Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 14-Further Reviews on AnalogSky and Ember

If you viewed the last blog you will know that I build a 3D printed binocular telescope called “Ember” through a company called “Analog Sky”. This is a further review of the company and the process. I have to say a few more things about Analog Sky. It is apparent to me that Analog Sky has two passions. They are passionate about building and selling the best binocular telescopes in the world and they are passionate about sharing this experience with others. They are not just a company trying to make money at any cost. My entire Analog Sky experience as a consumer has been excellent. They provide multiple affordable pathways to get into astronomy. They are open, transparent and encourage dialogue that helps everyone have a better astronomy experience. This is unheard of with most companies today and this is the reason I will go back to Analog Sky for any and all telescope experiences. There were a few times that there were delays in getting some of the optics. They were completely honest about the delays and responded to emails in a timely fashion. I know delays are frustrating but I can give tons of grace to people if they are just straight with me. Now….more on “Ember”….
All of the instructions on aligning on the site worked exactly as it is described in the instructional videos. First, adjust the correct distances between the two eyepieces. Check. Next, the horizontal. Check. Finally, the vertical image. Check. The first time through it take a little longer. By little longer, maybe it was 10 minutes. Each night I find that I have to “tweak” the adjustments. That takes about 1 minutes.
The knobs are fair but for some reason I get better adjustments if I use the Allen key to adjust the bolt in the vertical and horizontal knob. I suspect the knob is not catching the bolt. I could go back and fix it but I just decided to use the Allen key. Here is another problem. It is easy to loose Allen keys at night. There is a 3 mm Allen key that works on the adjustment bolts. I have a tiny bit of Velcro on the key and I just put another piece of velcro on the scope. The Velcro is white, easy to spot and works great. I then found in “Beehive” that someone made a nice 3 d printed holder for all the keys. I downloaded the plan, took it to my school and had it printed in 15 minutes with white plastic. I now have all my Allen keys attached to a small spot on the scope. It is no problem at all.
Next is a view finder. I was using two 4 mm eyepieces and I really needed a viewfinder. I had an old telrad refurbished and rigged up to Ember. Total failure. Hard to see the dot with the eye pieces in the way and it was almost as big as Ember. Big mistake. Next, I ordered a trusty “Red Dot” finder. Again, great 8 inch Newtonian's but bad for Ember. Tough to align and I had to crane my neck and practically do a handstand for overhead objects. Bad idea number 2. Then I had an absolutely brilliant idea. I decided to listen to the people at “Analog Sky” and use the laser they suggested specifically for Ember. I was shocked at how well it worked and how such a simple idea can work amazingly well. I heard the sage advice from an old friend of mine whisper in my ear. “Trust the process you moron….”. Lesson learned.
Finally, it was time to rethink my choice of eyepieces. As a high school science teacher I am a jack of all trades and master of none. I know just enough science to be dangerous. Expensive eye pieces intimidate me. Some of the two inch eyepieces I looked at cost more than the telescope itself. Again, the community at Analog Sky came through. I put the word out and they guided me to some budget eyepieces on Amazon. They were two inch Svbony 70 degree 26 mm eyepieces that were more affordable for my budget. I checked and the reviews stated that they were a bit fuzzy around the edges which is the same thing the Analog Sky community mentioned. I could deal with a bit fuzzy and I got a pair.
I got back from a function a bit late one night the day the eyepieces arrived. It had been cloudy all day but there was a break in the clouds. I could spot with the naked eye Jupiter and Orion. On a whim I decided to pop in the 2 inch eyepieces and have a quick look fully expecting it not to work. Nothing ever works on the first try. I brought Ember out on the recommended tripod. I was able to quickly carry it out with one hand, something impossible with an 8 inch Newtonian. The laser finder was installed and previously aligned as instructed. One click of the laser and I was off to Jupiter and Orion.
Here is what happened next….my astronomy viewing experience changed forever. Here is what it is like using two inch eye pieces on a good binocular telescope (even budget two inch eye pieces). Imagine your entire astronomy world is like viewing through a peep hole in a door to see who is ringing the doorbell. Then one day it changes to looking through a giant window at a 84 inch plasma screen TV. There is no comparison. I now “get it”. Analog Sky has thought through everything and delivered a superior product and process. Also, I can easily and quickly change the set up for friends, family and students to view. Small kids always struggle with single 1.25 inch eyepieces. There is no struggle with two 2 inch eyepieces when they do not have to stand on their tip toes with an easily adjustable tripod. I am already thinking about printing the parts for a longer focul length for Ember if I ever want to swap out the primary lenses in the future.
The name of this blog is “Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy”. I think Analog Sky nailed it perfectly. I am pretty sure Ember is going to be the last telescope I ever build or buy…..unless of course I decide to build “Heart”…….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 13-Building a 3D printed Telescope “Ember”

So…I sold the 8 inch newtonian. It still is and was a great telescope. The only aspect is that as I get older it gets harder to carry it up and down steps and into the back of a car for transporting. I bit the bullet and decided to build my first 3-D printed telescope from Analog Sky.

Here is a brief synopsis of the journey and what to expect should you attempt this. Step one is to buy the “course” which is all of the instructions, videos and links to help you build your scope. It is a one time life long payment which is very reasonable. No subscription (thank you analog sky). Now it is decision time. I could buy the telescope outright. I could get the pieces from Analog Sky and build it. I could acquire all of the pieces from other sources. I could 3-D print the pieces myself. I decided to use grant money to get a 3D printer through my school that I could use with students. The learning curve for me provided to be a bit much. I did learn how to use the printer. I did not feel confident enough that I could print 70 plus pieces in PETG. Given more time…maybe.

Over time I acquired the 3D printed parts, the hardware, some budget eyepieces and a few necessary tools. Next, I decided to trust the process. Analog Sky has multiple three to fifteen minute videos for every single step of the process. The videos are excellent. Members have the option on the same page of the video to provide comments or ask questions with each step. Again, I found this to be extremely helpful and transparent. Something few companies EVER do.

I learned quickly to take my time, organize my workspace, follow the instructions and to only do one to three videos a day. Patience, for me, was the key. Yes…I did make some mistakes. I was able to fix them with confidence because I had built the entire scope from scratch. I also have a much better understanding of how all the parts work together. I am not afraid to customize it. I can easily use this for solar observing or night observing. I decided to postpone the laser pointer and put on a telrad instead. The telrad is a bit big so I might change to a red dot finder. Again…no fear customization. Any questions or ideas are are supported and encourage on the online forum with the instructions.

I cannot say enough good things about this process and Analog Sky. I have been a science educator for 30 + years and despite my best efforts science education in our country is struggling. Companies like Analog Sky are the answer. They meet you where you are at. You can choose your pathway and get to a great outcome. No materials? No problem…there are multiple options to acquire them. This is totally learning by doing. I do not work for Analog Sky but I wish I did. Thank you Analog Sky. I have a great scientific tool I will be able to use, change and mess with for years to come. Here is the video.

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 12-Attaching and partially aligning the Primary Mirror and Collimating.

Secondary mirror is on! Was not pretty but got it done. I was able to attach the primary mirror. I went on the side of caution and did NOT overtight the screws that anchor the mirror to the cell. The mirror will never work if the screws are tightened to much. I then did a collimation. Each time I use the scope I check for alignment. It takes seconds with the proper tool and is not that expensive. I was thrilled to start seeing some objects at night.

Here is the video for the primary mirror. Here is the video for collimating. Overall, it was a great experience. Currently, it seems to be performing well. I do have to adjust the collimation each time I take it out because it gets “bumped” around a bit but it literally just takes seconds with an inexpensive collimater I got off of Amazon.

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 11-Attaching and partially aligning the Secondary Mirror.

Honestly…not sure I should have taken off the secondary mirror. It was much cleaner than the primary mirror and honestly it was a little harder to reattach than I thought. I had to turn up the set screws until I could feel them with my finger because I could not see them. Aligning was a bit tricky. Watch…and let me know what you think.

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 10-Cleaning the Secondary Mirror

Next step…the secondary diagonal mirror. After the primary mirror, the secondary diagonal mirror was removed. It was smaller and much easier to clean. I probably could have left it on. It was a bit tricky to reinstall as we shall see.
It is important to remember the purpose of all of this. I really want to encourage anyone reading this to join their local astronomical society. I am a member of the Warren County Astronomical Society. I have gained so much more in fellowship, education and friendship than I could ever provide. All the people have been fantastic. Each event has been better than the one before. People never talk or fight about politics. Instead we get to be in awe of the natural wonders all around us. Maybe that is the key to building a better galaxy…

How to clean the secondary diagonal mirror.

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 9-Cleaning the Primary Mirror

Step 1 is taking off the primary mirror and giving it a good clean. It was a bit nerve wracking. It is nerve wracking because if the primary mirror breaks in the process, it is game over. The primary mirror is one of the most expensive and important pieces of a reflecting telescope. I also added a step that I did not see anywhere else that I think was beneficial. Take a look to see what it was….By the way, clearly this first video is not the best with editing techniques but I tried to get the job done. Hope it helps.

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 8-Refurbishing an 8 inch Reflecting Telescope: The Prequel

I am the guy who was told I have the perfect face for radio. Buyer beware…I am doing a series of videos. Here is what you will NOT see. You will not see: anyone asking you to subscribe 10 times, a polished studio, fantastic editing, flawless lighting, no mistakes and a sales pitch to buy stuff. All I am trying to do is to take you on a journey. This journey will help you refurbish a telescope. If you do not have tons of money, don’t worry. You can still do astronomy. Reflecting telescopes are commonly for sale. Here is a way to help you get the biggest bang for your buck at an affordable price. Maybe together we can create a better galaxy….That being said, I do have one sales pitch. Please join your local astronomical society. The relationships and educational benefits far outweigh the annual cost to join. So join TODAY!

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 7-The ups and downs of 3D printing and Plan B

I used to tell people, ¨I would hesitate becoming a member of any group that would allow me to join them…..¨ That being said…. join an Astronomy Group TODAY if you have not already. I just joined the Warren County Astronomical Society. I have lived in Warren County Ohio for years and had no idea they even existed. I was fortunate to find out about this amazing group. They have built and maintained TWO observatories in Warren county and work with the parks department to keep them running. They have regular public viewings. The astronomical society offers online classes. They provide private viewings for members. The society also works with almost any school group that approaches them. I am just getting back into astronomy and what has impressed me the most is that the Warren County Astronomical Society has many dedicated members passionate about science and willing to share their passion with others. You can only learn so much from You Tube. It is a huge help to learn from others journeys and passion. And it makes it much more fun. Join Today!

3 D printed phone holder ABS

Good news….Matt the engineering teacher successfully dialed in the 3 D printer and was able to print a cell phone holder for a telescope. Not so good news…pretty much confirmed that I will need to go to plan B. 70 plus parts with hundreds of students was just a bit ambitious. I am learning that 3 D printing is part science and part art form. That is O.K. It just means that I may have to take the long term plan and trust the process. I think I do have good plan B.

20 year old newtonian reflector….

Years ago I was involved in a great astronomy program at the Cincinnati Observatory center. I was awarded with an 8 inch Newtonian Reflector Telescope. It is now dusty, out of alignment, and has been lent out and tossed in the back of numerous cars and SUVs on road trips. The optics are still good. It just needs to be restored. The plan is to first take it apart, clean it, re align the optics, put it back together and give it every upgrade possible that was not available 20 years ago. I plan to record and video every step of the way…even the mistakes. Why bother? There are many scopes available online that are great used telescopes. You can get them at a decent price and turn them into great scopes with a bit of TLC and creativity. Just think, you can view the universe for a minor investment that can provide years of wonder and enjoyment. Letś get started….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 6-Join a Astronomical Society TODAY!

I used to tell people, ¨I would hesitate becoming a member of any group that would allow me to join them…..¨ That being said…. join an Astronomy Group TODAY if you have not already. I just joined the Warren County Astronomical Society. I have lived in Warren County Ohio for years and had no idea they even existed. I was fortunate to find out about this amazing group. They have built and maintained TWO observatories in Warren county and work with the parks department to keep them running. They have regular public viewings. The astronomical society offers online classes. They provide private viewings for members. The society also works with almost any school group that approaches them. I am just getting back into astronomy and what has impressed me the most is that the Warren County Astronomical Society has many dedicated members passionate about science and willing to share their passion with others. You can only learn so much from You Tube. It is a huge help to learn from others journeys and passion. And it makes it much more fun. Join Today!

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 5-3d Printing - Time to consider Plan B

Other attempts at printing with PETG….

Here is the situation. PETG soaks up water. Water causes a huge problem. The problem is the prints turn out terrible. A filament dryer takes care of the water. Sometimes the combination of PETG and the filament dryer work. Many times this combination does not work because the print might also depend on the brand of PETG. Could I get good prints if I had the time and resources? Maybe…I also have a day job in which I am working with about a 100 + students. The people who are helping me with this are also in the same boat. Did I mention I have 70 + pieces to print? Here is the good news…. a worthwhile plan B…..Stay tuned.

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 4-3d Printing - Possible Progress

A successful 3 D print with the resin PLA…

The continued saga of building a telescope...the 3D printing phase. So here is what we have learned so far. It is all about chemistry. Before you “click” to close this page, I will provide the short and quick version. PETG is a filament and acts like a sponge that chemically soaks up water. Substances that absorb water expand. Expansion means it gets stuck in the nozzle and does not print. So....first we have to dry it out and then put it in a "dryer" that feeds it to the printer. The picture above is a part made with the PLA resin. We know the files are good...it is just a matter of getting it dry and finding a printer not in use. This is what took a week to figure out. It is true that “slow and steady” wins the race. So the story goes....

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 3 3d Printing - Ugh

First attempt at 3D printing…..

If you’ve ever tried to build something, you know things rarely go as planned. And if you’ve ever tried to 3D print, you know that’s a special kind of understatement. I brought a project to a fantastic engineering teacher who was kind enough to lend his time and two 3D printers—which hadn't been used since the end of last school year and had been sitting idle all summer.

I had files for four small eyepiece adapters and a shiny new spool of PETG filament, and I was full of optimism. My teacher friend loaded the files, set the parameters, and hit “Go.” The printer estimated 7.5 hours for just four small parts, which put the scale of this project into perspective. With roughly 70 pieces to print in total, it felt a little daunting.

I came back the next day, expecting to see some progress, but instead, we had a glorious "bird's nest" of plastic. Apparently, this is a normal rite of passage in the world of 3D printing. The machines can be finicky and have to be “dialed in” just right, a fact that became even clearer when it happened a second time. My friend, bless his heart, has the patience of Job and promised to keep tinkering, but the idea of just buying the parts started to become a real possibility.

Still, the true value of this project isn't just in the final product. The journey—full of setbacks and problem-solving—is proving to be the real lesson. It's about patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, making connections. I'm heading to a star party tonight and hope to get some advice from a friend named Bert, who has experience printing similar parts.

It’s a good reminder that every problem is an opportunity to learn something new or meet someone who can help. And who knows, maybe the connections I make will be more important than the telescope itself. Finally, and most important, it helps me to be much more empathetic and compassionate with students who are honestly trying their best but have some unexpected setbacks. Maybe that is the most important lesson……

This is a true story written by Chad Husting with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 2

Shakers and Telescopes

I once had the opportunity to visit a Shaker community. I was shocked to discover that the Shakers were truly a cutting edge group of people. The Shakers were prolific with inventions, technology and patents. Shakers had more patents and inventions than any other people hands down. Every time they did anything that had moments where everyone would sit in a circle, examine the new invention (we are talking everything from seed packets to washing machines and brooms) . One question prevailed. How can we make it better? Everyone had a say. We are still using some of their inventions to this day.

What does this have to do with telescope building? I sat in on an online meeting at Analog Sky. The president of the company was presenting new idea called the “Bloom Telescope”. I had not idea what it was and was clearly out of my league. It did not matter. Participants from all over the world listened patiently and asked questions and provided answers. It was encouraging problem solving for a small company that was trying to do and build something new that had never been built. It was hopeful and exciting. It was science in action bringing people together to solve problems and deal with challenges in a supportive way.

My goal is to recreate the same environment and experience by building the telescope “Ember”. I plan on taking a journey with students. We will be learning and building together. I will keep you posted….

Beyond the Blueprint: Creating a Galaxy - Post 1

Our culture has never been more polarized. Polarization leads to vitriol behavior. Vitriol behavior and excessive consumerism can continue a bad cycle. The cycle can stop if normal people try to do good acts.

Can a people work together? Can this work be difficult? Can the work be for a greater good? I would like to answer yes to all of these. My plan is telescope building. Let me explain….

I have taught science for over 30 + years and will be retiring soon. Once a science teacher, always a science teacher. I have decided to return to an old hobby…astronomy and telescope building. Why?

First, I have found a forum of people who seem to be working together, doing hard things, making stuff and sharing it with the public. It is called “Analog Sky”. Yes, it is a company. No, I do not receive any freebies for saying nice things about them. Analog Sky has programs that allow people to build simple and complicated telescopes. I plan to go on the somewhat complicated side. My hope is to involve as many students as possible, learn new things, help others learn, bring people together and most importantly empower young students. Most of the materials are going to be made through a 3D printer…something I know NOTHING about…..It should be fun and frustrating.

Ground Rules - The biggest ground rule is “Nothing Negative”. If you are looking for negative views, comments or actions go somewhere else. There is plenty of that elsewhere.

Rule #2 - No sponsors. What you see is what you get.

Can one person change the world by making a telescope? Maybe, maybe not. But what if I could help just one person and that person makes all the difference in the world.