Re: [ATM] the future of amateur telescope making and amateur astronomy

["Peter" <peter@kitgear.com>]

Mel,

I don't post very often but I really think composites in the telescope
structure will be significant as we strive to reduce weight and physical
size of our scopes. I've more or less completed a 25" scope made entirely of
aluminum, carbon fiber and the majority is fiberglass over foam core. The
weight is extremely low while maintaining stiffness and dampening
characteristics. One of these days I'll update my web site so I can share
what I've done.

Summary:
	- thin light weight mirrors
	- light weight mechanics able to pack small
	- more advanced support mechanisms to complement the above

Mel would you kindly post your final conclusions or even post the
presentation so we can benefit.

Thanks,


Peter

-----Original Message-----
From: atm-bounces@atmlist.net [mailto:atm-bounces@atmlist.net]On Behalf
Of Mel Bartels
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 9:59 PM
To: 'ATM List'
Subject: [ATM] the future of amateur telescope making and amateur
astronomy


What do you think the future of telescope making and amateur astronomy will
be like?

I'm giving a presentation this summer at ALCON07 and wish very much to
supplant my ideas with yours.

Mel Bartels


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