Old ATM Returns

Hi,

I'm returning to amateur astronomy after 40 years off. I became
disinterested after my B.A. in Astronomy-Physics from UCLA circa 1968.
Burned out at the time.

Been doing optical engineering, optical design and optical design
software till now.

All the built-like-a-battleship mounting vendors seem to be dead or
gone.

Does anyone build the Byers mount or the Schaefer or the heavy Cave
type.

I'd like to buy a heavy mount for astro photograpy (german equatorial)
that I can use for store bought 11-14" class catadioptric instruments
as well as a future home built 12.5 Cass with an f/5 pri and f/25 as
Cass.

I'm open to all suggestions. I'm not poor but I'd like to get the most
for the $ and at first look the Park's high end mount is a bit on the
pricey side (about what we paid for our 2003 Mini Cooper S. :-))

GOTO is not needed. Slewing by hand using DEC and HA circles and a
good 4" finder will be really fine.

My plans are to install the instument in Escalante UT where I will
retire in about 6 years.

I found ASTROMART and marked it in my favorites.

Also, any questions wrt optical design are welcome as it would be fun
to give back a little of what I do know.

Sincerely,




James E. Klein
jameseklein@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Engineering Calculations
http://www.ecalculations.com
ecalculations@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Engineering Calculations is the home of
the KDP-2 Optical Design Program
for Windows and (soon) MAC OSX
Free KDP-2 (DEMO) downloadable!
1-818-507-5706 (Voice and Fax)
.

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