Higher dispersion, placed behind the crown.
Using laser collimators to align the lens elements and the telescope tube to a higher degree of accuracy than visual, star-testing methods.
: Shaping the two elements of the doublet lens to exact spherical specifications.
Variant 3 — Intermediate 80/600 Apochromat Lite
A positive lens made of low-dispersion glass (e.g., BK7) placed at the front. making a refractor telescope norman remer pdf 12 new
❌ – physical copies are rare and expensive ($100–200 used). ❌ Outdated supplier list – many surplus lens sources are gone. ❌ No digital edition – so any PDF is a bootleg scan (often poor quality). ❌ Assumes advanced machining skills – not for the casual hobbyist. ❌ Heavy focus on 60–100mm objectives – larger sizes get less detail.
This legendary text de-mystified the process of crafting a custom doublet lens. It systematically guides readers through how to design, grind, polish, test, correct, and mount high-performance refractors. Amateur astronomers searching for a downloadable are typically looking for the book's highly coveted Chapter 12 , which features predefined lens prescriptions . This includes popular long-focal configurations such as the classic f/12 doublet . The Appeal of the Norman Remer Approach
The ultimate resource for amateur telescope making, providing calculators that complement Remer’s math. Conclusion
If you are looking for a copy, it is frequently found through specialized sellers like First Light Optics or secondhand marketplaces like AbeBooks . Books for building REFRACTORS - ATM, Optics and DIY Forum Higher dispersion, placed behind the crown
: Attaching the finished lens into a cell and mounting the entire assembly on a stable base, such as an Altazimuth (AZ) mount for simple left-right and up-down movement. Availability: Finding the Book and Resources
For decades, the amateur telescope making (ATM) community focused heavily on building Newtonian reflectors. Parabolic mirrors were considered the only viable project for a backyard builder, while refractors were dismissed as too complex.
The 391-page hardcover serves as a "coach," guiding builders through the entire process of creating a high-quality refractor. Amazon.com Core Topics
✅ of its era – fills a huge gap. ✅ Extremely detailed machining drawings – if you have a lathe, you can follow them. ✅ Covers lens testing (Ronchi, Foucault) as applied to refractors. ✅ No fluff – dense, technical, and practical. ✅ Timeless techniques – still relevant today. Variant 3 — Intermediate 80/600 Apochromat Lite A
: Used copies are often listed on AbeBooks or Amazon .
Variant Comparison
: You can purchase new or used copies from retailers like Amazon and AbeBooks .
Most amateur astronomy guides focus heavily on Newtonian reflectors because grinding a single concave mirror is relatively straightforward. A refracting telescope, however, requires fabricating a . This means grinding and polishing four distinct optical surfaces (instead of just one) to perfect mathematical alignment.
Making a refractor telescope is a challenging but fulfilling project. By blending the foundational techniques pioneered by figures like Norman Remer with modern testing and fabrication methods—the "12 new" refinements—you can create an instrument that rivals commercial options in performance.
Norman Remer’s book demystifies this complex process. Refractors require making and aligning multiple glass surfaces—typically four surfaces for a doublet lens. Remer breaks down the physics, math, and manual techniques into actionable steps that an amateur can achieve in a home workshop. Key Highlights of the Book: