JP-Astrocraft 16 inch telescope page

The assembled scope is easily moved on the wheels which can be left on
during observing or removed in seconds.

Sweet Sixteen Standard Construction Features:

* Baltic Birch Construction With Biscuit Reinforced Joints

* 5 Coat Polyurethane Finish

* Stainless Steel Fasteners

* Three Vane Heavy Duty Spider With Milled Hub And Double End Attachment

* Feathertouch Focuser Rotated 20 Degrees Up For Easy Viewing

* Upper Strut Tubes Located Directly Over Upper Truss Anchors for Stability

* Exclusive Positive Upper And Lower Truss Anchors

* Half Inch Pivot Bolt With Machined Features

* JP Astrocraft 18 Point Mirror Cell with Pivoted Edge Support

* Integral Wheeled Transport System For Ease of Movement

* Double Layer (1 1/8" ) Thick Rocker Bottom And Sides

* Matching Mirror Case Provided

*Lockwood Custom Optics primary mirror and secondary mirror

The Sweet 16 is easy to move around, disassemble or assemble.

Optics are the finest available using 1.5" United Lens Pyrex blanks.

They are strain tested and the backs fine ground to ensure flatness.

The 62" eyepiece height means no ladder, and most viewing can be done seated.

The Sweet Sixteen is a big scope in a small package. It is about the size of a normal 14" scope.

The overall size is 22" wide x 24" long (including the transport axle blocks but no axle or wheels).

It stands 28" high to the top of the side bearing tips, 36" high with the cage stacked on top.

Weight is approximately 106# without the wheels.

These instruments are not mass produced telescopes. They are lovingly handcrafted and are intended for the viewer who appreciates fine craftsmanship and exceptional optics.

Lower truss attachment on the Sweet 16.

The pole inserts are slotted to allow installation without removing the knobs.

The upper cage drops over the pole ball ends and are precisely located in the ball sockets. Works really slick!

An exploded view of the truss pole assembly

You can set the upper cage on the poles easily.

The spring loaded stud slides down between the balls and aligns everything quite well. Very solid. The spring makes loosening and tightening the clamp easy.

The scope comes with a matching mirror case.

The telescope is designed to allow easy removal of a truss pole to facilitate reaching in and removing the 21# primary for travel or indoor storage.

Sixteen inch mirror cell with optional knurled brass collimation knobs. Look carefully and note the aluminum channels straddling the upper frame which are the levers for the 18 point cell. The pivots at the support triangles are spherical bearings while the channel rocks on a stainless shaft. This combination eliminates slop in the flotation assembly to maintain accurate collimation as the scope is moved. I also lap the nylon support pads after mounting to ensure proper support of the mirror back.

A three vane spider is used to minimize diffraction. A heavy milled hub and double vane tip attachment assure the necessary rigidity...critical at F4. Vanes are 0.021" thick. A mildly reworked Astrosystems secondary holder works perfectly allowing east access to the adjustment thumbscrews.

Construction shot of the prototype scope without the locking knob showing how the lower pole insert is located.

Lee's Sweet Sixteen is finished in cherry stain and features the optional Argo Navis / ServoCat installation.

Interior of rocker showing the ServoCat installation.

The Servocat controller is recessed in the front of the rocker.

William Meyers telescope finished and ready for delivery.

Seated viewing at the zenith with the sweet sixteen is easy.

The power that comes up the side poles is routed to a power distribution block located below the Telrad. The top switch controlls the Astrosystems secondary dew heater, two additional switched jacks allow for additional heaters.

A powered ground board or batteries mounted internal to the rocker are also available, especially with the ServoCat option.