Third Light "Every time I think I am at the point of diminishing returns, this telescope shows me something astonishing. Then I rediscover that every detail matters and that together they matter a lot."
This telescope began as a Coulter 17.5-inch Odyssey-II, a huge red firecracker-looking thing about the size of a refrigerator. In 1990 I attacked it with a hacksaw and hand tools in order to make it a transportable instrument. It was heavy, crude, and no two parts were interchangeable, even the truss poles. It took 30-45 minutes to put up and take down, but it fit into a Firebird and traveled well. Now the aim is to refine the instrument a second time, using better tools and incorporating much experience. It should go together in 10 minutes, weigh less, work better, and fit in a Honda Civic. December 22, 2002 ![]() Yours truly marking the point of best focus before making final cuts on the truss tubes and building finished attachment hardware. ![]() The telescope prior to "fitting out" propped against a porch rail, aimed through a gap in the pines, awaiting nightfall to check for dimensional sanity. So, how well does it work? Have a look: Europa Occults Ganymede Take a trip to Mars January 14, 2003: Done so far: Rebuilt secondary cage, Replaced primary mirror support, Lower, smaller sides for rocker box, Lighter aluminum truss poles, Tool-free pole-holding blocks, Tool-free pole-clamps on secondary cage, Dob-dolly handles, Ebony star bearing surfaces. ![]() To go: Tracking platform, An improved 16-inch mask, Dew fighting goodies for secondary and eyepiece, Some hard, level pads in the yard, And just a few beauty touches. |