I have just volunteered to help some students with some astronomy projects. I would like to have them build their own scopes, but have not had much success in finding parts or kits at a price a student could afford. When I became interested in astronomy, I just jumped in and bought a good scope, but I know these students cannot take that route. Does anybody have any experience with any reasonable priced kits or optics vendors? I would like to have more than just my scope available for viewing nights with students this spring. Thanks much for any information.
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Boise
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Re: Telescope kits or parts
Tue, December 11, 2007 - 8:46 AMWhile I've seen prices drop during the last several years for a six or eight inch Dobsonian, a telescope still remains a pretty pricey item in my opinion, when built from pre-fabricated mirrors or lenses. Grinding their own mirrors would certainly bring the price down for your group of kids, but I don't know if you have the knowledge or inclination for such an endeavor. Still, grinding a 4" f/10 spherical, planetary mirror isn't too difficult to do, and could be done in a short time.
Newport Glass sells both mirror blanks and mirror kits, so they're first on my list of suppliers for you. The second would be a fellow called Stargazer Steve...he sells complete telescope making kits only, and has expanded his line of scopes during the last few years. FMI, browse these links:
www.newportglass.com/
stargazer.isys.ca/
Best of luck to you!...
Darth -
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Re: Telescope kits or parts
Tue, December 11, 2007 - 8:58 AMYou know, another source for inexpensive optics that I am aware of is ebay. For a while there was someone selling Chinese made six inch mirrors for a good price, but they don't seem to be selling right now. I have no idea, however, how well or poorly made these mirrors are.
Also, there's a fellow named scopehed1 on ebay who has an online store and is a reseller of many Meade items, including this kit, of which he currently seems to have two in stock...you might contact him and see if he can round up enough such kits for your entire group...
tinyurl.com/yvobzo
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