SDM (Peter Read) is close to completing my 20 inch dob!

[Rodstar (Rod)]

What did you think of Peter Read's talk at IISAC 2007?

I was a little more interested than most in listening to Peter because he is in the process of building me a new 20" scope. While I listened to Peter speak my overwhelming feeling was relief that I had not attempted to build the scope myself. It is a very complex process, which Peter makes look very easy.

Anyway, here are some pictures Peter has sent to me of my scope, very near completion. We have been waiting some considerable time for OMI Torus to complete the mirror. The mirror has finally been completed with a Strehl of 0.94 (and is now off at the coaters), and so it will be shipped to Australia shortly.

The pictures below show the scope in its almost complete state (with Peter Read proudly standing next to her in one shot). The truss poles will need to be cut to size when the exact focal length of the primary mirror is known, and rubber covers then placed on them.

You will note the altitudinal bearings are coated in gun-metal grey which, with the darker grained cabinetry work and gold focuser makes for a very smart and distinctive look (distinctly continental!)

I am almost beside myself in anticipation.

Peter told me on the phone today that he is running a 12.5% special off the listed webprices at the moment. He is taking orders for delivery later in the year.....if you are tempted you should give him a call. Go on..... His contact details can be found at www.sdmtelescopes.com.au

[matt]

What pictures?

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Oooops! Pictures didn't attach. See below (I hope):

[matt]

Now, that's more like it...

and very nice indeed!

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Very nice Rod, I bet it'll look even better in person.

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Looks pretty sweet!

I hope you get it soon!!!

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

There's no doubt about it, the man's a real artist. Oh to have one that can track equatorially

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Rod its great that Peter has nearly finished your scope, it means that he can then start work on mine

Thats a really nice gloss on the woodwork isnt it
Thanks for the photos, it makes my future scope much easier to visualise

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

see you-and the new scope hopefully-at wiruna!

[iceman (Mike)]

Beautiful!

Can't wait for you to get it

I thought Peter's talk was very interesting, even though i'm not much into woodwork

[Orion]

Congratulations Rod.

By what I have seen and heard from his talk he gave at the camp his telescopes are superior to the Obsessions in quality.

By your photos I see that he uses the same truss tube clamps on the mirror cage as I have my scope. I believe that the clamps make it easier to set up from my experience....Nice choice.

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thanks for your interest Matt, jjjnettie, Scott, Paul, Geoff, Narayan, Mike and Ed!

Geoff, my scope is the first where Peter has gone for a semi-gloss rather than the full gloss, and I reckon it comes up beautifully. I am aware from an Email Peter Read sent to me that he is well on the way with yours....you will have a great scope very soon.

Narayan, I will definitely be at Wiruna at SPSP15, this time sans kids, so I will be somewhat more free to socialise and observe with you. It will be great to show you my new toy!

Ed, you are right about the clamps. Peter can put up the trusses and secondary cage in about 60 seconds. The Obsession system takes a lot longer than that!

So, who is the next IISer to place an order with SDM?

[Satchmo]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

While I listened to Peter speak my overwhelming feeling was relief that I had not attempted to build the scope myself. It is a very complex process, which Peter makes look very easy.

Rod , Congratulations on the imminent arrival of your telescope .

I think attitude to building scopes is a variable and personal thing. Just to provide a bit of balance here, I've supplied dozens of 16" to 22" mirrors across Australia who've found the process of building a big scope via Dave Kriege of Obsessions' book " The Modern Dobsonian" a thoroughly straight forward and enjoyable experience .
SDM certainly have a very fine product and I'm almost envious of people who can afford $15,000 for a finished 20" scope. But building one yourself is by no means beyond many Amateur Astronomers and they don't find the process necessarily very complex, so I would encourage people who don't have that kind of money to spend don't be discouraged to look at other alternatives.

Mark

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Mark Suchting

Rod , Congratulations on the imminent arrival of your telescope .

I think attitude to building scopes is a variable and personal thing. Just to provide a bit of balance here, I've supplied dozens of 16" to 22" mirrors across Australia who've found the process of building a big scope via Dave Kriege of Obsessions' book " The Modern Dobsonian" a thoroughly straight forward and enjoyable experience .
SDM certainly have a very fine product and I'm almost envious of people who can afford $15,000 for a finished 20" scope. But building one yourself is by no means beyond many Amateur Astronomers and they don't find the process necessarily very complex, so I would encourage people who don't have that kind of money to spend don't be discouraged to look at other alternatives.

Mark

I certainly agree!

[RB (Andrew)]

That's great news Rod, I can't wait.

The photos look fantastic, it's a beautiful work of art by the looks of it !

[g__day (Matthew)]

Well I looked through an F3.7 24" one at Magellan Observatory (the review and write up should be posted soon) that Peter built for Zane. Put simply it was surperb - rock steady, brilliant goto and tracking, focuser was best I've ever seen, but the optics were to die for - like having the hubble space telescope in your hands!

There are not enough superlatives, the version of scope I played with for a few hours is simply awesome - well selected!

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Mark and Ed,

Some people enjoy the process of making a scope....to people with such interests and skills, I take my hat off to them.

However, the fact, notwithstanding Kriege's book having been out for so many years, that Obsession continues to sell hundreds of scopes every year tells me something....most people do not have the confidence, time, equipment, skills or experience (or any combination thereof) to get something like this made themselves. I have seen some beautiful ATM efforts in the last few years, but they are, realistically, thin on the ground.

In my case, even if I had the technical skills and equipment to do such job (which I simply do not have), I would not have the time with a busy family (3 kids) to embark upon such a job. It is hard enough keeping up with the loads of washing.... Most of the amateurs I know are in much the same position.

In relation to the quality of the end product, Peter's finely honed skills (having made many scopes already and therefore having learnt what works best) will produce a far superior product to anything most amateurs could dream of producing.

As to the issue of cost, I guess we all prioritise our money in different ways.....some pour their money into their home, their car(s), their boat, their business, their music collection etc etc. In the scheme of things, $10-12K for such an amazing scientific instrument is a small price to pay (IMO).

Mark, what do you think about people attempting to grind their own mirrors?

[xstream (John)]

Great news Rod.

I can hardly wait to have a look through her at Wiruna!

[beren]

wow what a beauty, congrats Rod it would be a treat to look through a scope like that....looks like you'll need a ladder, one with a wood-grain finish

[CoombellKid]

Excellent Rod!! very nice.

I saw an Obsession up at astrofest Qld last year, and to tell you the truth
with an SDM sitting on the field nearby. The Obsession looked pretty tacky
in comparison to the workmanship of the SDM.

regards,CS