Omegon Roller Bearing Dobsonian L for 12 to 16 inch

Omegon Rollager Dobson L for 12 to 16 inches: smooth azimuth movement for large Dobson telescopes

Large Dobson telescopes have a recurring problem with their azimuth movement. The base plates slide over each other via plastic pads, and with the weight of a 12 or 16 inch tube this friction is considerable. You have to push to get the telescope moving, and as soon as it comes loose it shoots off.

This is still possible at low magnification, but at 200 times or more you lose the object every time. A roller bearing replaces the sliding motion with a rolling one, so the force you need to start is almost the same as the force to move.

Rolls instead of sliding

The rolling elements are located between two steel plates. They distribute the weight over the entire circumference, so that the load is not concentrated anywhere.

The difference with sliding bearings lies mainly in the release. With a sliding bearing, the force to start moving is higher than the force to continue moving, and that shock absorbs most of the energy. With a rolling bearing, that difference largely disappears.

Dimensions and assembly

The outer diameter is 460 mm, the inner diameter 13 mm and the height 5 mm. The lower part sits between the ground plate and the rockerbox’s rotating plate, around the central bolt.

Measure the diameter of your ground plate in advance. The lower part should fit within the plate and not protrude beyond it.

For which Dobson size

This version is intended for Dobson telescopes from 12 to 16 inches. If you have a smaller instrument from 6 to 12 inches, choose the smaller version with an outer diameter of 320 mm.

Featured accessories

Every Dobson telescope comes with a laser collimator: a reflecting telescope regularly requires alignment. Starting at an aperture of 8 inches, a moon filter is a welcome addition, as the full moon becomes very bright at that light output.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Owners of a 12 to 16 inch Dobson with a smooth azimuth movement
• ✓ Observers who want to follow objects at high magnification
• ✓ Who is looking for a noticeable improvement without any tools
• ✗ Dobsons smaller than 12 inches: choose the S version
• ✗ Rocking boxes whose base plate is smaller than 460 mm
• ✗ For those who want to improve the elevation movement: this lower setting works only in azimuth

Specifications

You can find more telescope parts for this brand on the Omegon brand page.