DBS 114 V2 Astrograph - 3D Printable Astrophotography Telescope

EDIT 3-7-26:

Uploaded files for the new, Linear Bearing 3D Printed Focuser!

The focuser drawtube runs on two LWL7B Linear Bearings with a T5 Lead Screw for motion. A GT2 belt drives the motion via a autofocus motor mounted to the side of the scope. 

The focus range is currently quite short at around 16mm. That means you will need to adjust the mirror spacing such that the focus point falls in the middle of the range to ensure enough focus travel. This isn't ideal but in my experience it's not too big of a deal either. A bit more fiddly to get setup, but should work just fine after adjusted. 

The focuser was specifically designed to work with the QHY Minicam8 with Off Axis Guider. This is a bit of an unconventional setup so if using a different camera you may need to make some adjustments. Be sure to reach out in the Discord with any questions. 

BoM:

• 2X Linear Rails - https://amzn.to/4juvaNr

• T5 Lead Screw - https://amzn.to/4sv6o3M

• M5 Bearings - https://amzn.to/4aItvS1

• 16T Pulley - https://amzn.to/4sungaJ

• 170mm Belt - https://amzn.to/3ZXKwks

• Brass Strip - https://amzn.to/4lgqSKs

• 4X M4 Heat set insert

• 2X M4x~25mm SHCS

• 3X M3x8mm

• 6X M2 heat set inserts

• 6X M2x8mm

• 8X M2x6mm

EDIT 1-21-25:

Uploaded STEP file of the V2.

Work on the new 3D Printable Focuser continues. I have several night of testing now and it need some tweaking before release. I think can be good. The CAD files are included in the STEP assembly.

Be sure to check out the discord as I upload files there regularly as I work on them.

EDIT 1-11-26

• Changed spider to allow for left-right adjustment of secondary mirror (relative to focuser drawtube axis)
  

EDIT 1-10-26

• Updated the FRONT_TUBE_3_V2 part to include clearance for the upcoming focuser drawtube linear rails.

• Updated the 2" Cap for the drawtube also for the new focuser

• added dust cover

• Removed obsolete V1 parts to avoid confusion

My new V2 DBS14 is fully assembled as is the new focuser design. I'm waiting for my Gemini EAF and Baader MPCC Coma Corrector to arrive so I can test and fine tune things.

EDIT 1-2-26

Now calling it version 2.0 (but I don't really have the documentation sorted out, nor have a finished the assembly and testing. New files exceed Discord file size limits so wanted to get them up here.)

• New Front Tube and 4-Vane 3D Printed Secondary Spider. Changed the front tube to accommodate a 3d printed, 4-vane spider instead of the 3 vane design. 3 vanes were unique and fun, but resulted in overall poorer star shapes. This new spider and front end matches that of the DBS150 which has worked excellent on that telescope. 

• New Dew Shield to match new front end shape.

• New Rear Tube - Rear tube section now mounts via 3X M8 flat head screws that thread into the 15mm carbon fiber backbone/joiner tubes. This method of clamping the tubes is cleaner, less parts to assemble and should be stronger and more reliable than the previous method using set screws. This design feature is also used on the DBS150. 

• 80mm rear fan funnel allows for mounting a cooling / anti-dew fan on the rear of the telescope. This fan has worked amazingly well at keeping dew off of the mirrors in the DBS150 so it should work well here too. Just epoxy the funnel into the rear tube.

  Smaller Primary Mirror Collimation Screw Knobs. - Allows room for the fan funnel. 

Still to do:

• I want to use the Baader MPCC coma corrector because its much lower profile, which will allow the distance from the primary mirror to the secondary mirror to increase without the focuser drawtube encroaching into the light path. Most coma correctors are much longer. 

• I was all set to go on this but realized that it requires a super low-profile focuser. Those exist on the market, but are very expensive. 

• So that means I need to work on a new 3d printed focuser design. The helical focuser shown in the images of the V1 design was not good. Do not build that design. 

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EDIT 5-8-25

Added two new options for 3D Printed secondary mirror mount  vanes. One is integrated into the front tube section and the other is a separate printable part. These are a low cost alternative to the carbon fiber spider vanes but should still perform well enough. 

EDIT 3/28/25

Updated to Version 1.2.3

Fixed Helicoid Focus Nut for Belt Driven Focusers. 

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EDIT 3/24/25

Updated to Version 1.2.2

Corrected center mounting hole on Secondary Mirror Holder

Changed mirror springs to 1mm wire diameter. The previous 1.2mm was too stiff. 0.8mm works but it a bit not stiff enough.

Added STLs for “MID TUBE FORWARD” of various lengths

Updated Documentation

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EDIT 3/10/25

Updated to version 1.2.1

Fixed size of dew shield peg

Now including STLs 

Updated documentation 

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EDIT 3/5/25:

Updated to version 1.2

No changes to the model or printed parts but the STEP files now include all hardware required for the assembly. Also the BoM has been updated and a PDF is included with exploded views to aid in the assembly. 

Note that there are likely some errors in the documentation. Please bare with me while I work that out and if you find any errors please point them out so I can correct. 

The documentation is still not complete so if you need help the best way is to post on the discord https://discord.gg/QdPa9ed6Jq

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EDIT 2/15/25:  Updated to version 1.1 which now includes STEP files for 3 variations:

1. “Stock” version as shown in the video, with 3D Printed focuser and mount/gears for my electronic focuser.

2.  Same as the “stock” version shown in the video with 3D Printed focuser but in a belt driven variant with mount for a ZWO EAF or the Gemini EAF. 

3. Mount for an off-the-shelf focuser.

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The Horse Head and Flame Nebulae shot from Bortle 9 skies with the DBS114 and Optolong L-eNhance Filter.
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I designed and built this awesome little telescope specifically for deep sky astrophotography. It's mostly 3D Printed, relatively easy to print and assemble and won't break the bank! 

Join the Discord:
https://discord.gg/QdPa9ed6Jq

See Bill of Materials for required parts and hardware with links:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b-qs_hrft_r1nQ2b3eMa2MvVDQmwWlXNoo33ed-G-bU/edit?usp=drive_link

Consider supporting my work on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/Designbydave

Notes:

• This is a 114mm diameter, 450mm focal length, f/3.95 Astrograph style Newtonian Reflector Telescope

• Designed specifically for deep sky astrophotography

• Relatively lightweight, easy and inexpensive to construct

• Integrated Helical Focuser – designed to be used with my electronic remote focuser but can be modified for use with popular off-the-shelf focusers

• BoM and STEP documents included in the Google Drive Share