ATM English Mounts and the 3 in 1 Scope

[kwhitefire@juno.com]

I've been looking into some English Mount designs and variations.  I was wondering if anyone on this list has built one, and if there's a possibility that they are portable (with at least a small SUV).

They look easier to balance than a fork, and don't have meridian reversal or counterweights like a GEM.  I plan on using a 13.25" combination telescope (f/3.125 Newt, f/~20 Cassegrainian, f/~35 Gregorian, maybe something else that uses a paraboloid primary).  This will keep the yoke shorter (60 inch tube length for the Gregorian) and lighter.  I plan on using aluminum wherever I can.  

I have an idea that will keep the 3 in 1 optical tube collimated even when I change from one configuration to another.  Metals seem to be the key here.  I will take lots of pictures when the OTA is done.

I'm avoiding the Dob mount because of the long f/l's of the Cass and Greg configurations.  I will motorize this beasty on both axis of course.  A computer will be doing the hard stuff...  like memorizing stuff I look at.

Kevin of Eastern Iowa
Seeker of the Darkness



________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!