Not only does it provide a computer controlled 9-point suspension system which varies the amount of pressure exerted on the back of the mirror by the suspension points depending on the angle of tilt, but for amateurs with aperture fever, and that about covers just about everybody, the cell actually enables you to increase the aperture of your telescope.
The cell is fitted with a ring, or donut-type outer fringe made of lightweight, low-expansion glass filled during the cooling process with helium bubbles and designed so as to be racked up level with the edge of your mirror and parabolised to a tenth of a wave.
Initially this cell will be available in two sizes and designed to mate with 10” f/5 mirrors, and 12.5” f/5 mirrors.
Your 10 inch mirror will then convert to a 12.5” f/4 mirror, while the 12.5” mirror becomes a 15” f/4.2 mirror.
Larger sized mirror cells are under consideration but certain problems present themselves - the increased tube diameter could pose insuperable upgrade challenges while the whole telescope could need total rebuilding, with of course a larger sized diagonal and spider.
The company intends to proceed in careful steps then with just the two cell sizes so as to preserve its responsible reputation for optical excellence.
For those with really big ambitions the company will be offering 24” and 32” mirrors made with its revolutionary new helium bubble filled lightweight low expansion glass mirrors which offer the prospect of light weight mounts and high portability.
The 24” blank will be three inches thick but weigh only thirty pounds, while the 32” mirror at 4 inches in thickness will weigh in at only 45lbs.
Handcrafted by Central Africa's finest opticians, the big mirrors will be a genuine one tenth of a wave, and in accordance with company tradition customers have the final choice as to whether that is radio wave or Malibu wave.