Starsplitter telescopes made their debut in 1992 with a line of open truss tube Dobsonian reflectors. They are recognized for quality, compact, large telescopes.
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The initial line was of Starsplitter and Starsplitter II telescopes. They used quality materials for smooth movement, low profile focusers and Telrad finders. No tools were required for setup, and handles were provided for moving the telescope. This line was available in optical configurations of 14" f/5.2 and 17.5" f/4.5. Later 15" f/4.5, 16" f/4.7, 18" f/4.5 and 20" f/5 versions made up the Starsplitter II category. Larger telescopes up to 30" diameter were also made, but the costs go well beyond $5000. | |
| 16" Starsplitter II | ||
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Later the Compact and Compact II lines were added. The Compact line used a unique two pole support system for a plywood secondary/focuser support plate. The secondary mirror is supported by a single, curved vane attached to the focuser plate. The balance of the top end of the telescope consists simply of a plastic light baffle. This resulted in extreme portability, but users have reported inconvenience with setup and dewing of the secondary. Optical configurations include the 8" f/6, the 10" f/6 and 12.5" f/4.8. The Compact II line reverted to the tried and true truss tube design with a four vane secondary support, but the telescopes are remarkably light weight for their size. Sizes include a 8" f/6, 10" f/6 , 12.5" f/4.8 or f/6 and 14.5" f/4.5. | |
| 8" Starsplitter Compact | ||
| In 1997 a line of imported pedestal GEM mounted Newtonians was introduced. These were 4 ½" f/8 and 6" f/8 aluminum optical tubes, typical of recent imported telescopes, with a moderate but adequate GEM and were supplied with 1 ¼" focusers and 6x30 finders. | ||