12" Reflector for planetary work w/3vane curved spider

[fraunhofer]

In 1988 I met amature astronomer Alberto Montalvo who had assembled some of the finest reflecting telescopes for planetary work. These telescopes incorporated a 3-vane curved spider secondary mirror support system. I watched him build a large 12" reflector during 1989-90 which in 1990 he using the telescope discovered a large storm on Jupiter an was reviewed by Sky&Telescopoe.:) (Note: The telescope is now owned by John Pons.)

[iceman]

Nice telescope! What was the focal length?

[renormalised]

Being in a wacky mood this morning, when I saw the last piccie you posted here, I had the thought "This scope begs to have a motor added":D

It'd be a truly portable scope, then:D

[fraunhofer]

12" F/8 mirror by Enterprise Optics of Placentia, California. Alberto built a home made drive system for the telescope. More about Alberto may be forund in December 1990 Sky&Telescope in the section "Astronomy Express" page 591

[Kokatha man]

Hi fraunhofer: I'm not sure whether anyone put out the wellcome sign for you when we conversed re "refractors" and you posted those pics - so: wellcome:welcome:

I reckon renormalised was thinking about putting motors on the pier strut wheels though....!

Regards, Darryl.

ps - I asked my old man what fraunhofer meant last night, and he mumbled something about women etc; but he was very tired and worn out from his schedule that day (he's 91!)

[Ric]

A lovely piece of work.

Welcome to IIS as well.