Design outputs
1 · Optics
Mirror cell
2 · Structure
Truss blocks
Mass & balance (live)
3 · Validation
Ray trace & illumination field
Side view at true scale in the plane of the focuser. The inset magnifies the diagonal so the offset is visible: the diagonal's geometric centre (red) sits below and to the left of where the optical axis crosses the 45° face (cyan). The illumination curve is the fraction of the converging cone intercepted by the diagonal; drag the slider to move the field point.
Optimised 2-D plywood cut list
Method & assumptions
Every number on this page is calculated in the browser from the inputs in the engine (aperture, f-ratio, UTA ring and focuser stack, mirror-box height, bearing radius, component weights). The diagonal is sized and offset with the formulas used by Newt for the Web and Mel Bartels' calculators; the balance point is the weighted CG of the optical tube, and the altitude bearings are centred on it as Kriege & Berry recommend. The altitude-axis height is the lowest height at which the mirror box clears the rocker floor by 1″ across a 0–90° swing; rocker board heights come from the same sweep. Plywood density 0.0246 lb/in³, 6061 aluminium 0.0975 lb/in³, borosilicate 0.0802 lb/in³. Vendor names are examples, not endorsements; verify availability and exact dimensions (focuser height especially) before cutting, then recheck the balance with your actual parts.