GSO Dobson 16" TRUSS Deluxe 406/1800 M-CRF

The GSO Dobson 16 "TRUSS DeLuxe 406/1800 M-CRF telescope boasts a high-quality main mirror with a rotary paraboloid shape measuring 406 mm in diameter and a focal length of 1800 mm (light f/4.45). Manufactured by GSO, a renowned provider of top-notch optics with exceptional diffraction quality, this telescope ensures that the quality of images is only limited by the nature of light. With its openwork, open design, the telescope delivers excellent imaging capabilities for a wide range of astronomical objects, including solar system objects, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Building upon the traditional and simple Dobson telescope concept, the GSO DeLuxe series telescopes have been optimized with several design improvements that enhance their functionality.

Observation Possibilities

The GSO Dobson 16 "TRUSS DeLuxe 406/1800 M-CRF telescope is a versatile instrument that enables highly advanced visual observations of various astronomical objects. While it performs well in all observational conditions, it thrives under dark, rural skies, offering the most exceptional viewing experiences.

Featuring a 16-inch (over 40 cm) main mirror, this telescope provides the maximum possible visual observations available to amateur astronomers. The range of observation options is extensive, but let's highlight some of the most significant ones:

• Detailed views of craters on the moon, with shadows on impact craters adding depth and realism.
• Observation of Mercury and Venus phases, including Venus belts with excellent atmospheric stability.
• Clear visibility of ice caps on Mars (using red, orange, or yellow filters is recommended).
• Detailed views of stripes in Jupiter's atmosphere, including both "tropical" and circumpolar regions, the Great Red Spot, four Jovian moons, and moon shadows on Jupiter's surface.
• Saturn's ring with visible features like the Cassini and Encke breaks, belts, and the ring's shadow on the planet's face.
• Clear observation of Uranus and Neptune shields, along with certain structures in their atmospheres.
• Tracking asteroids and observing comets as they traverse the solar system, making the telescope an ideal "comet finder."
• Viewing hundreds of double stars, multiple stars, and variable stars, some of which hold scientific value.
• Exploring several thousand Deep Sky objects, including those from the Messier catalog, as well as the majority of NGC, IC, and the Caldwell catalog. Noteworthy objects include visible open clusters like Crib in Raku, hi chi in Perseus, or Gromada Ptolemy in Skorpion, globular clusters such as M13 revealing its individual stars or M53 in Barkniki's Warkocz, distinct gas and dust nebulae like the well-defined structure of M42 in Orion or the North America nebula in Cygnus, and galaxies like M31 in Andromeda with its satellite galaxies (M32 and M110), Veil in Łabędziu, or the famous Ring nebula (M57) in Lutnia, among many others.

Tube

The main mirror cell of the GSO Dobson 16 "TRUSS DeLuxe 406/1800 M-CRF telescope is constructed with metal and features 18 optimized support points, ensuring long-term collimation stability.

Dobson Mount

Considering its observation capabilities and mirror size, the weight and dimensions of this telescope are acceptable. The tube can be accommodated in most Kombi and SUV cars. Despite its 40 cm mirror, the openwork construction (truss) makes it no more challenging to transport than a 30 cm Newtonian telescope with a closed tube design.

Using the telescope is straightforward, and a single observer can easily fold and handle it. Like any telescope mounted on a Dobson mount, the object can be positioned using two axes: the azimuth axis (level) and the height (vertical) axis. What sets this telescope apart from competing solutions is its superior azimuth bearings, which consist of roller bearings. These bearings ensure smooth and effortless movement of the telescope, along with higher precision when adjusting the position. Furthermore, the metal bearing tracks prevent damage to the wooden mount, resulting in a highly durable assembly structure. The height axis features a newly developed bearing system by GSO. The telescope is guided and held by two handles, and the desired pressure can be adjusted using the knobs on both sides of the mount. This feature is especially useful when changing eyepieces to maintain position and balance. Additionally, the telescope offers the ability to adjust the balance by changing the mounting height.

Eyepiece Focuser

Equipped with a high-quality Crayford microfocus focuser with a gear ratio of 1:10, the telescope allows for precise focusing even at high magnifications. The eyepiece focuser supports both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces.

Advantages of the Crayford Focuser:

• Provides smoother and more precise movement for focusing compared to simpler sliding and rotating focusers.
• The use of a brass ring (clamp ring) ensures reliable eyepiece fixation, maintains axiality, and prevents damage to the eyepiece sleeve.

Cooling of the Main Mirror

The telescope comes with a 12V fan installed at the end of the tube. When activated, the fan significantly speeds up the temperature equalization between the telescope's mirror and the surrounding environment.

Included Set

The GSO Dobson 16 "TRUSS DeLuxe 406/1800 M-CRF telescope comes with the following components:

• Openwork optical tube mounted on a Dobson mount with ball bearings.
• Crayford focuser with a 1:10 micrometer.
• 30 mm Erfle wide eyepiece (AFOV 70°) for 2" eyepiece holder and 9 mm Plossl eyepiece (AFOV 52°) for 1.25" eyepiece holder.
• 8x50 finder with a crosshair.
• Cooling fan for rapid temperature equalization.
• Accessory shelf and center of gravity adjustment rail.

TELESCOPIC PACKAGE FOR INITIAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE FIRST NIGHT - INCLUDES ALL NECESSARY ACCESSORIES, CHOICE OF OPTICAL TUBE, EYEPIECE SET, AND MOUNTING PLATFORM.

Technical Parameters

• Optical system: Newtonian reflector.
• Mirror diameter: 406 mm.
• Focal length: 1800 mm.
• Reflecting surface efficiency: 94%.
• Focal ratio: 1/4.45.
• Mirror performance accuracy: 1/8?
• Mirror glass type: BK7.
• Resolution: 0.35 seconds of arc.
• Limiting stellar magnitude: 13.5.
• Maximum useful magnification: 800x.
• Dimensions in factory boxes + weight:
• Main mirror: 62 x 62 x 41 cm, 10 kg.
• Tube: 75 x 63 x 63 cm, 35 kg.
• Mount: 93 x 93 x 21 cm, 32 kg.
• Total weight: 58 kg (tube: 33 kg, mount: 25 kg).

Warranty

The telescope comes with a 2-year warranty.