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FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY


Viewing the sky at night


Moving a telescope takes time, a valuable commodity in Britain where the span between gaps in the clouds can be few and far between. To speed up telescope set-up for home and mobile use, astronomer Lee Richards along with MDP Custom Fabrications, have developed the Astro Tuff Truk. With stability and durability of assembly components crucial, MDP worked with WDS Components to achieve the optimum specification


H


ome-based and portable astronomy equipment is heavy, yet complex and delicate. The optics involved to visualise


the solar system and wider cosmos with clarity are also expensive. But, while it has to be securely stored inside, at night it has to be moved safely to the open-sky environment. Astronomy enthusiast Lee Richards


therefore approached MDP Custom Fabrications to develop his plans for a telescope transportation system that would enable fast and easy movement of the device. The design was initially based on the ability


to transport a fully motorised telescope with a 16in mirror, weighing around 80kg. Since, the Astro Tuff Truk has been developed to transport virtually all types of telescope, with a range that includes two sizes for Dobsonian mount telescopes, plus pier and tripod mounts. Each truck is customised to order and various modifications can be made on request, with various accessories also available. “The Astro Tuff Truk has taken set-up


time down from around 20 minutes to just two minutes. This is crucial to capture the necessary gaps in the cloud,” explained MDP’s managing director, Matt Heap.


The design


The design is based on a steel frame, with four wheels, and a handle that’s used to pull the truck. Once the truck carrying the telescope is pulled into the desired position, the truck’s levelling feet are lowered, and its handle is removed to ensure obstruction- free use. If needed, the Truk can be loaded


1 DESIGN SOLUTIONS OCTOBER 2022 6


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establish the highly stable platform required for precision star gazing. Manufactured from high grade 316 stainless steel for corrosion free use, these have a polypropylene base that ensures grip and stability, mounted to a shaft that can pivot, providing security even on angled ground. In addition, WDS detent pins are used to


lock the handle in place. As the handle is detached when the telescope is in position, the pins are regularly used, so a 316 stainless steel design gives them the durability they need. Meanwhile, a swivel eye bolt lifting ring, attached to the middle of the tripod truck, is used as an additional secure anchor to attach the telescope to the truck with a ratchet strap. This part is also manufactured from 316 stainless steel. As Richards and MDP look to expand


production of the Astro Tuff Truk, the partnership will engage with WDS’ available design tools including CAD images, and access to WDS’ design engineers and technical support team. Production is ramping up for the winter months that provide optimum dark skies for astronomy. “We wanted to design a premium


product for lasting use, so we needed highly reliable components throughout,” explained Heap. “WDS’ range is very well suited, with many components manufactured in high grade stainless steel for excellent presentation and rugged use. With a local design team, this also gives us the assistance we need.” Mark Moody, sales and marketing director


at WDS, added: “WDS is delighted to be working on this project with Lee and Matt. We are proud of the relationship we have built together to provide a great product. It’s another example of where we have worked with engineers from design right through to final production. Our engineers are always pleased to work closely with our customers, on exciting projects such as this.”


WDS Components T: 0113 290 9852 www.wdscomponents.com


into larger cars to enable mobile astronomy in dark sky areas; and with its pneumatic tyres with aggressive tread, it can be pulled across all types of terrain, including tough, off-road environments. It was key that the components


used to assemble the truck were highly durable and premium quality, sufficient for long-term use, transporting heavy, delicate equipment. To meet the requirements, the Truk features WDS levelling feet which help


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