Re: ATM "more normal" scope pix

[Michael Coslo <mjc5@psu.edu>]

>    What I am trying to get and  or see is scopes that I could actually
>build myself.  My problem is that I don't have a work shop (either metal or
>wood), I don't have a lot of tools (and actually those that I do have, I'm
>not very good with).  I've put together 2 scopes from parts gotten, and I
>enjoyed that a whole bunch.

        You sir, are engaging in the time honored tradition of
"scrounge-o-scope". I have to say that I wouldn't mind seeing some more of
these on the web myself. Scrounge-o-scopes tend to not be all that pretty,
so maybe that's why we don't see so many of them. BUT - they have a certain
element of cool to them.

>    We all have our talents, I by no means think that given enough help and
>such, that I couldn't make something more than a good scope, and this would
>just be great in my eyes.  But I'm pretty sure that I'll never come up with
>a design will ever bear my name!  My expertice is in math and computer
>science, I could actually work with a hardware engineer to design a stepper
>motor controller, and or CCD camera controller.  But I still can't get
>measurements correctly when drilling holes in tubes!!!!

WARNING: INSPIRATIONAL SPEECH AHEAD

        What ya gotta do is keep making scopes! In my field, photography,
we have these beautiful, glossy, and expensive magazines that showcase
professional photographers work. I can remember times, early in my career,
being a little bit depressed that I was seeing all these wonderful
pictures. Why, I only had a few pictures that I thought might be comparable
to these great photographers! What a mediocre photographer I was.

        Then it finally ocurred to me that I was seeing all these
photographers very best work, and there was a good chance that they too,
were obsessing over the other great photographs, maybe one of them mine.

        All this is to say just keep making telescopes. That you are
worried that the hole you drilled is not in the right place shows that you
are on the right track - you want to make something nice! Keeping the self
critique in mind, the next thing you build will be even better.

        You are seeing the best results of many long time scope builders.
You might even feel a little humbled by their work. But if you keep at it
you will soon make scopes of beauty. I'd be willing to bet many of us have
some ugly scopes in our closet ;^)

        - Mike -

____________________________________
The Black Forest Star Party
ATM Telescope Contests with Crayford Focuser Prizes
September 10 - 12, 1999 Cherry Springs PA
http://www.starparty.homepad.com