Re: [ATM] Telescope Mounts

[Mark Holm <mdholm@telerama.com>]

This first link shows a non-B&C optic tube on a refurbished B&C mount. 
(Temporary setup at the refurb shop.)  You can see the large diameter 
polar bearing housing and the long, large diameter polar axle 
extension.  With that extended polar axle, the tube never collides with 
the pier.  The scopes were mostly Cassegrain, so the fact that the long 
mount puts the top of the scope way up in the air wasn't so much of a 
problem.

http://www.abengineering.com/projects/bollerchivensretrofit.htm


This second link isn't as good a picture, but it shows a B&C optics tube 
on a B&C mount.

http://www.chara.gsu.edu/HLCO/bnc16/

B&C made scopes in the 16 - 40 inch range for colleges and research 
observatories.  These were serious research instruments, solidly built 
with routine, professional use in mind.  Real workhorse instruments.

It is not uncommon for colleges or research observatories to lose 
interest in an old instrument, even though it is still basically in good 
condition.  When that happens, an amateur club can often get a scope 
just for the cost of hauling it away.  These B&C scopes were well built 
to begin with.  It wo         uldtakealotofabusetorenderoneunfixable.

Mark Holm
mdholm@telerama.com
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