Copyscope

A Copyscope is type of refracting telescope that can be made by hand rather than bought in which the objective lens comes from a old hence the origin of the telescopes name. The lenses usually come from defective or very old photocopiers, allowing for the objective to be obtained for free or a very minuscule cost They are usually small aperture lenses, ranging from 50mm to 60mm, and are also of short focal length, making good use as a portable, wide-field telescope, but unsuitable for higher magnifications.

The way in which Copyscopes are to be constructed was first shown and explained in the May 1986 issue of Astronomy Magazine by Ken Bird. Surplus copy lens from 200 to 300 mm focal lengths along with PVC pipe components for the tube and lens holder were used to build the Copyscope described in the magazine.

One key part to building a Copyscope is an Objective lens that must be made of surplus preferably containing an f-ratio this is around f4 and f6. Other parts to a Copyscope include an Eyepiece that can be 1 and 1/4 inch in diameter containing a focal length between 17 & 20 mm.

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