Gemini Telescope Design

17/03/2022

A MoFoD friction drive fork mount has just been installed at the remote observatory location of the Belgrade University. The local staff and my daughter gave valuable support to complete the job under harsh conditions (snow and freezing temperatures). The fork supports a 16" SC equipped with a full frame sensor. It will be used for photometry.

04/03/2022

An E.fric friction drive mount installed in the observatory of my friend and noted astrophotographer Alex Di Giusto. In the coming months he will share his experiences while working with a 10" RC and (hidden behind the tube) 70mm Pentax, mainly used as guide scope 😉.

20/02/2022

20/02/2022

MoFoD, the unique adaptive Fork Mount has been available for a bit more than 10 years now. The 2022 model has increased stability, sub arcsecond precise tracking and slewing speeds up to 10 deg/sec. Among the happy customers we find public observatories, amateurs devoted to research and commercial users who make several 1000 gotos each night for satellite surveillance. How do I manage to offer all this at a good price? Speed is all, look at the video (in comment)! 😀

30/01/2022

The 12" Astrograph with the Primis prime focus mate had its first light, following an exoplaned transit. All went well, don't miss the autofocus diagram! Naturally zero backlash.
Using Primis on this Astrograph lets about 6% more light to the chip and saved 3 kg, meaning about 5 kg less counterweight. The E.fric holds it very stable even in small wind gusts.

24/01/2022

Thinking about a prime focus Newtonian Astrograph? Sure we have it, Primis, the dedicated prime focus mate from GTD. The manual is available on the website. Yes, that is a 4" coma corrector inside.

20/01/2022

An X-Y stage for an Integra85 for fine collimating the optical axis with the rotator's mechanical axis. This is necessary to use the Integra85 as a derotator for an Alt-Az telescope, in this case an RC for Lunar Transient (impact) study.

17/11/2021

Prepared for my Chinese friend. Integra85 microfocuser and rotator for demanding applications. Now the end sensor is a microswitch which provides better reliability and precision.

30/09/2021

GTD is now offering high precision friction drive parts for DIY construction and mount manufacturers. We can provide custom drive discs and pure friction reducers with stepper motors. These drive units are guaranteed for less than 0.5" tracking error. For more info visit the website!

16/09/2021

Leaving soon my workshop are the optical cells of a 600mm Newtonian astrograph. In the photos you see the carbon fiber composit primary cell. The support points were calculated to distribute mirror flexture evenly (1:11 thickness ratio) and the support elements designed to keep focus shift below 0.01mm in any sky position. The lateral supports touch the mirror in 8 points without introducing significant tangential forces. This is important with thin mirrors as the lateral support could cause extra flexture.

10/08/2021

Today is the official opening ceremony of the 85cm RC telescope at Petina (SA). It was a nice job full of challenges, due to the fact that in many aspects I had to adapt the design to existing conditions. It was FUN 🙂

01/07/2021

Work on the 85cm RC has been completed, it is accessible over the web thanks to a satellite dish that brings internet to this mountain observatory in the heart of the Cilento National Park. It is equipped with a QHY600 ccd. The Gambato dome is retrofitted with a ScopeDome controller and the fork is driven by a modded Pulsar2 controller.

10/06/2021

Primis, the microfocuser for prime focus Newtonian imaging is released now. Advantages? Less cost, reduced overall weight, more light to your chip, better collimation, no stray light. Fast mirrors from 35cm up will see a huge benefit in terms of cost reduction and light gain. Primis80 weights 815g.

21/05/2021

Under manufacturing, a Primis focuser for the prime focus of a 500 mm Newtonian. It will host a 3" coma corrector.
Some of the advantages prime focus imaging offers: less obstruction, less weight, easier collimation.

28/04/2021

The 85cm RC is now up and running, could not look through for the well known Murphy law about new astronomy gear...😀

22/04/2021

I am working on the completion of this 85 cm RC, sorry for any delays answering mails...:)

06/03/2021

These boys will travel to their daddy's soon, who will show them the secrets of the universe 😀.

21/02/2021

The OTA of the 85 cm RC is ready to accept the optics now. The structure is a combination of welded steel structure and carbon truss. First light is expected for April/May.