Telescopes of FaintFuzzies.com


My primary telescope, the 22" f/4 reflector built in 1999

22" f/4 in my backyard
The reflector was home-built with 1/2" Baltic Birch with a very fine Pegasus Optics primary mirror.  1/4th wave and 0.975 Strehl ratio.  The bearings can be removed and the whole telescope fits in a small sedan such as my BMW 330i.  It fits along with everything I need for an observing session, including a short ladder, table, etc.




The 22" reflector packed in the Volkswagon New Beetle vehicle.
Left rear: Rocker box and mirror box with the upper cage. 
Right: Truss poles, large REI camp table (under trusses), 3-step ladder, then equatorial platform (hidden to the right of the ladder, can see only one small metal part)
Front: Various cases of eyepieces, books, etc.

My setup at Golden State Star Party 2009  Everything here plus tent goes in the VW Beetle in the background. Blew me away when I was able to pack everything in the car.  I even had some folks walk by and asked me, "Where is my motor home?"  

Packed at Golden State Star Party 2009. 

22" f/4 disassembled

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My first serious telescope. The Criterion RV-6  6" f/8 reflector. 
This model was made very well known for quality and affordability and launched many people into the hobby during the space age in the 1960s and the early 1970s. 

It launched my hobby in the late 70s. It was with the RV-6 that I observed the deep sky in my parent's backyard. I started taking notes and sketching during my middle and high school years. During my school years, I took about 400 pages of notes and sketches and really launched my deep sky passion.  Thanks to the founders of Criterion to make this possible for this kid from the 70s.

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Star Party Telescope: 30" f/4.3 Starmaster with Swayze Optics primary mirror

At Texas Star Party 2006.  SkyTracker GOTO System powered by Sky Commander.  There is a larger scope behind me to the right.  That is Larry Mitchell's 36" f/5 Obsession.  Looks small as it is 75 yards away.

Taking the scope cover off the 30" at the Texas Star Party 2006

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My first large telescope: Home built 16" f/4.5 reflector with a well figured Meade primary mirror. Note: I sold this telescope to a TAC member at about 2004.

The 22" just built sitting next to my old 16" f/4.5 with an outstanding Meade mirror. Taken in 1999.

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Public Star Party Telescope: the 4" f/11 AstroTelescopes "planet Killer" refractor

The optics on this thing is actually very good.  The optics shows very little color at bright objects, such as Jupiter.  But for very bright objects, such as Venus, the color is evident but a lot less than most achromats, but I can see color in many apos as well.  I was a little surprised that I was able to use 450x on Jupiter at GSSP.  The seeing was incredible and the view as astounding for a 4" telescope, but of course my 22" at full aperture was even better.   The focuser is rotatable and has the best non-Feather Touch focuser I've ever used.  Better than the Takahashi or TeleVue focusers.  It won't carry a 8 pound CCD camera, but it isn't designed to.