PLate OPtimizer
PLate OPtimizer, or PLOP is a CAD program developed by telescope maker David Lewis, first described in 1999,[1] and used to simplify calculations needed in the design of thin mirror support cells for telescopes.[2] It was based on Toshimi Taki's 1993 program PLATE[3], however provides a simplified user interface, thus giving it wide acceptance among makers of large Dobsonian telescopes, with good support of mirrors as thin as two inches for a diameter of thirty inches.[4]
PLOP is useful to calculate floating support points for mirror rear supports however additional tools are needed to calculate potential error from mirror edge support.[5] Additionally, PLOP calculations do not overcome error introduced by gluing the mirror to its cell, excessive tightening of edge supports nor impingement of the cell structure onto the mirror as result of differential cooling shrinkage.
See also
Notes
- ^ Lewis, David (1999), Sky & Telescope (June): 132–135
{{citation}}: Check|author-link=value (help); External link in|author-link=|title=(help) - ^ Holm, Mark. "Mirror Cells for Amateur Telescope Makers". Retrieved May 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zs3t-tk/cell/cell.htm Taki's brief intro to cell design
- ^ Anderson-Lee, Jeff. "Best of 18 and Over". Retrieved May 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ http://www.cruxis.com/scope/mirroredgecalculator.htm Cruxis site mirror edge support calculator tool