Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Copyscope

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A Copyscope is type of refracting telescope that can be made by hand rather than bought in which the objective lens comes from a old photocopy machines hence the origin of the telescopes name. The lenses usually come from defective or very old photocopiers, allowing for the objective to be obtained for free or a very minuscule cost They are usually small aperture lenses, ranging from 50mm to 60mm, and are also of short focal length, making good use as a portable, wide-field telescope, but unsuitable for higher magnifications.

Contents

History

The way in which Copyscopes are to be constructed was first shown and explained in the May 1986 issue of Astronomy Magazine by Ken Bird. Surplus copy lens from 200 to 300 mm focal lengths along with PVC pipe components for the tube and lens holder were used to build the Copyscope described in the magazine.

Building a Copyscope

One key part to building a Copyscope is an Objective lens that must be made of surplus preferably containing an f-ratio this is around f4 and f6. Other parts to a Copyscope include an Eyepiece that can be 1 and 1/4 inch in diameter containing a focal length between 17 & 20 mm.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros

  • When compared to the majority of telescopes that are offered in stores, the Copyscope gives a much larger field of view along with increased light gathering.
  • If all the equipment necessary is at easy access and is built by the individual the result could more than likely be a very economical bottom-of-the-line telescope, as good as or even better than anything offered in the stores for the same value of price.

    • Cons

  • The lenses used for the telescope were never not manufactured for this intended purpose, so they're not able to achieve a sharp focus at high magnification. But for wide-field, low power views of the heavens these telescopes work great. And low power Copyscopes themselves make good finder scopes when used on larger telescopes.

    • References

    Copyscope Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA