[Author Prev][Author Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Author Index][Thread Index]
Re: RE: ATM - a 'scope for the classroom
Teaching collimation concepts might be fine. But expecting a kid to be able to do it on
their own is another. For me, I've gotten to where it is a mere annoyance, but if a
budding astronomer is stuck trying to collimate rather than getting chance to observe, it
could be very frustrating. I suggest a scope that can be collimated and hold that
collimation through some possibly rough treatment. Perhaps use a heavy stalk mount for
the secondary, and have the primary cel collimation bolts well up in the tube where they
won't be accidentally jarred in transit.
> 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.
><snip>
> - a long (f/8-10) focal ratio for good performance with cheapo
> eyepieces and poor collimation
This jumped right out at me. I'd avoid thinking about accepting poor
collimation right from the start. Instead think about how the kids
will learn to collimate the scope properly.
- KenB
Best regards,
Dale Campbell
Senior Research Scientist
Advanced BioAnalytical Services, Inc.
Ithaca, NY 14850
N 42.484 W -76.487
!