This Web site describes my telescopes. Amateur telescope makers — ATMs — freely borrow designs from each other. I hope they find some ideas here they can use. Mail to: sayre@foothill.net. Updated 3/4/2008.
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This 22" f5 binocular has a 25" diameter footprint and is 9½ feet tall. The telescope is portable, but weighs 338 pounds — which includes 80 pounds of counterweights.
Five of these binoculars are being made; three in collaboration with the 3 Rivers Foundation in Texas. The first one was completed in 2003. The telescope earned a merit award at RTMC in 2004.
This weatherproof enclosure for the 22" binocular rolls clear of the telescope for horizon-to-horizon observing. It is anchored in place with bolts in its base and guy wires from the top.
The enclosure has a minimum-sized footprint and avoids problems inherent in roll-off roof structures. The brain much prefers binocular viewing. Studies by vision scientists show that perception using two eyes is enhanced up to 40% over one eye in several ways: visual acuity, visual detection at threshold levels (including both absolute light detection and contrast), and brightness perception. It has nothing to do with depth perception.
Includes comments from experienced observers. This 12½" binocular telescope is an all-aluminum, portable, and has an easy-to-use interpupillary adjustment.
The telescope earned a merit award in 2000. |
This low-power observing system integrates a 6" RFT telescope with a pair of Fujinon binoculars. The binoculars balance the RFT around a Nasmyth focus.
The binoculars serve both as a finder for the RFT and an independent observing instrument. Both are conveniently accessible with a 90° rotation of the head. The telescope won an RTMC merit award in 1997. I've been building telescopes since 1946. After retiring from the computer business, I returned to my hobby and now concentrate on building large binoculars.
Large binoculars easily provide the most satisfying views of deep space objects. My designs are influenced by the modern, larger professional instruments, both in their use of materials and their structures. The new giants make use of light weight, computer controlled structures and alt-azimuth mounts.
I think their minimalist designs are appealing and elegant. Frequently asked questions about binocular telescope design. Includes a discussion of image rotation. ATMs who venture off the beaten path with new design ideas and use of materials. Why I use silicone RTV to attach mirrors to their cells.
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