A Little Side Project . . .

While I'm working on a pair of 16" telescopes, I'm
putting together a 10" F3.9 "on spec". An excellent
set of optics from an Orion Astrograph make up the
primary and secondary optics. The focuser is
a "Kinoptics" helical. -- Nice!

The telescope will sell for $995. Contact me for
more information any time.

And Then There Were Two . . .

A pair of 16" strut telescopes underway. One with "strings" and both with
the Easy Telescope Transport option --  a kit for Ron in Galloway, New Jersey
and a "kit" for Bob in Cedar Park, Texas.

 The 26" altitude bearings and rocker box sides are taking shape.

Gettin' Around . . .

Moving one's larger telescope can be a daunting task. Wheel barrow handles makes it easy. Here's a set of handles made  for Doug in Apache Junction, Arizona. The solid Oak handles and 10" pneumatic wheels make a perfect combo!! The "ebony stain" brings out the beauty of the wood grain and matches Doug's 12" Intelliscope.

An example for a large 16".made earlier in the year.

A Fan Assembly for Bob's 10" Telescope.

A fan, even a single fan, goes a long way in cooling ones primary mirror.

Jon's 10" F4.5 Complete . . .

The mirror box with altitude bearings and rocker
box. The mirror box weighs 26# with mirror.

Easy to collimate knobs and "feet" on the rear
of the telescope.

Jon's completed telescope.

Install the top ring.

The dew shield in place.

Simply place the mirror box onto the rocker box.

The intermediate ring and top half of the struts
are put into place. Easy!!

Jon's 10" F4.5 -- Gettin' Close!!

Almost completed, I need to finish the rocker box bottom and
ground board -- but I like to assemble the telescope and to confirm
the balance is correct -- this beauty is "right on".

Finders, Finders ...

We're back in the shop, after a short get-away, and back at work on Jon's
10" F4.5 telescope. The finders are mounted and lookin' good.

A Note from Nick in Spokane, Washington...

Hi Dennis! Had the scope out under clear, dark skies last night near Fishtrap, WA. Just gorgeous. The telescope performed wonderfully. No more mirror shift problems. Collimation was a snap - drift at different altitudes was negligible. I'm very happy with it. My targets were mostly in Virgo and nearby.  The Sombrero galaxy showed a clear dust lane through the middle - very cool. Now I just have to stay awake thru the work day. 

Nick 

A 10" Strut "ETT" for Jon . . .

Jon's 10" F4.5 optical tube assembly with Easy Transport Telescope
(ETT), a 3-vane curved vane spider, 2-speed "red" Moonlite focuser
and Antares 2.6" secondary -- Jon lives in Bellevue, Washington.

Jons' mirror box with altitude bearings Nice!!

Strings, Strings, Strings . . .

I "almost" forgot to install strings on Bert's telescope.

Whew!! All done....