[Stefan Buda]

This instrument has been my planetary workhorse for over 20 years and is in desperate need of refurbishment and upgrade. I've been wanting to do this for several years now and finally seem to have the time to get stuck into it.

As there are only three types of telescopes, in my opinion, that are good for cutting edge planetary imaging, and one of them being the Dall-Kirkham, I thought there might be some people on the forum that could be interested in learning about this type of telescope. I'll be happy to answer any related questions.

My intension is to convert the Alt-Az mount to Equatorial fork mount and get rid of the field rotator mechanism.
A new electronic focuser will need to be designed and made.
I intend to simplify the primary flotation system.
The active cooling system will be retained as it proved itself to be useful.
The old Bartels drive will be replaced by OnStep controller.
All carbon fibre surfaces need sanding and coating with UV resistant polyurethane.
I may even regrind the mirrors because back in 2000 when I made them I did not have an interferometer and the figuring was done with Coude Mask and Ross Null testing.