hello all need some assitance

[drhemlock2 (James)]

i have been searching high and low for some excel spreadsheets to aid me in figuring a six inch mirror using Jean Texerau's book. I know my limits and know someone has built a excel spreadsheet out there. i do not want to re-invent the egg so to speak, i would also as if there are any other spreadsheets out there that would aid me in my endevors of building a refractor as well as telescopes of all kinds. i am also looking for information on building a Nasmyth i have read the thread on the 24" one here though excellent i am looking for more technical information. thanks in advance
doc

[Rod]

Hi James,

When I figure mirrors I use a program called Tex, available here:

http://home.att.net/~mikel/

It is a DOS program but very easy to use. There are others which may be better but I haven't used them and they look more technical to me.

I haven't really explored building refractors so can't help you there. If you want info on cassegrains then have a look at the second edition of Texereau's book 'How to make a Telescope'. The nasmyth is just a cassegrain with a flat mirror built in to the tube to bring the eyepiece to a comfortable viewing position. These sites might give you some ideas:

http://www.loptics.com/ATM/telescope...12in_cass.html

http://tlepage.home.mindspring.com/12_DK_telescope.html

Cassegrains are a lot more work - I have the optics for one nearly completed. I would suggest not attempting one until you have made a few newtonians.

Hope that helps,

Rod.