I decided I want to make a telescope using the equatorial mount in Richard Berry's "Build your own telescope." (Just because I want to!) I have a few questions. Perhaps someone might be able to answer some or all of them.

1. The design seems to be "not too hard, not too simple." That is to say (like Goldilocks) "just right." Has anyone who has built it found anything that's more difficult than it looks? How easy/hard was that "optional" slow-motion right ascension adjuster?

2. I have the first edition of the book (from my local library). It seems to have several little errors in the chapter on the equatorial mount. I've never seen the later editions. Do they claim to correct any errors? Has anyone noticed any errors in later editions? Has anyone compared the editions?

3. How does it handle the 6" f/8? It looks solid as a tank (and almost as heavy). (Well, except for the "polar-tee" assembly which looks a bit suspicious on paper.) Would it handle more? Say an 8" f/7 or something. (The 6" would be just fine with me, by the way, but I wanted to find *something* to tinker with). Any suggestions?

Thanks
David Burton

• Berry's Mount - walter - September 25, 2002 - 02:05 UTC