporting a Newtonian arrangement of mirrors is perhaps the lightest mirror telescope structure AND the smallest one possible so far. To combine this structure with a cellular mirror makes throughout a perfect match when you want to get the ultimate light weight result. This is recommendable in the very fast ratios From F/4 and faster in our current MOUNTAIN (‘backpacker’ size of 12”) and the new TRAVEL telescope with 16" when also the secondary is made of a cellular blank as well. The MOUNTAIN mount was designed originally even for 40mm thick monolithical mirrors at F/4. To design it with a higher pivot would cause a bigger diameter of the altitude rail and would lead to somewhat more spacy parts inside your rucksack again. It would then all around show lighter but slightly more bulky. We played around a lot with diverse scenarios of construction. When you want the lightest solution what is physically possible, you may end up with a bigger luggage volume again or some more additional single parts for its set up. The LiteScope MOUNTAIN in so far appears as 'fit into space telescope' rather as the lightest physically possible telescope of this size. Making the mounts lighter is always labour intensive and requires high grade materials though the time of detail and preparation labour will reflect the major part of the costs. In terms of getting a best vibration damping result as well, we use inhomogen structure material lay up for best results in terms of swing stop and in terms of stiffness. Light weight and rigidity alone is not the only answer though as this could result in a very high frequency swinging system. Classic Dobsonian telescopes live from the damping effects of typical plywood or press wood plates and the often box like geometries. The goal of design is to reduce the swinging and to keep things light and compact and rigid and also at affordable costs at the end of the day.

2. Why to make such a lightweight telescope at all? This is in the first to achieve better transportability and easier handling on travels for all those telescope users who live in light polluted cities or suburbs or in rather cloudy or difficult weather conditions. It shall allow transporting it by using almost every traffic vehicle from bicycle to aircraft without much extra luggage or any extra bulky boxes. You can even climb mountains with a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope by mountain biking or hiking. Many people – even many telescope experts think that a very lightweight telescope will show rather wobbly in purpose and this perception is normally throughout not wrong. We had to look out for alternative work materials, designs and technologies to achieve significantly improved transportability AND big aperture AND sufficient mechanical stiffness.

3. How heavy is a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope? The 12" mounts weigh about 1.0 kg (MOUNTAIN ultimate space) - 4 kg (MOUNTAIN SCOUT), hence a complete telescope incl. the mirrors without accessories (eyepieces, tool, bag and folding chair) would show about 5 -10 kg weight, depending on the mirror weight. All in all you may carry something around 9 kg to 14 kg in your bag – still light enough to hike on a mountain or even to climb by mountain bike on moderate ascending uphill trails. The actual transport weight depends of course from the sort of accessories you want to use (as an eyepiece can weight from 100g up to 600g and more...). When you want to use heavy eyepieces and/or Camera and/or Coma Corrector, you can attach up to 8 kg ballast weight underneath in form of rubber encased Weight lifter discs (max=5 kg+2,5 kg+0.5kg). Then you can use even a Bino or so but this would perhaps not show anymore a 'hike and bike' combo to carry it still backpacked... Originally the concept was of course meant for low weight lenses to be used as a lightweight air travel telescope. For mostly backpack purposes we also recommend the smaller HC-1 Focuser from Kineoptics for 1,25" eyepieces.

4. Why is it not cheaper than any usual Dobsonian telescope when it is so light and small? To achieve still the necessary stiffness at these minimum measurements and at lowest material density and volume, we had to choose best and stiffest materials from air and space industry to manufacture the LiteScope MOUNTAIN mount. This means also a lot of pure hand labour goes into this product. It can’t be machined in an automated low cost way or it would be heavier again and would show different density to stiffness parameters. However, in apertures from below 10” it would be possible to use machineable materials or to cast them for an economic high efficient output with sufficient results. We have prepared some figures for this production scenario in case that an industrial producer would like to produce them in numbers at our attractive license and support conditions. Bigger sizes however would still show lighter weight and smaller measurements of the mount but it would require a truss tube construction rather than a single pole/arm tube. But when showing a 6 truss tube or so, it will be the cheaper base of structure solution even in relation to normal classic mount constructions at same aperture sizes. Not to speak yet from transport and handling costs which appear over the time of purpose... Some astronomers have extra big cars and vans to travel with their scopes to better seeing places or events or Star Parties (usually within around their own countries). Bigger telescopes are seen transported to better observing places - it happens around the world!

5. How good are the mirrors of a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope We offer built in mirrors from Orion Optics UK in 12” F/4 – F/3.0 with 37mm to 30mm thickness. Professional Grade-, Research Grade- and Ultra Grade mirrors come with a test certificate. Please ask for the Zygo certification and specification of your optics. HILUX coating to enhance the reflectivity to the max is available too.

6. Can you set in for me the Mirrors I already have? We currently do not offer this service (beside the 'set in' of your purchased mirrors from ORION OPTICS into MOUNTAIN mounts). It is easy to set in your own mirrors (12” or 300 mm diameter, F/4 – F/3,0 and about 30mm – 40 mm thick) on the PLOP marks of the mirror support plate and the glue on the secondary using silicone glue.

8. Is a LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope shock sensible or easily get damaged? This telescope shows an open structure design and the main mirror is even almost fully exposed. This is good in terms of attacking wind forces and also the air will cool the mirror down very quickly. It is a good question though if this design is hence more sensible in mechanical terms of purpose. The protection of the optical surfaces is normally an important issue and in all sort of closed optical systems, only the outside surfaces are exposed and could catch dust or get scratches. Concerning purpose of open structured telescopes in general, you may be able to observe with a lot of dust and a lot of scratches on your mirrors until you would notice any difference in your visual observations as long as the curves of your optics are limited in diffraction or better... The MOUNTAIN mount structure parts are made in a way like some tough sport equipment products but like any telescope you will have to be careful as the mirrors and their optical surfaces must be seen as the most delicate parts and small children or animals should NEVER get any access to it! When you set up or set down your telescope, the primary mirror should stay always covered safely with the sandwich protection cover shield and secured with the three dome nuts. The closed cassette can be safely moved into or out of your bag or suitcase and to set up the scope.

9. Is LiteScope also useful for terrestrial observations? We recommend the use of the LiteScope Mountain for nightly astronomical celestial observations of space objects in very dark and stray light free observing conditions. If you want to use the MOUNTAIN telescope for terrestrial purpose we would recommend to use ONLY a video camera or electronic eyepiece what will allow you to see upright images on the screen when you use certain imaging software. (We are not currently offering or referring these sorts of day observing accessoiries in the moment) We suggest in general NEVER to observe in daylight with eyepieces optically visually (through any eyepieces) with this telescope.

10. Why do you use single normal metric screws in CRP, Aluminium, Titanium or Steel and not a captured screw fasteners system which you can’t loose? We have only a few screws to fasten for set up or to unscrew for set down but yes, you could possibly loose them on the ground. However, everybody knows those screws and it is very easy to replace them in case of loss or any sort of wear out. Also it does provide the strongest fittings in this case of application in combination with encased steel threads. Also we think that our Aluminium and Titanium screws are smart and beautiful appearing in all these diverse colours.

11. Can I buy the LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope also in a telescope shop? Yes, we do supply to camera & telescope shops and distributors in Europe and Asia so far and look for distribution to USA. We link telescope shops and partners in our website as distribution partners.

12. Will you build a bigger LiteScope mount or/and telescope? Yes, we plan to make still bigger versions to allow ‘easy transport on air trips to best seeing places’ also with bigger GoTo instruments for amateurs and professionals.

13. How long will I need to wait from order to delivery? In case of the LiteScope MOUNTAIN mount (SET and KIT) we currently observe a delivery time for about 3 months for single mount kits or telescope. We will inform you about the status of your order during this time space at any time when you wish. (Full refund will be offered in any case of further delay of delivery) In case of the LiteScope Mountain telescope we also depend on the delivery time of the mirrors from our optics supplier. Please ask for the actual expected delivery time when ordering.

14. I have already a 12" F/4 Newtonian mirror set in an other telescope - can I set them in (and out) by myself? We know that some have 12" F/4 telescopes which might be fantastic instruments with superb optics built in but they may not like it a lot to be carried around all the time or they are simply a bit chunky for travelling. So why going to buy the entire story again? This is why we offer the LiteScope MOUNTAIN mount Kits and selfbuilder kits. If you have never done any mirror maintaining works before, please ask in your local Astronomy clubs/associations or internet forums for an experienced person who is willing to help you. Certainly they will be happy to assist! Beside this, we will help of course from here. You will find a certain silicone glue, PLOP glueing template and some helpmaterial and instructions coming with your MOUNTAIN mount Kit. The mirror will "hover" about one millimeter over the cell plate so it will be easy to remove the mirror again by cutting the slilicone spots by using a thin steel string. Then you can cut off the remaining glue simply with a flat blade. You may consider to purchase a LiteScope MOUNTAIN as a telescope for holidays while you observe most of the time with bigger classic Dobsonians or a domed Astrophotography instrument around or at your living place. You need not renounce to see deep into space anymore abroad.

15. Is this single arm design showing a stable collimation during observation? The most deepsky objects will be observed in altitude angles between 90 degree down to perhaps 30 degree. When a telescope is moved in Altitude, the gravity forces are attacking the tube, frame and optics also in changing angles so the forces attacking at the structure also must change and will flex the structure in a continously changing way - however strong or clever an instrument is designed - unless it is hovering in space in zero gravity conditions. The question is: How much is this flex really showing and how much will it affect the optical alignment of the mirrors and most importantly: how much will it really disturb the actual image in the highest elongations in angular distance from the best collimation position. To find out how this shows in your Newtonian telescope, there is a simple way to "see" this unwanted effect of decollimation - what may sometimes cause noticable image disturbation due to increasing levels of decollimation: Put a Newtonian collimation laser in the focuser and collimate the telescope as good as you can in a vertical position. Observe the centered laser reflex point on the screen and move the telescope slowly down close to 0 degree (horizontal). When the laser point is not moving and still stays 'bravely' in the center after moving to horizontal position, your telescope tube structure is really a very good one in terms of stiffness or/and the mirrors are mounted very well in mechanical terms (not neccessarily in optical terms as you have no expression yet about any potential warp of the optical surface curves). Not many instruments can stand this test though may do a great job in any practical observing or photography. (so don't through it away when this is not showing ideal figures in your own telescope) In case of an ultralightweight travel telescope what is designed to catch as much "light per kilogramm" as possible, the experts among you may expect LiteScope MOUNTAIN's weak point right there, means too much intolerable flexibility due to the radical minimalist design concept. This is a very logical expectation indeed and some experts have argued that there must be a poor collimation in the LiteScope MOUNTAIN since we use a minimum amount of structure materials and volumes and diameter of the single arm pole. It is certainly correct that this design limits the maximum payload on top and angles of perfect collimation, especially when you do the tough 0-90 degree test. The LiteScope MOUNTAIN prototypes which were designed and meant originally ONLY for light or medium heavy Eypieces (Ploessl, Radian, lighter Nagler types etc..) surprised us when we saw in first testing that the collimation laser point stays in fact centered securely over a 60 degree angle range before it starts slowly to move noticable out of the center of display (BUT STAYING INSIDE THE DISPLAY) when you do the 90 degree move with the laser. So when you collimate maybe at 60 degree or so, you have peace in mind for virtually all deepsky angles and of course for the rest of the night. When you want to observe planets closer to the horizon, simply invest the tiny little extra job to recollimate it again in these deeper angles. That's all about it from a practical perspective on the LiteScope MOUNTAIN collimation issue. Still to mention that the collimation tool used for the testing is also heavier than most eyepieces are! This means really green light in terms of normal deepsky purpose with light and medium lenses for a wide range of altitude angles. If you want to observe with a MOUNTAIN telescope using heavy lenses or Barlow/Powermates or Zenith mirror or even camera attachement balanced by heavy weight discs underneath, we have not a problem to admit that the maximum range of angles with best collimation will shrink then to a smaller "window" of still perfect collimation. Also: when 7.5 kg ballast are attached underneath and more than 1 kilogram of lenses on top, you will notice a longer vibration swinging in a low frequency - "longer" means rather 4 seconds as 3 seconds when you push it. But observing experience is normally calm (when your hand is) and tracking move is very fine and soft with those heavy loads. We don't think that you will miss anything - just get familiar with sitting very "groundbased" but we already mentioned this... When you use this telescope with smaller eyepieces around below 300g, you will have the full range of best collimation over close to 80 degree. Flexing occurs as well when you move any sort of telescope to track the stars manually. Also a classic truss or tube construction will do so. Many observers move them holding on two struts what will flex such a tube more or less and also deviate the collimation (depending how strong the forces are attacking the tubes in relation to its rigidity) - this may not show very noticeable when the tubes are oversized or particular stiff. A classic solid built Dobsonian telescope will normally not show much of a wandering collimation laser reflex point when you touch the tubes or you need to look very close to notice any deviation of the red reflex point moving off axis. But it will be certainly noticeable in very many telescopes. Just it has not much practical meaning as your collimation needs to be as best as possible when you are observing the object around the center of the image (means when you don't touch the scope!) Anyway the collimation is "breathing" so to say with your manual tracking 'rythm'! Our LiteScope MOUNTAIN shows one pole only where you can put your hands on, and this single tube is a very stiff one but it shows a bit of this same effect indeed! Critical observers did not complain so far since this smart ultra lightweight scope gives you the full 12" deepsky package at most minium compromises and the observing result justifies this design throughout. If you are considering to purchase a LiteScope MOUNTAIN and you intend to use rather heavy eyepieces and don't care for additional ballast - we can offer you an extra strong pole and also will fill this with certain stiffenening materials inside. This is also a good idea if you have already a 12" mirror showing around 40mm thick or so what you would like to set in. When you are concerned about collimation with heavy eyepieces - we can build it extra stiff for you when you accept more weight against minimum possible flex.

16. How straylight sensible is this open system? We got some questions and critics about potential straylight what could come into the opical system and could affect the contrast of the visibility of deepsky opjects.. Well, many open structure scopes are existing out there so this is by far not the first open structure tube telescope. Optically seen, there is not much difference in stray light sensibility between an open 6 truss trunnion tube and our current single pole design. Normally the LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope is meant to go to dark places for best observing conditions but we understand of course that some also may want to use it in their garden or yard at home where the conditions might be not so perfect. We redesigned our current secondary cage what will come with an included additional vertical frontal baffle against stray light from the frontal area (sidely it is already shadowed due to the narrow secondary vanes). In addition we offer an iris baffle as an extra protection against any rest of stray light what could still come in from frontally above or below to be mounted in front of the focuser. In case of observing on snowy grounds, we will offer soon a dark ripstop mat to be attached to the ground with hook pegs so that light reflections can't access the system. Optional extra is also a flexible stray light dew shield surrounding the main mirror with a rim depth of 10" for the MOUNTAIN mounts. All possible paths of incoming stray light are shadowed with this. A complete bottom to top shroud is not considered as neccessary and would increase also weight, dropping dew water problems inside and increase wind sensibility. We offer lightweight wind and light protection tent Shelters as a single half tent or pairwise providing a dome. Sufficient stray light protection so far - we think - for a 'traveler' like the LiteScope MOUNTAIN telescope.
Copyright 2009 NEW Cambridge LiteScope. All rights reserved. Revised: December, 2009 . Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or trademark holders.