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Thank-You for the compliments. Now I just need to get everything else written and posted. I've got plans for optimized mirror cells, blueprints for making your own Sonotube and truss tube scopes, mirror grinding animations, CNC router, Huge-O-Matic mirror grinding machine, etc. etc.

It think that my 20" newt will be built on a design I have come up with that is a convertible truss tube that can be either mounted on a Dobsonian base for star parties, or mounted on a huge German equatorial mount that is being built and hopefully completed by mid April. (I think the GEM is to big to take to star parties unless I mount it to a trailer or something). I'll be comparing the 20" newt to the 20" Cassegrain scope, and may end up converting it to a Cassegrain. Hopefully both will be completed by mid summer to fall this year. Now, where to get the 20" mirrors coated without having to ship them. Any ideas? I live in Magna and our class is being taught in West Jordan. Although we have had such a good turnout from Utah valley, we may teach our next class in that area.

it will be fun to see your 20" when its done.

are you in SLC or further south?

----- Original Message -----

Sent: Monday, March 01, 2004 5:04 PM

Subject: RE: [UVAA] Starmaster 20"

Yes I have the fever too. I am making a 20" dob this year, and most of the students taking our class are making larger scopes too. One student is planning on making a 20" classical Cassegrain scope. This is going to be an exciting telescope making class this year. I can hardly wait for our first class session on Mar 27th.