From: "Russell Jocoy" 
To: telmor{at}teleport.com, milnecd{at}yahoo.com, atm{at}shore.net
Reply-To: "Russell Jocoy" 


>From: Chuck Dethloff 
>To: "Russell Jocoy"
,milnecd{at}yahoo.com,atm{at}shore.net
>Subject: Re: ATM Truss design thoughts.
>Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2003 13:08:16 -0700
>
>Russ,
>
>It is wonderful that we have many technical advantages today, both in terms
>of software and diversity of materials used. As well as access to the minds
>of very talented individuals such as we have on this list. These things
>make our telescopes better in many ways and I would not want it any other
>way. But as noted, I do feel at times that we forget that their are
>advantages to designs and materials that are not on the cutting edge as
>well.
>
>Minimal scope designs have less wind resistance which does a lot to counter
>their being lighter in weight as well. Course if they are tarped during the
>daytime that changes the whole equation tremendously. Those observing at
>star parties or other locations where the scope is commonly left setup have
>to address that problem regardless of the weight of the scope. And that can
>be done. A lighter scope is of course easier to move and some would
>temporarily move it to a safer location inside their vehicle.
>
>The probability of survivability of any scope from an event such as I
>described is not only based on design, in fairness it would be greatly
>affected by the exact circumstances of how it landed. Only by repeated
>crash testing (scarry thought) would one be able to make conclusions that
>have a high degree of certainty of what would likely happen to a scope of
>any design. Intuitively though, over engineering does afford a greater
>comfort zone which was my point.
>
>One thing that I learned from my friends experience was that having three
>mirror clips instead of only one (which I have traditionally done because
>the other two seemed redundant) is what saved Howard's mirror from being
>possibly broken. The OTA was laying flat on back upside down when I came
>upon it. The mirror no longer supported in it's sling was rather now
>supported by the upper bumper and tipped forward against the two mirror
>retainer eye bolts attached to the lower two bumpers. Without that
>redundancy his mirror would have undoubtedly fell forward in the box and
>could have been scratched or possibly broken.
>
>Perhaps I over reacted to the comments made, after all there is nothing
>wrong with Clive or others being very enthusiastic about what they feel! My
>comments were only intended to balance the equation of discussion from
>another viewpoint that I feel is also valid.
>
>Chuck Dethloff


("atm{at}shore.net")

   Chuck,

    This is the perfect response to an ever changing "hobby" (bad word) .
This is a way of entertaintment
for many people and some take the concept to the extreme, which is good for
the inovation and engineering
ends of the ATM'ers.  I may be wrong, but  most ATM'ers are amateurs and
are not concerned with
cutting edge concepts. Don't get me wrong, I love to suck in the info on
this list, But I feel at times
that "newbies" are intimidated by the elevation of  technical
information at times.
       I am not suggesting that intellect be chained, but that we look back
to the kid  in the back yard with
the grin looking at the stars, and then looking back to the eyepiece seeing
that the world is really a
small place.  I love this list and all the people interested in the process
of making  windows to the
universe. My comments may fall on conjecture but my heart is with all who
desire to explore..
                                                     Russ Jocoy........
("atm{at}shore.net")

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