Re: ATM !Dumb questions

[GregJ888@aol.com]

<Michael Koloski wrote>
Subject: ATM Dumb questions

#1.  ... what is a telrad? ...
The Telrad is a zero power site that projects the image of an LED  lit target
into the sky.  The optics cosist of a simple lens, mirror, and a glass or
plastic window.  None of these elements need to have a critical figure.
 Since the parts are inexpense, so is the product.  In this case, the product
and its competition is very usable, and a great buy.  I have 2 similiar
units: 1) A Daisy Scope (from GI Joes, I also live in Or) available from your
local sporting goods store-- BB gun section--, 2) a knockoff, smaller unit
designed for telescope.  Both do the job, though the Daisy site is a bit hard
to see faint objects through.  I have the Daisy mounted on top of the rings
of my main finder, so only use it to get in the area then switch to the 9x60
for star hoping. 

#2.  Living in Eastern Oregon, I am surrounded by
#irrigation pipe (some sort of light aluminum or alloy)
#of all diameters.  Any experience with using such
#pipe for telescope tubes?

Used a piece of 10" for my Lurie Houghton.  Really like it, use Bondo (sp?)
to fill the dings.  The pipe is about 1/16" wall diameter, and quite ridged.
 Also plan to support both ends with a ring of some sort.  Aluminum dampens
vibrations quickly,and be worked with hand tools, good stuff.