  In this paper we describe the different software and hardware elements of a
mini-telescope for the detection of cosmic rays and gamma-rays using the
Cherenkov light emitted by their induced particle showers in the atmosphere. We
estimate the physics reach of the standalone mini-telescope and present some
results of the measurements done at the Sauverny Observatory of the University
of Geneva and at the Saint-Luc Observatory, which demonstrate the ability of
the telescope to observe cosmic rays with energy above about 100 TeV. Such a
mini-telescope can constitute a cost-effective out-trigger array that can
surround other gamma-ray telescopes or extended air showers detector arrays.
Its development was born out of the desire to illustrate to students and
amateurs the cosmic ray and gamma-ray detection from ground, as an example of
what is done in experiments using larger telescopes. As a matter of fact, a
mini-telescope can be used in outreach night events. While outreach is becoming
more and more important in the scientific community to raise interest in the
general public, the realisation of the mini-telescope is also a powerful way to
train students on instrumentation such as photosensors, their associated
electronics, acquisition software and data taking. In particular, this
mini-telescope uses silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) and the dedicated ASIC,
CITIROC.
