Re: [APML]:Mirror Flop

["Bobby Middleton" <bobbym@webwide.net>]

Jim wrote:

> I would think the whole thing boils down to money.  The moveable mirror
in
> the SCT for one allows a larger range of focus than could be achieved
with a
> rack and pinion focuser short enough to allow the rear cell of the scope
to
> operate through the forks that most SCTs come with.  In other words, if
such
> a rack and pinion focuser were used, then the forks would have to be made
> longer and stronger.  This would also present problems with the drive
base
> which would have to be made stronger, etc. etc.  This adds up to more
> production cost, higher costs to the consumer and fewer sales.  My
opinion
> only.
> 


I think he hit the nail on the head.  Most of us would be willing to pay
more 
for a better instrument because we need precision. 
(up to a point; anybody priced a big Takahashi sct lately?)
The majority of telescope buyers are
going to look at cost more closely than precision, so if Meade or Celestron
get their cost
higher than the competitor's, they loose sales. 
 
Bobby Middleton


astropics at: http://www.webwide.net/~bobbym/astro1.htm