SDM Telescopes
15-32 inch custom built Obsession style Dobsonians
 

 

Building an SDM Dobsonian

There are quite literally hundreds of ways to configure your dream Dob and SDM will accommodate you to make the perfect scope. This makes the pricing equation rather difficult, so we are making the whole process as transparent as possible by including a full breakdown on this excel spreadsheet.

O.K. Everyone wants to know in round figures what its going to cost…..so here it is…..our beautiful Special Diamond Model with power, top quality optics, you pick up, ready to go.

-   15”   $7,700
-   16”   $8,000
-   18”   $9,000
-   20”   $10,000
-   24”   $15,500
-   25”   $17,500
-   28”   $21,000
-   30”   Call
-   32”   $27,000

And that includes the following:

Feathertouch Dual Speed Focuser FTF 2020CR CLB EG
Telrad
Astro Systems Secondary Holder
Astro Systems 4 Vane Spider
Finland Birch Ply Constuction
Aluminium Altitude Side Bearings
33 or 39 ply Splitblocks and Stainless Hardware
Quickaction Upperconnectors and Cams
Kydex - 0.6mm or 1.0mm on Secondary Cage
Ebony Star on Virgin Teflon bearing surfaces
Personalised Cast Brass Plaque  with your name on it
Aluminium Truss Poles
Armaflex Pole Rrubbers
Light Shroud with draw string, Bungee cords & badging
Rocker Box to Mirror Box Coiled 12V  Delivery Cable
Powered Ground Board with power cable & power distribution rail
Bunjarra Stain and (2 pack) Polyurethane Varnish - 6 coats
Mirror Box Locks - for safe wheeling of scope while assembled
Mirror Cell 15"/16"- 9 Point,18"/20"/24"/25"-18 Point,28"/32"-27 Point
SDM logo & mirror size & f/ratio stickers
Wiring to mirror fan and switches for power to M.Box & Sec. Cage.
Stainless Steel Split System Transport Handles with 10" wheels
Mirror Box Lifting Handles for 15" and 16" Telescopes only

Recommended extras:

Encoders, Argo Navis, ServoCAT, Heaters, Finder, Computer Podium, 
Cases and Covers.

Adding ServoCat and ArgoNavis and encoders will cost around $4,500

Of course these are indicative prices only, and it is best to talk to Peter directly to discuss your needs!

Notes on availability

The delivery of your SDM scope is largely dependent on the availability of the primary mirror. Specialist optics of high quality are in great demand, and a world shortage is both pushing up prices and stretching out the timelines. As a guideline:

  • John Hudek of Galaxy Optics supplies 18” f4.5, 20” f/5 and 25” f/5 with approx lead time of 12 months, but SDM have done the hard work for you and have a number of mirrors in various sizes pre ordered for early delivery. Call for details.

  • James Mulherin of OMI Torus 18” f/4.5 20” f/5 approx lead time 6 months

  • Terry Ostahowski produces mirrors 12.5" to 24” with committed delivery dependent on the availability of glass (3-4 Months)

  • Carl Zambuto of Zambuto Optical makes any size mirrors up to 24” and max 100” focal length with approx lead time 12 months

  • Steve Kennedy 24” f/3.66, 28” f/3.66 and 32" f3.66 approx. lead time 8 months

  • Mark Suchting of Deep Sky Optics produces mirrors of any size and focal ratio up to 24” with committed delivery of approx 3-4 months dependent on the availability of glass (being an Australian optician its best that you order the mirror directly from him and have it delivered to SDM for final fitting and balancing of the scope)

Payment

Deposit of $1000 for any scope or mirror. Balance of mirror price prior to shipping from USA. Balance of scope price on delivery to you. You may cancel at any time but cancellations will incur a 15% fee


"Size DOES Matter"

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