We dedicate this book, with humility, to the memory of the late Tom Waineo. Tom epitomised the most laudable
qualities of the amateur telescope maker, giving selflessly of his time and
using his extensive experience and wisdom in order to help others. We hope that
our efforts will help to keep Tom's star shining.
This highly praised book is a useful addition to any ATM's
bookshelf and a complement to the other modern ATM books. There are fifteen
projects for the ATM, including mounts, astrophotography and electronics as well
as telescopes of varying complexity.
Click the subheadings to toggle their content on/off.
Chapter 1: A 6" f/5 Telescope — Steven Lee Chapter 2: 'Skinflint': a 15.5" f/4.8 Reflector — Gil Stacy Chapter 3: An 80mm RFT Refractor — Stephen Tonkin
Specialised Telescopes
Chapter 4: Building A High-contrast Planetary Newtonian — Gary Seronik Chapter 5: A Collapsible Refractor — Klaus-Peter Schröder Chapter 6: The Construction of a Buchroeder Quad-Shiefspiegler — Terry Platt Chapter 7: A Wright Camera — Bratislav Curcic Chapter 8: A Ball-scope – the best portable telescope! — Steven Lee
Mounts
Chapter 9: A Cylindrical Bearing Equatorial Platform — Chuck Shaw Chapter 10: A Computerized Dobsonian — Mel Bartels Chapter 11: Parallelogram Binocular Mount — Scott Wilson
Astrophotography
Chapter 12: A Better Barn Door — Stephen Tonkin Chapter 13: 'Skypod' – a Simple Sky-tracker — Euan Mason Chapter 14: Building and Using a Cookbook CCD Camera — Albert F. Kelly Chapter 15: A Telescope Controller for Synchronous Motors — David Johnson
"... Tonkin (has) added a worthy contribution to the collective
wisdom of amateur astronomy ... pot-pourri of excellent do-it-yourself projects
... written by 'brand name' amateur telescope makers."Sky &
Telescope
"There is something in this book for everyone ... it will sow the
seeds of invention in even the least ambitious mind." Astronomy and
Space
"Tonkin has done an excellent editorial job ... in-depth
discussions [and] copious illustrations ... telescope making has undergone a
fundamental change [which is] reflected in the projects described ... very
helpful ... good value." Popular Astronomy
"The book is a nice collection of interesting ideas on telescopes and accessories for the do-it-yourself astronomer... excellent ... highly recommended"
New Scientist
"... delivers many interesting projects and construction ideas"Astronomy Now
"...Tonkin has assembled a potpourri of excellent do-it-yourself projects, ranging from small refractors and simple rich-field telescopes to large instruments with tilted-component optics and a high-performance, home-built, computer-controlled telescope...will appeal strongly to mid-level amateur astronomers, whether they are equipment buyers or builders. Novices should find much to marvel at, and advanced amateurs will appreciate the useful and timely insights into the current technology of telescopes and sensors...[a] worthy addition to the ever-growing literature of telescopes and telescope making."Reviews of
Astronomical Tools
"... Tonkin's pleasant book (is) very appealing"Physicalia
(Belgium)
Unto those Three Things
which the Ancients held to be impossible, there should be added this Fourth: to
find a Book printed without Errors. —
Alfonso the Wise (1221 - 84)
p13, line 4 up delete: 2.4x
insert: 24x
p 18, line 22 up delete:
_ insert: ½
p64, line 5 up delete:
6.3 insert: 3.15
p72, line 3 delete:
6.3 insert: 3.15
p135, line 22 delete:
9.8 insert: 9.9
p157, Caption to
Figure 10.2 delete: (on disk as M13W20.GIF)
p185, line 18 delete: The
superscript 3 printed over the 8
p245, line
11 up delete: 12 - 0 - 12 insert: 9 - 0 - 9
p245, line 9 up delete: 12 - 0 - 12 insert:
9 - 0 - 9