Thank you for visiting my page at Angelfire. Hopefully, this will be much improved. I have been interested in astronomy since I was a kid. It has only been the last several years that I have had the resources or time to get back into the hobby. I also combine my interests in Ham Radio (KA4PPM) and computers to apply to the hobby. Below are photos of telescopes that I have built and/or assembled. I usually buy components such as OTA's or mounts and assemble them to make working telescopes. Is it cheaper? Sometimes. I have recently obtained a Meade ETX 90EC and a Meade ETX 125 OTA. I wanted to take a more portable scope on vacation and travel, since the 10" Meade is heavy and takes up room in the vehicle. With all my stuff I need a trailer. Recently, I took some photos of the moon with the ETX90 and a Kodak DX6300 camera which was hand held. The moon shots turned out well. The planets did not. My objective is to see all of the Messier objects. Here in Arlington, Va. is a real chore due to the light pollution.
New Projects include 2 "cookbook cameras". Purchased 2 partially built boards and enclosures for the TI 211 and TI 245 ccd chips. Construction project and photos to follow. Please come back and visit again!
Member
This refractor was found at a yard sale. It can be used for prime focus photos of the moon. See the example. Digital cameras work better. Planets require eyepiece projection, clock drives, and longer or stacked exposures to look good photographically.
Moon Photo taken with refractor
Reflector was built with Orion mirror and diagonal, mount from University Optics, and tube from Home Depot. The mount is made from 2 car rear axles and pillow blocks mounted to plywood. It is very smooth. A motor drive with worm and gear is attached to one end of the dec. axis. Balance is critical however due to the high center of gravity of tube, finder, and focuser. Friction blocks help until the final mount is constructed. See Mel Bartels site and there is a link to David Holko's projects from which this project was the inspiration.
4 1/4" home built Newtonian
This reflector was built per the information in the book "How to build a Telescope" I believe by Richard Berry. The materials are mostly 1" plywood, standard galvanized pipe, some weights from a sporting goods store, tube from Home Depot, etc. It is important to have teflon pads or sheet to reduce friction between the declination bearing plates and not to make the saddle too heavy. It took several weeks to saw all the round pieces with a scroll saw and bore the central holes. A large circle cutter would help. A scroll saw's blade will not be perpendicular on all the cuts and to make 5 of them the same is tough. This type of mount is perfect for a beginner without spending a lot of money. I think this project cost $50 to $75 for the plywood and hardware (bolts, T nuts) and a half sheet of plywood. I made two of these mounts. This first example was the best. Painting or sealing the wood is important to prevent warping outdoors. It is best not to keep it outside. The mirror was attached with adhesive sealant. I like the 6" mount above because the decl. axis can be adjusted and the base leveled, which is important if you travel or use on unlevel ground. A pier made of 4" to 6" alum. pipe with demountable legs would be perfect. Any questions can be sent to me at glufsey@hotmaildotcom.
Comments on eyepieces: Eyepieces (EP) or oculars are a matter of personal preference and the pocketbook. I started out with Orion Explorer 17mm and 6mm. The 17mm was very good on the moon and planets. The 6mm left a lot to be desired. I now have nearly all of the Meade 4000 Series. They are very decent for the money and recommend them as a first purchase. A direct comparison between a 10 mm Televue plossel and Meade reveals the Televue is sharper, however; the difference in price becomes the consideration.
Moon with ETX90EC taken with Kodak digital camera
My Favorite things about Angelfire.
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Messier Deep Sky Objects
Free Planetarium Program
