VegaSpec I
Professional DIY Spectrograph for Astronomy
Do it yourself or buy parts or the complete system!
Specification
Complete motorised features:
2" Collimator Lense - motorised -
50x50mm Grating - motorised -
Pentax 50mm f/1.4 Objective - motorised -
Internal Ar-Ne Calibration Lamp and Flat-LED - motorised -
12 slit positions from 10um to 700um
Guiding Camera connection
Gratings: Visual & UV from 300 to 3600 l/mm
Simple replacement of the Grating
Simple change of the Slit size
Size ~ 320mm x 280mm x 130mm
Weight ~ 2.5kg
VegaSpec acquire and control software
Build your own Spectrograph
Documents
All Downloads are free!
Last Update: 2026-04-30
Last Update: 2026-04-30
Last Update: 2026-04-30
Last Update: 2026-04-30
Last Update: 2026-04-30
The Mission
My aim is to establish scientific work within the amateur astronomy community.
Three years ago, I came across Paul Gerlach's ingenious concept of a 3D-printed spectrograph. I was fascinated and built my own, but with electronic control of the focusing and calibration unit. More than 1000 working hours and a lot of money have now been invested in this project.
Since I wasn't entirely satisfied with my result, I constructed VegaSpec I. By using larger optical components, such as a 2" collimator lens, a 50 x 50 mm diffraction grating, and a Pentax 50 mm objective lens, I was able to significantly improve the optical quality.
I hope that this instrument will contribute to the spread of spectroscopy among amateur astronomers.
Order Parts or the entire System
If you don't have the resources to produce VegaSpec yourself, you can also purchase parts or the entire system from me.
Please note that I offer a service here, not industrially manufactured products. I own two Ultimaker S5 3D printers and a Makera Carvera desktop CNC milling machine. I am experienced in using these machines and strive to deliver the highest quality.
My service includes the necessary materials, such as filament, aluminium plates, screws, springs, optics, etc., as well as the printing or milling of the individual parts, assembly, calibration, and testing.
What can be purchased?
Individual components (see "VegaSpec Mechanics.xlsx"), e.g. VS001 Base Plate.
The complete spectrograph with or without cameras. Example: VegaSpec I including visual 2400 l/mm grating, without cameras: €2920,- incl. VAT.
TS-ToupTek main camera and guiding camera are available at the same price as at "https://www.teleskop-express.de/". The advantage of ordering the spectrograph and cameras simultaneously is that I can adjust the precise focus distance and camera alignment during testing.
Additional products, such as alignment lasers.
Diffraction grating (complete component for easy replacement): Visual: 300, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3600 l/mm. UV: 1800, 2400, 3600 l/mm
If you are interested, please contact me and let me know what you are looking for. I will gladly provide you with pricing and delivery information in a personal email.
Actual Status of the Software
The software currently supports ToupTek cameras with a native driver, as well as cameras via ASCOM. Please let me know if you experience any problems with camera control.
You can record spectra directly using the software. You can also define sequences.
The spectrograph is fully controllable via the software. If you are using another acquiring software, you can control only the spectrograph with it.
Integration with the PHD2 guiding software is planned, but not yet functional.
The software is constantly being developed. I welcome your suggestions for improvement.
3D-Preview
Contact