The PiKon Telescope

Guest Speaker

Thursday, 20th July 2023 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: Hybrid

The PiKon Telescope is a low-cost, open-source telescope that can be built using a 3D printer and off-the-shelf components. It was designed by Mark Wrigley and inventor Peter Lord, and its design is based on the Newtonian reflecting telescope, first invented by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century.

The PiKon Telescope is named after the Raspberry Pi computer that is used to control its motors and camera, and it can capture images of celestial objects such as planets, galaxies, and nebulae. The telescope's mirror is made from glass that has been coated with aluminum, and its mount is constructed from PVC pipe and plywood.

One of the key features of the PiKon Telescope is its use of a low-cost camera sensor that is typically found in smartphones. The camera sensor is placed at the focal point of the telescope's mirror, allowing it to capture detailed images of celestial objects.

The PiKon Telescope is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-build option for amateur astronomers who want to explore the night sky. Its open-source design also allows users to modify and customize the telescope to suit their needs.

Join the meeting online HERE if you can't attend in person

Speaker: Mark Wrigley

In 2014 Mark presented a talk for Sheffield University’s ‘Festival of the Mind’ about how hobbyists could utilise new technologies such as 3D printing and the Raspberry Pi computer. He came up with the idea of combining them in a 3D-printed telescope with a Raspberry Pi camera.