This list is not meant to be comprehensive, for that I recommend
that you consult with Mel Bartels' link list which is accessable
from his page listed below. These links are mainly to sites which
I consider interesting, which might give you some insight into the
things that interest me in telescope making.
I would like to make a comprehensive list of links which are useful to
beginning telescope makers. If anyone has any good suggestions, drop
me a quick email and I'll
try to gather them up.
Mel has a terrific webpage telling you exactly how to
build a motorized Dobsonian telescope. I've had the
pleasure of looking through Mel's 20 inch telescope which
uses this system, and I must admit, it is a kick.
Mel has lots of other good info too. He's the editor of
the amateur telescope email list, and maintains a
comprehensive set of links. Worth checking out.
Very nicely done plans for a 4 inch Dobsonian telescope.
A great first project, and even if you want to build a
larger scope, many of the ideas are great and applicable
to constructing larger instruments.
David is the inventor of a very interesting design called
the Stevick-Paul telescope. He also maintains an interesting
site with descriptions and links to many innovative
telescope designs based upon tilted components. He's even
got some software for helping design tilted component
telescopes. He also has some nice information and AVI
files on Tesla coils.
An interesting design for a relatively simple, small
mirror grinding and polishing machine. I actually enjoy
walking around the barrel, but I suspect that with a
machine I'd actually get more mirror making done. They
appear to have a mailing list and everything, and the
overall design looks very promising.
The ATM email list is a high traffic, very enthusiastic
list with telescope makers of all experience levels. If
you have a question, you probably can find someone on the
list to help you with your question.
A very nice site with lots of good ideas for projects.
Much of it is still under construction (what web site
isn't?) but looks promising.
All materials on this website are Copyright 2001, Mark T.
VandeWettering. Permission is granted to reproduce and distribute
these files for non-profit, personal use.