97/98 TELESCOPE MAKING CLASS

As before, we are trying to cater for the beginner (those who have not yet completed an instrument) and the more advanced (those who have).

BEGINNERS

Who? - The class is open to all members of the Johannesburg Centre of the Astronomical Society who wish to build a telescope. If you are not a member, why not join us? We have a lot to offer besides the telescope making class.

When? - The class will take place on Saturday afternoons from 14h30, starting on the 4th of October 1997. It will continue on an indefinite basis. Constant attendance is not mandatory, but HIGHLY recommended if you actually expect to complete your instrument.

Where? - We are pleased to say that Parktown Boys' High School have kindly made their technology centre available to us for the class; the facilities are excellent. The school is located on the corner of Empire and Jan Smuts in Parktown, Johannesburg (with the entrance at the intersection of  Wellington and St. Davids).

What? - You will, as a beginner, be building a six-inch (150mm) Newtonian  reflecting telescope on a Dobsonian mounting.

Why? - Because it is fun and cheaper than buying a commercial equivalent.

How much? - The cost of the class this year will be R350. This covers the glass from which to make a primary mirror, consumables for grinding it, and the aluminising. All other costs will be to your own account. You are welcome to club together with family or friends to build one instrument as a group; just keep things within reason. If you really cannot afford it, but are committed and tenacious, then talk to us; most probably we can make a plan.

How much your telescope will end up costing in total is highly dependent on factors such as your ability to scrounge materials and how fancy you want it to be. We expect that you can produce a basic yet highly functional instrument for under R1000, with the expenditure going out over a period of time.

If you were a member of the last three classes and have still not completed your telescope, join us free of charge! We now have workshop facilities, the lack of which was most probably your stumbling block.

How do I sign up?  Preferable contact Evan Dembskey beforehand and put your name down on the list. If you have not done so by the time the class starts, drop in and see if there is space left ... there is a limit to how many we can handle at once, so it's "first come, first served". We would rather that everyone started at once but, depending on how things go, might accept a second batch of students at a later stage.

What do I bring? - For the first few sessions, you will need a notebook and pen. We will    explain what else you need as we go along. Wear casual clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty.

What else?  -

You will be expected to sign an indemnity, because we shall have access to potentially dangerous tools (don't worry: we haven't lost anyone yet!)

If you do not wish to join the class, but would like to know what is involved in building a telescope, you are welcome to drop in and observe. We will try to answer any questions you might have, but remember that the class members have priority when it comes to having our attention.

The class will be run on an informal basis and discussion is encouraged.  This is a "mutual benefit" situation, so you are encouraged to interact with and help each other.

If you have any special skills or materials to contribute to the group, or feel that you may be able to assist in any way in running the class, PLEASE volunteer them.

Building a telescope is a time-consuming and occasionally frustrating business, but the class is your support group. As long as you are prepared to persevere, and listen to instruction, you can do it! If, on the other hand, you give up easily, you will probably soon drop out so why bother?

ADVANCED

Join us as and when you can, to talk telescopes, share ideas, help the beginners and show off your handiwork. Here's a little carrot: if you help out with the class, we can make a plan as far as reasonable quantities of FREE grinding and polishing materials, and even aluminising are concerned.

Chris Stewart