Re: [ATM] considering different design

[George Anderson <georgea@cam.org>]

A quick google search on "Custom Optical Systems" and looking at
Canadian sites lead me to Peter Ceravolo's web site.
I couldn't find any reference to prices or designs, but off the top of
my head I'd have to say that Peter's stuff tends to be beyond the
abilities of a first time ATMer. Also the exchange rate won't help too
much these days, the Canadian dollar is creeping up there.
I'd go with the common concensus and build a Newt for a first time
scope. Attempting a Mak, Schmidt, or refractor as a first scope is
fraught with obstacles that would cause most to give up in frustration.
I am not saying that it can't be done, because it has. But those few
that have managed are legendary (DR take a bow) and I doff my hat to
them.

George Anderson
Montreal Canada

Clear skies and good health

Mark Holm wrote:
> 
> I couldn't get that url to work.  Perhaps there is a typo?
> 
> Read the longish post I just wrote on the subject Re: [ATM] Mirrors
> 
> There are a whole bunch of advantages to doing a Newtonian as a first
> scope.  Not the least of these is a bunch of willing and experienced
> atms who have made them and can give good advice based on direct
> experience.  Building a telescope, especially the optical part is a
> challenge for the beginner.  Don't make it harder than it needs to  be.
> 
> The subject of what makes the best planetary telescope has been debated
> many times over several decades.  Many VERY knowledgeable and
> experienced people have contributed significantly.  These include more
> than one PhD wielding professional optical scientist.  The conclusion is
> that it is hard to beat a well made, medium to long focal ratio
> Newtonian.  By medium, I mean focal ratio of 7 - 9.  To do better than a
> well made Newt, you will have to make a significantly more difficult
> optical system to at least as tight, and very likely much tighter
> tolerances.  As Dave Berry often writes, I am most definitely not making
> this up.
> 
> --
> Mark Holm
> mdholm@telerama.com
> 
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