It's come back home!

[Peter Drew]

We were recently donated a telescope I made some 40 years ago.  I made it for a textile millionaire from North Yorkshire.  It is a 10" F5/F10 Newtonian with A quality optics by David Hinds.  The dual focal ratio is derived by having two focusers in tandem carrying a quick change of secondary mirrors.  The upper focus position has a fixed 2x Barlow providing the F10 fed via a small secondary to suit high resolution lunar and planetary observation.  The lower focus position reveals a large secondary for wide field benefits.  Both diagonal mirrors are mounted on pre collimated shafts and a detail when the units are interchanged ensures that each is collimated following the swap. Fine focusing is via the central knob, the platform carrying the two focus position is on spring loaded plungers.  The mount is a Vixen Super Polaris which has a stiffening cage built round it ensuring adequate stability for visual use.  The pier is an all aluminium fabrication.      🙂

[Steve Ward]

That's a thing of beauty Peter , I bet that brought a bit of a lump to the throat getting it back ... 

[RobertI]

A wonderful piece of engineering Peter, looks to be in pretty good condition, it must give wonderful views. Great news that it’s back in the fold. How did it feel to see it again?

[Mr H in Yorkshire]

What a great thing to happen, and what an ingenious double f ratio design in the first place. Did your wealthy client make much use of it do you know? I only ask because it looks unused.

Edited May 31, 2023 by Mr H in Yorkshire

[neil phillips]

Not seen that before what a amazing scope. And with Hinds optics i bet the F10 will be some serious fun on Jupiter this year 

[mikeDnight]

3 hours ago, Peter Drew said:

We were recently donated a telescope I made some 40 years ago.  I made it for a textile millionaire from North Yorkshire.  It is a 10" F5/F10 Newtonian with A quality optics by David Hinds.  The dual focal ratio is derived by having two focusers in tandem carrying a quick change of secondary mirrors.  The upper focus position has a fixed 2x Barlow providing the F10 fed via a small secondary to suit high resolution lunar and planetary observation.  The lower focus position reveals a large secondary for wide field benefits.  Both diagonal mirrors are mounted on pre collimated shafts and a detail when the units are interchanged ensures that each is collimated following the swap. Fine focusing is via the central knob, the platform carrying the two focus position is on spring loaded plungers.  The mount is a Vixen Super Polaris which has a stiffening cage built round it ensuring adequate stability for visual use.  The pier is an all aluminium fabrication.      🙂

It looks fantastic Peter. A real classic blast from the past, and I wish I'd bought one back then, but I was young and a bit dim. I'm older now of course!

[Albir phil]

Beautiful,i was always amazed at the projects you worked when I use to call at the astronomy center, I remember the 30ft dome you built , and the wind that (redesigned it when you had nearly completed it) but it was put in situ in the end . I'm still I Spain but hope to call up and see you next time I'm in UK.

[niallk]

Wow!!