ATM - Update on CFAS ATM Group or ATM'ing Born Again (long)

[astro <astro@cfl.rr.com>]

	Well I just could not resist an update on our ATM Group.  Last month
the Central Florida Astronomical Society started an ATM group, a large
undertaking even though we are an organization of 150+ members.  I was
rather curious as to whether we could keep the momentum going for the
sustained period of fabrication.  As the first month concludes I have
observed  a few items which might help others with starting a group or
just may be of interest.

1. An ATM group is best served if purchases are made in mass.  We
purchased our glass from Dan Cassaro, through his efforts and those of
Mel Bartels in his thin mirror articles - the information has enabled a
group project at a reasonable cost. Thank you Dan and Mel for being
pioneers.

2. In keeping the cost structure fair we turned to our Societies
Treasurer Alan Hoffberg.  Alan has established accounts for each ATM'er
and debits each account in actual cost per item (like pour stone) or
based on aperture (such as tiles).  Large purchases are made by Alan or
myself, and are handled during the week so each ATM'er doesn't have to
worry about his or her materials and any shortfalls or back orders.

3. Varying the interest is also important.  When it is time for
Observing weekend, we do it as a group.  This past Friday night was the
beginning of our Mars Watch month, and the group decided to go to the
26" Tinsley Schmidt Cassegrain that we maintain at the Robinson
Observatory on the campus of UCF (www.cfas.org).  Since we spent our
normal work night observing, the group decided to have a barbecue at my
house on Saturday and do our ATM work after to work off the meal (it was
great).

4. Meet often enough.  We decided to meet once a week on Friday night
after dinner time.  This allows us to work largely outdoors around the
barrels in the cool of the night.  This was a very important item as it
gets hot in Florida.  Some of the ATM'ers are so pumped up that they
quite often come over during the week to do some time on Tim Allen #2
(our mirror grinder).

5. Have a mirror grinder handy to keep everyone on the same playing
field.  We found it necessary to put the 16" mirrors up on the grinder
so they can keep pace with the 10's and 12.5's.  Keeping everyone on the
same grit reduces the chances of contamination. We also found that brute
horsepower is key to machine longevity and my sanity.  We replaced the
1/4 hp stroke motor with a 1/2 hp DC variable speed and gearbox.  The
1/4 hp table motor smoked vigorously when doing 16" glass, so along came
a 3/4 hp bruiser.  We now have a machine that can handle a full 24"
piece of glass.  We will put pictures and details up on the ATM FAQ
soon.  Thanks to Tom Waino for the concept, I'm sure he's watching over
us.

6. Talk up ATM'ing.  This month at our Business meeting, the ATM group
will be doing a presentation on ATM - soup to nuts.  All 14 of my
ATM'ers will be taking part in the presentation.  We anticipate a
Standing Room Only crowd, and I'm sure that a spot reservation list will
be started for the next group.  As this group was starting, others in
the society that had missed out were lined up to buy glass from Dan
Cassaro and buy a spot from one of the group.  No one sold their spot in
the class, regardless of the offer!

7. Field trips.  We plan a few field trips during the course of the
class. One of the trips will be down to Skycraft Surplus in Orlando to
browse their shelves and get those items we all need, neat gizmos and
hardware.  Again a special mass purchase discount has already been
arranged.  We will also travel to the coating service to see the chamber
and get an understanding of the process, and hand deliver our pride and
joy mirrors.

8. Mentoring - I have found mentoring to be critical to success.  I have
hardly touched my own 16" chunk of glass, as I spend my time with the
group.  I have told them often "I will not build your scope for you, I
will show you and guide and keep you on track."  So I spend my time
approving the time to change grit, checking surfaces, etc.  I also do
what they call "Mentor Magic", such as 5 gal. paint paddle with knife
edge and pinhole flashlight to demo the principle of Foucault testing,
or building red led flashlights that work very well and last a long
time.  We also completed our Foucault tester with a sony camcorder
mounted to output to a monitor.  Ohhhhhhhs and Ahhhhhs as they looked at
the demo.  There is no substitute for spending time with them when they
need it or reassurance if a minor mishap occurs.

I hope you enjoyed this e-mail and thank you for letting us share the
experience.  Again thanks to all those that have knowingly or
unknowingly made this possible.  Most of all thanks to the ATM list for
being here.

Clear Skies and Cool Nights

Frank J. Sperl
ATM Group Mentor
Observing Committee Chairman
Central Florida Astronomical Society