Mirror Cells
The new Optical Supports 'versatile' mirror cell has been redesigned to be compatible with virtually any telescope tube currently on the market. Scratch builders will find the VMC is easily adjusted to fit sonotubes, Hastings tubes, Protostar’s increasingly popular Blacklite tubes, and most carbon fiber tubes currently available. Likewise, anyone wishing to retrofit a commercially-made telescope with a new mirror cell and/or upgrade their optics will find the VMC is easily configured for a secure fit.
The VMC represents a merging of proven design concepts from its predecessors, the TMC and CMC models. Each new model of the VMC will support either standard or conical primary mirrors in the corresponding aperture. This affords every user the flexibility to upgrade from a mass-market standard primary to a conical (or vice-versa) without having to invest in a new mirror cell.
- Click to view plate diagrams:
- 4"/4.25"/4.5" Mirror Cell
- 6" Mirror Cell
- 8" Mirror Cell
- 10" Mirror Cell
- 12"/12.5" Mirror Cell
Telescope tube compatability for each VMC model:
The adjustable range is expressed in terms of the inner diameters of telescope tubes each model accepts. Compatibility is further summarized as follows:
● Each model will fit most telescope tubes currently being mass-produced. Retro-fitting an existing telescope with a VMC is intended to be easy and intuitive.
● Sonotubes and custom-made CF tubes may be used with any of the given apertures.
● Hastings tubes are available to fit the 6VMC, 8VMC, and 10VMC.
● Blacklite tubes are available from Protostar to fit the 6VMC, 8VMC, and 10VMC.
| Model | Aperture(s) | Min ID | Max ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4VMC | 4" / 4.25" / 4.5" | 5.5" | 6.125" |
| 6VMC | 6" | 7.0" | 8.125" |
| 8VMC | 8" | 9.0" | 10.125" |
| 10VMC | 10" | 11.0" | 12.125" |
| 12VMC | 12" / 12.5" | 13.0" | 14.125" |
Construction & Materials:
Features include 6061-T6 aluminum construction, stainless steel mounting and collimation hardware, locking bolts to assist in retaining collimation, adjustable mounting brackets, black anodized finish, and threaded mounting holes for an optional cooling fan. The upper plate features a hole pattern designed to facilitate air flow while reducing weight.
Notes for Conical Primary Users:
The upper plate features a central footprint area that is slightly larger than the flat-back diameter of a Royce conical mirror (respective to the individual specs of each aperture). Similarly the central mounting hole also matches that required by each of the three supported conical apertures (i.e. 3/8-16 bolt for 8” conicals and ½-13 bolt for 10” and 12.5” conicals).
Notes for Standard (i.e. Flat) Primary Users:
A clipless mirror mounting method is employed via three vertical brackets spaced equally around the upper plate. The primary mirror is secured with three discrete applications of silicon adhesive at the midpoint of the mirror’s thickness. The upper plate also features an array of support points appropriate for the corresponding aperture. This avoids the use of adhesives beneath he mirror and the associated higher risk of astigmatism.
Mounting & Installation:
Adjustable mounting brackets provide a rigid and secure fit into your telescope tube. They can adjust to accommodate virtually any telescope tube respective to each aperture. This table lists the functional range of inner diameter for each conical mirror cell. A pair of bolts secures each bracket to the lower plate, ensuring a perfectly straight track of adjustment.
A second benefit of adjustable mounting hardware is the auto-centering of the mirror cell. Each pair of bracket bolts, and subsequently the adjustment slots, is exactly centered on 120 degree radii from the primary mirror’s central mounting hole. If the user has accurately drilled mounting holes in the optical tube that are exactly 120 degrees apart, then he/she need only install the cell with bracket bolts loose in their sockets and slide the brackets as necessary to reach each hole in the tube wall. When all three holes are aligned to the brackets and fasteners inserted, each bracket will automatically be adjusted by an equal amount. The result is a perfectly centered mirror cell.
Fan Compatibility:
All models feature threaded holes for installing a cooling fan of your choosing, as well as a mounting hole for installing an RCA jack to power the fan. The 6VMC and 8VMC both support the use of a 60mm fan and the 10VMC and 12VMC support 80mm fans. Fans and RCA ports are not included with any mirror cell. They may be installed at the owner's discretion.
Ordering
4.0" / 4.25" / 4.5" Mirror Cell - $159.99In Stock 6" Mirror Cell - $179.99
In Stock 8" Mirror Cell - $204.99
Out of Stock 10" Mirror Cell - $229.99
Out of Stock 12.0" / 12.5" Mirror Cell - $249.99
In Stock
Contact
For more information about products, answers to questions, or details on custom work, please feel free to contact Curt directly:
info@opticalsupports.com
813.426.7063