Overview
What is this project about?
This is a 7-week guided project in which each participant will design and build their own collapsible telescope by the end of November.
There is potential for an astronomy night if enough interest is gathered. This is an entry level project designed to dip your toes into optics through introductory lectures about lens and geometric optics. Each meeting, a related workshop will be held to guide participants along the way to eventually create their own fully functioning telescope.
Heavy emphasis on 3D modeling, specifically using OnShape!
What are the requirements?
- Requirement 1:
- Must be a registered OPTICA member (dues paid).
- Requirement 2:
- Must attend 3 out of the 7 total meetings to receive lenses and 3D printing from OPTICA.
Meetings Schedule*
- October 8th @5:30pm – CREOL room 102
- October 22nd @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- October 24th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- October 29th @6pm – CREOL room 103
- November 5th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- November 12th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- November 19th @6pm – CREOL room 102 or A214
Membership Dues
While we do not have “member dues”, OPTICA requires you to be a member of the national organization. This is also required to be apart of any event, project, or workshop we hold. Price is $20 for a year long subscription.
Please view the PDF below for instructions on how to become a member.
General Meeting Information
The Project
Each of you will be designing your very own collapsible telescope using OnShape 3D modeling software by the end of November.
The best part? You will be taking home your telescopes once they are completed!
Design Constraints
- Extended length will be 400 millimeters total. This from lens to lens meaning body piece designs must account for the added distance of lens mounts.
- Telescopes will have a 5x magnification and will be non-inverting.
- Total mass of all body pieces must add to less than 200 grams.
- Body pieces must be designed such that they are
compatible with predesigned lens mounts.
Meeting Details
- October 8th @5:30pm – CREOL room 102
- Overview of the project including details and requirements
- October 22nd @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- Guided workshop in which you will complete challenges involving designing 3D models and creating assemblies using OnShape.
- October 24th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- Step-by-step walkthrough of how we designed our lens mounts. Body pieces of the telescope must be compatible with the lens mounts.
- October 29th @6pm – CREOL room 103
- Lecture about geometric optics and how lenses work given by Dr. Stephen Eikenberry. *IMPORTANT*
- November 5th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- Free day to work on telescope body pieces with the guidance of more experienced OnShape users.
- November 12th @6pm – EGN 1 room 260
- Free day to work on telescope body pieces. This is the last day to submit your 3D models for printing!!!
- November 19th @6pm – CREOL room 102 or A214
- Receive your 3D printed parts and lenses so you can build your telescope!!!
What You Need To Do
- Get an OnShape account using your UCF email
- Get a head start by messing with the software on your own
- Join google classroom using your personal gmail
- All project information will be distributed through there
- Become a registered OPTICA member
- Instructions for paying dues under #resources on discord
Contact us
OPTICA Officers contact information:
- President:
- Luc Therrien – lu242704@ucf.edu
- Vice President:
- Michael Rusinko – mi203646@ucf.edu
- Secretary:
- Tatiana Cutrone – ta858667@ucf.edu
- Treasurer:
- Brian Corchuelo – br270839@ucf.edu
Feel free to reach out to us with suggestions/questions/concerns!