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Dobsonian Goodies

EZ adjust setting circles.
Apertura/GSO motion fix.
Height adjustment stands
 


Image Sharpening Masks
 
Visual: Fix turned down edge.     
Imaging: Remove mirror clip flare.
  

Premium Mirror Cells
for 6" to 13.1" mirrors.

Optimized support points.
Removes mirror-clip distortions.
 

Clamshell & Rotating Rings

For Dobsonian mounts.
For Equatorial mounts.
 
 
Comments & Photos


Updated 11/19/24 
 

Premium Mirror Cells
For 6 " to 13.1" primary mirrors.
Designed custom to specifically match your mirror specifications for optimal performance.


6", 8" and 10" examples with acrylic retaining ring eliminating mirror clip intrusion in light path.
 

Front: adjustable flat black acrylic retaining ring.


Rear: collimation knobs and lock screws.


Fan insert cutouts also available.

 
These high performance cells are individually designed calculating mirror support points by diameter, thickness, focal length, and secondary size. Optimizing support points provides best image quality.

Our unique retaining ring eliminates the need for intrusive clips intuding over the mirror's face. No need to glue the mirror to the cell, which can stress and degrade image quality. The ring is supported by three bolts 1/16th inch from the mirror 120 degree apart. Bolts are buffered inside plastic spacers. Result is a perfect circular aperture without mirror clip image degradation, curing possible turned down edge image softness.

Retaining ring requires minimum 1.5" larger tube inside diameter than primary mirror diameter.

Type Description
 Price
6" Cells
SMC6K Standard Mirror Cell Kit.
  $87
SMC6F Standard Mirror Cell Finished
$105
8" to 13.1" Cells
PMCK Premium Mirror Cell Kit
$155
PMCKF Premium Mirror Cell Kit with fan inset
$188
PMCF Premium Mirror Cell Finished
$170
PMCFF Premium Mirror Cell Finished with fan inset
$203

 

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 Materials and manufacture:

  • Constructed of rigid, thermally stable light weight 3/4" birch plywood.
  • Acrylic front ring secures mirror without clip intruding image defects.
  • Six-point support positions calculated for optimal performance.
  Dimensions and weight:
  • Front and back plates each 18mm thick.
  • Fully compressed cell from mirror back to end of collimation knobs: 2.8"
  • Fully compressed mirror back to middle (9mm) of rear plate cell mounting bolt holes: 1.44".
  • Half compressed mirror back to middle (9m0 of rear plate cell mounitng bolt holes: 2.10".
  • Back plate O.D. designed to fit to 0.25" (0.5" total) of tube I.D: 10" tube ID = 9.5" cell O.D.
  • 13.1" cell shown weighs approximately 3.6 lbs.
Retaining ring:
  • Now made from laser cut 1/8" black acrylic.
  • Eliminates mirror clips for a perfectly round mirror face, no intrusions.
  • Overhangs mirror edge by 1/8". Mirror cannot fall out through opening.
  • Eliminates possible turned down edge image softness.
  • 3 bolts through ring secure into wood inserts in cell front plate.
  • Bolts securing ring to front plate have plastic spacers which touch edge of primary.
  • Mirror prevented from lateral movement during vertical to horizontal.
  • Eliminates any visible mirror clip flare.
  Front plate:
  • Knife-edge wood inserts at 120 degrees for seating retaining ring bolts.
  • Open design. No obstructions behind mirror (8"-13.1").
  • Small rounded support points placing mirror 1/8" above front plate.
  Rear plate:
  • Collimating knobs backed with metal washers; smooth easy turning.
  • Cell position lockable with three nylon screws (8"-13.1" cells).
  • Options: unobstructed or with drilled inset/screw holes for fan (8"-13.1").
  What you need:
  • Kits may require fine sanding. Arrives rough sanded with 80 grit.
  • Kits require finishing or painting.
  • Kits and finished require 1/4" bolts and nuts for mounting cell into tube.