Telelens

Telelenses are optical devices intended to automatically adjust to keep whatever is being observed visible. Naturally, this is a highly practical but delicate and expensive piece of equipment, and many simpler versions are available on the market.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Most modern systems use electromagnetic waves to detect the distance of the object in the center of the oculus and adjust the position of the lenses based on the measured distance. This requires direct line of sight to the target and occasional recalibration, but is quite reliable in all other aspects. Tracking systems additionally require cognitive mechanics to predict movement based on the changes in distance relative to time.
Older tracking systems would concentrate light coming from multiple points on the oculus onto alloy rods that would adjust the position of the telelens based on the movement of light. This was useful for astronomical purposes, but was delicate, and unreliable in cloudy environments or if there was an object reflecting or emitting more light than the target, such as the sun.

Item type

Navigational Aid / Instrument

Rarity

Self-focusing: Common
Self-magnifying: Rare
Self-tracking: Unique

Weight

1.6kg for portable models

Dimensions

5cm in diameter, 15cm long for portable models

Base Price

64ℳ for a common telelens

Raw materials & Components

• Multiple precision lenses
• Electromagnetic range meter
• Solenoid
• Fine mechanics
• Hull
• Battery

Tools

Horologist's tools
Wiremaster's tools