ATM - a 'scope for the classroom

[Adam Perkins <scopeguru@yahoo.com>]

Hey,

I've decided to build a scope for my wife's Sixth-Grade students.  She
and I figured that they could borrow it for a week or two at a time,
and get some fun out of it.

I've made a few decisions and purchases already, but would love to hear
ideas.  My plan is as follows...

- a long (f/8-10) focal ratio for good performance with cheapo
eyepieces and poor collimation

- a dobsonian mount for durability and ease of use

- 4-5" newtonian optics, big enough to see some neat things, but small
enough for a kid to handle and me to afford

I already bought a secondary mirror and a cheap eyepiece just for this
scope.  I will probably add an old 6x30 finder I have.

I'd like to hear about problems any of you have had with people messing
up your scopes, and how it might have been avoided.  What's the biggest
problem?  I'm planning on making it pretty robust and adjustable with
tools only.

I'm looking for a mirror around 4" f/10, and a 1.25" rack and pinion
focuser.  If anyone knows of a good deal on either of these currently,
let me know (its for a good cause...) 

Has anyone reading built a "public" scope before?

Thanks
Adam Perkins
Covington, Louisiana

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