Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Last night I attended my first full-moon star party on the front driveway of John Pons' home in North Hollywood, California. John provided the telescopes, his wife the refreshments. The guest list was impressive: Caveman and wife Debbie, Dan Mounsey of Woodland Hills Camera, my wife Carla and myself, a number of refractor friends of John and Dan, and some of his neighbors.
The real celebrities of the evening were Pons' 6-inch Goto prototype refractor, built in 1954, and his larger custom-made refractor, based on Zeiss designs, that was made to hold a number of different objective lenses (more on this later).
But first, the little star of the show was Caveman's circa 1953 Nippon Kogaku 50mm refractor on its original mount. Its performance amazed everybody! It provided color-free, ultra-sharp views of Venus. It also provided comparatively better views of Jupiter than its larger brethren because it was less sensitive to seeing conditions. The "Little Scope that Could" is a definite keeper - I wish it were mine.
Here's a picture of the "Little Scope that Could" and its owner, Caveman (aka Clint Whitman), looking thru one of the two original tack-sharp eyepieces.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do! 
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (06/30/07 10:39 PM)
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Siderea
Astronomess
Reged: 11/21/05
Posts: 2066
Loc: Left Coast
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Isn't that something!
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lc Carol
..."Then the blue above grows darker and a million stars erupt
From the places where they hide throughout the day
Into pictures in the heavens even we cannot corrupt
And the vastnesses of time can't wash away..."Jeff Green
60mm Telescope Club
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Sweet little scope.
Bigger is not always better. 
It reminds me of my little Tasco white tube 60mm. Although, that's like comparing a AMC Pacer to a Shelby Cobra. 
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the business-end of the amazing 6-inch Goto refractor owned by John Pons. Originally built in 1954, acquired by Joe Choate of Los Angeles, CA in 1956, it was destined for the landfill when John acquired it some years ago. It was a basket case until John's magic brought it back to its former glory. Today, it appears exactly as it looked in mid-1950s Sky & Telescope advertisements.
I'll let you in on a little secret. The objective lens presently installed in the Goto is actually a prototype 6-1/4 inch clear aperture Unitron lens. The Goto objective is carefully wrapped and stored elsewhere, but can be reinstalled at any time. Both objectives are superb examples of the opticians art.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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English language and CN graemlins cannot express my envy.
Awesome scope. And a great story about how it was saved from the trash heap!
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the Goto with its proud owner, John Pons. Of the many telescopes John owns or has owned, I get the impression that this one is his favorite.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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The pier, mount, and drives are as amazing as the scope.
What workmanship and quality.
It exudes an air of days gone by when real craftsmen took pride in their work.
Amazing.
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the nameplate on the east side of the Goto mount.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the nameplate on the west side of the Goto mount...
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the Goto objective - actually a Unitron 160mm (6.3 -inch clear aperture), 2600mm f.l. objective lens.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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The 6-inch Goto clock drive is powered by a falling weight, just like a grandfather clock. The falling weight is regulated by a ball governor, seen here in the enclosed glass case. It can truly be said that this scope has balls!
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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93alien
sage
Reged: 04/26/07
Posts: 407
Loc: Glencoe,OK
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mac patten
astronomy club of tulsa
Nexstar 8
orion epic 9.5,12.3,22
17mm televue plossl
30mm GSO superview
a bunch of other cheap but useful eyepieces
2 inch antares SCT diagonal
oh yeah,and a shoestring budget
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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Simply amazing ...
-JWW:
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Jon looks to be in as good a shape as his instruments. He's got to be pushing 70 if I'm not mistaken.
BTW Is it Jon or John? I've seen both spellings an equal number of times.
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Siderea
Astronomess
Reged: 11/21/05
Posts: 2066
Loc: Left Coast
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pushing 70?
Those scopes must weigh more than that!! That guy needs an observatory!
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lc Carol
..."Then the blue above grows darker and a million stars erupt
From the places where they hide throughout the day
Into pictures in the heavens even we cannot corrupt
And the vastnesses of time can't wash away..."Jeff Green
60mm Telescope Club
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Jon or John is as hyper as a person can be at 12 years old much less less at nearly 70 he amazed me. Some people say I a litter hyper he zooms past me like i am standing still
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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must be all the health food. <grin>
-JWW:
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GeneDiG
sage
Reged: 05/31/05
Posts: 286
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I bet he gets that build by lugging that 'scope around! I on the other have a body sculpted by Tasco 9VR!
Edited by GeneDiG (06/30/07 06:49 PM)
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Quote:
The 6-inch Goto clock drive is powered by a falling weight, just like a grandfather clock. The falling weight is regulated by a ball governor, seen here in the enclosed glass case. It can truly be said that this scope has balls!
OOOoooo....thats terrible! 
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Aa advertisement from March 1957 Sky and Telescope, reads: This complete GOTO 6" EQUATORIAL was recently exported to the TITAN OBSERVATORY in Los Angeles.
Same one?
Keith (I'd post a pic, but I'm having trouble figuriong out how to convert TIFFs to JPEGs)
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Keith,
Open the image file in a program like Adobe PhotoShop or PaintShop and simply save the image as a .JPG
Should work?
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Keith,
You know, I can't recall wether it's Jon or John. The next time I talk to him, I'll ask. Pons is age 66 (2 years older than me), and, unlike me, he works out daily at the gym and is very proud of his physique.
These next series of photos relate to his bigger refractor, which you can see in the following pictures. Every piece of it - except the optics - was built by a local precision machine shop to Pons' exacting specifications. You can imagine how expensive that must have been!
In this first photo, Caveman is on the right setting up his 50mm Nippon Kogagu and the Pon's big lawn cannon is to the rear. Which is the 'grab 'n' go?
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here John is dwarfed by one of his many creations. This is probably his finest work.
For the star party, the refractor employed an 8-inch f/19 George Carroll apochromat (3 elements) objective. Absolutely superb. Too bad the seeing didn't allow it to perform to its full potential.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the other objective John uses in this refractor, a Zeiss 10-inch f/16 apochromat. This lens is over 80 years old. John built an adapter cell to accomodate either the 8-inch Carroll or the 10-inch Zeiss.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Even the finder scope on this OTA is a Zeiss, a 3-1/2 inch semi apochromat.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Another shot of the big gun with Caveman, left, and Pons, right. Caveman looks kinda reverent, doesn't he?
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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I layed on my back to get this perspective of the tailpiece. Impressive, isn't it?
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's another shot of the tailstock. Note the quartz star diagonal.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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If you thought that Pons is exclusively a refractor man, you'd be wrong. He is working on a 12-1/2-inch high-performance Newtonian based on a highly improved Optical Craftsmen mount. He claims he has a "perfect" Ed Beck (?) mirror. Pons has designed an ultra precision mirror cell and secondary adjustment supported by a curved spider of his own design. He also designs and builds the drive electronics. This scope is still a work in progress. Everything he does is 1st class.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (06/30/07 09:23 PM)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's a close-up of the clock drive built by Pons for his 12-inch Newtonian on a highly modified Optical Craftsmen mount which now utilizes helicoptor rotor bearings - ye gods!
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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And here is a Bill Schaeffer mount being modified for a 9-inch refractor that Pons is making for a customer.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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And finally, here's a picture of yours truly in front of
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles (well, actually, in front of a picture of Griffith Observatory).
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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I would have to ask John about the titan, I do know the Goto came out of a house in beverly hills that had a 18 foot observitory built into its structure about 4 years ago and as taken out just ahead of the demolishion crews. John is not a driver so he told me the story about how him and his girlfreind moved it piece by piece on the subway to save it from the dump I spent the day over there watching him go like a mad man rebuilding my 4" unitron objective! he said bring it by and I will culminate it for you I just left his house 5 hours later with a completly rebuild custom locking lens cell and a custom re-made unitron super focuser, also some 6" unitron weights for my byres drive. John and I hit it off I guess. He is a great guy and I am soaking up his knowlage like a sponge. At last someone that really knows what he is doing to show me all the stuff I could only guess at. 
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 2297
Loc: Florida
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Thanky Lew great report. Saved almost all of the pictures.
A yard party like this can only happen in California.
Bonco
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RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
Tasco 10K 80mm/1200mm
Towa 339 Restored
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Thats A super unitron 2" bad to the bone Focuser in case Lenny gets back in time to see this!!!!
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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It sure looks like the same scope. Since I've never heard of 'Titan Observatory', it very well could have been the name of a private/home dome. The timing is right. 1956 on the scope, early 1957 advertisement. The location is right. I'd say its an almost certainty.
Keith
Edited by trainsktg (06/30/07 11:46 PM)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Keith,
Here's the Titan Observatory as it was covered in a Los Angeles Times article on September 8, 1960. I hope you can read it. The provenance of this telescope is impeccable!
John Pons took the Titan Observatory door which he keeps in his house.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the 6-inch Goto owner plate which is screwed to the pier. I took this shot at Pons' house at last night's star party.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Lew, this is amazing. With your permission, I'd like to send these pictures to my contact at Goto Japan. I believe they will be very excited to see the refractor's continued existance. I'd like to send the one with Jon, too, if you can get his permission. Thanks.
Amazingly, now that we know what to look for, you can see Choate Telescope, ***, 1956 plate on the Sky and Telescope advertisement, too!
Since this LA Times article was from 1960, the young Joe Choate should only be about 65 years old. Any ideas why this telescope was left for the wrecking ball, or where he might be? Most probably lost interest when he moved away from home, the father died, and the house was sold to a new owner who had no interest in the hobby and neglected the poor thing.
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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Nice work guys. Lew, why don't you post that classic picture of you at Charlton in the 60's That photo blows me away.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Dan,
Your wish is my command. Here is Ralph Nye (behind my homemade 8-inch Newt.) and me in front of it. Taken at Charlton Flats, California (near Mt. Wilson Observatory), circa 1961.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here is a picture of Ralph Nye recently featured in an Arizona magazine. He's been the observatory engineer at Lowell Observatory for over 30 years.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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And here is a photo of Ralph Nye and a Brashear astrograph that he painstakingly restored.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (07/01/07 03:32 PM)
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Boy you look like a real hellraiser Lew!
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3508
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Yeah Lew!.... you guys are suppose to look like nerds not like punks daring somebody to touch your scope!   Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's another view of the 1961 Charlton Flats star party. Check out the old cars! If this picture had been taken in 2007, you'd think it was an antique car show instead of a star party.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (07/01/07 06:26 PM)
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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Mmmmmmmmm. Nice red and white Ford! 
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Looks like a herd of Cavemen desended from the past to take over the place!!!
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Well at least one
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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That picture gives me goose-bumps The greatest planetary views in my life are where you stood. I just can't believe it, it's like a time machine. You look so young Lew. Clint, you must visit Charlton.
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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Lew,
Did Ralph know Robert Burnham Jr.?
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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If you guys keep this up, I may have to pin this to the top of the forum for a while.
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 2297
Loc: Florida
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It should be pinned and added to if other pictures are available. So much history here and not available anywhere else.
Bonco
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RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
Tasco 10K 80mm/1200mm
Towa 339 Restored
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Well my fridays are tighted up for a while. Dan John put a super focuser on my Unitron yesturday !!!! cool
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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Quote:
Dan John put a super focuser on my Unitron yesturday !!!! cool
What would that be? Have any pictures and/or more information?
-JWW:
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ngc2289
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/13/05
Posts: 1864
Loc: SouthTexas
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OH! I hate needles!  
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Mike Traub(Mr. Congeniality): I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!:Shipfitters mottos; Cut to suit, pound to fit, paint to hide!: If it dosen't fit get a bigger hammer!......Retired and BROKE!!!!!Refractors are like a fine wine!They just get better with age!!!!!! :SV102ED with Moonlite triknob focuser(Light Hawk):80mm f/11.25 homemade refractor(Star Sapphire):PST: New version Williams EZ Touch Alt-Az mount:Vixen green version GP .
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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John can build anything and fix anything with scopes. He's been doing it for 54 years.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's another Charlton Flats memory. I took this the morning after the star party, when most people had packed up and left.
The last scope on the field was Frank Grow's 14-inch fork mounted Newt. which he transported on a homemade trailer behind his pickup and camper. In this shot the scope is ready for loading. Among those helping Frank to load the scope was Leif Robinson, seen at right wearing a white sports car cap, standing behind Jack Eastman's Renault. Robinson is editor emeritus of Sky & Telescope magazine.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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In this next shot taken at Charlton Flats in 1961 (looking west), the people helping Frank Grow load his scope are, from left, Ronny Thomas, Frank Grow, unknown, Leif Robinson (wearing white cap) and Jack Eastman.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3508
Loc: bellevue ne.
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That 14-incher looked like a big cannon that just recoiled after letting loose with a round! Neat picture! Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Here is some information from Goto on production numbers for the 6".
This thread is amazing!
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's a picture of the Frank Grow telescope as it appeared on the cover of the August 1958 issue of Griffith Observer magazine, the publication of the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium in Los Angeles. Griffith's then director, Dr. Clarence Cleminshaw, is on the sidewalk; Frank Grow is on the ladder. When this picture was taken, the scope had a 16-inch mirror, but when it was donated to the Los Angeles Astronical Society in the early 1970s, after Grow's death, it had a 14-1/2 inch mirror.
This is the same mount design utilized by Clarke Harris and discussed in another forum thread, "Cave 12.5" F6 - Alika Herring Mirror," page 3.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (07/02/07 02:53 PM)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Back in 2001, John Pons took possession of the 6-inch Goto described earlier in this thread. Here's the Goto when it was owned by Joe Choate in 1960.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (07/09/07 03:08 PM)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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In 2001, the Choate residence was in a dilapidated state and the new owner wanted to dispose of the dome and its contents, the 6-inch Goto. She offered the telescope gratis to Griffith Observatory, but the offer was declined because of the expense involved in dismantling the observatory and restoring the telescope.
Griffith Observatory, which had previously employed the services of Pons to refurbish its 12-inch Zeiss refractor and upgrade the planetarium's sound system, contacted him about the Goto offer. That is how Pons acquired that wonderful, old instrument and how it restoration to it original glory began.
The snapshots that follow show the state of the Choate house, dome and Goto refractor at the time Pons began the dismantling process.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the beginning of the teardown of the 6-inch Goto. The dome had leaked for years and corrosion and dirt had taken a toll.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Another view...
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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The Goto's new owner, John Pons, dismantling the historic refractor. John spent the next 4 years restoring this Goto to its former glory.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the way it looks today.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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And another view of the 6-inch Goto...
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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That home looks like something out of the Addams Family. What a change in just 40 years.
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3508
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Lew...The new owner must be redoing the home. I wouldn't think you would go to the trouble of stripping wallboard off the observatory interior. Any way you or Jon can find out what happened to the Choate family. Sounds like a good mystery to unravel. Must be a paper trail there somewhere in public records?  Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Mike,
I took your advice and did a little on-line research and believe I located Joe Choate, Jr. He's about Pons' age. I left a telephone message and hope he returns my call.
I also located the record of Joe Choate and his family's return from Tokyo on April 27, 1956 aboard Northwest Airlines. I'm attaching a copy of the air passenger manifest. I believe this was the trip when the 6-inch Goto was procured. I've found even more information, but it's not really relevant to this thread.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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Lew,
How in heavans do you find all this stuff?
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Dan,
It's not that big a deal. It helps to be a retired investigator and an amateur genealogist.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
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1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Rinaldo
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/28/04
Posts: 1106
Loc: Lawng-eye-lind - New York, USA
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I'm movin to the west coast!
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Yea Haa?
Two eyeballs
AP 5.1" f/6 on a GM-8 -- The Instrument
10" f/4.8 Newt on a Dob -- Marcia!! Marcia! Marcia!!!
12.5" f/4.5 Portaball -- The Cojone
10x70 FMT-SX
7x50 FMTR-SX
A few Nags & Rads
Hauppauge, NY - 
RMSP, NY - 
Montauk, NY - 
CSSP, PA - 
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Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Woodland Hils
Reged: 06/12/02
Posts: 3200
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You da man Lew
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kimballdog
newbie
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 4
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Joe and I were classmates at USC law school (Class of 1966). He invited several of us to dinner with him and his parents at his home (in the Wilshire district in LA) sometime in the 1960's and showed us the dome and telescope. I was not "into" astronomy then, but was amazed that there was an observatory dome on top of his house and amazed at the size of the telescope. My memory, vague after all these years, is that the scope had to be bigger than 6" in aperture, but I'm sure that's just a failure of memory.
I saw Joe again in the mid-1980's when he was in San Jose (where I had relocated) on business. We had dinner together, but we've had no contact since then.
It's tough to see the former Choate house looking so shabby.
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Welcome, and thanks for the information. It is indeed a small world. How did you discover this particular thread, as I see this is your first post?
I hope to eventually see Mr. Choate himself here on CN telling his own personal stories with this telescope.
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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kimballdog
newbie
Reged: 11/04/05
Posts: 4
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There was a reference to the thread in the Astromart forums. That the thread would refer to Joe Choate was a complete surprise.
I have posted rarely on Astromart, and never before here, even though I've browsed both sites frequently for several years.
What I think I remember about the scope was that it had a brass-like finish. Again, maybe a created memory. Also, that the scope was much bigger than six inches. In fact, my memory (imagination?) is that the finder scope must have been close to that big, with the main scope much bigger.
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JohnG
sage
Reged: 12/16/06
Posts: 357
Loc: Wake Village, Texas - East Tex...
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I've been sitting here looking at the telescopes with admiration and awe. John Pons did an amazing job restoring the GOTO telescope. Even more amazing is how he obtained it. From the way it looks now John must have torn it down completely for the rebuild. A great accomplishment and a lot of history preserved. Let us hope that John and his fine telescopes will be around for a long time to come.
You guys living in Southern California are some of the most fortunate amateur astronomers in the world! By that I mean, it seems like that's where the majority of the old classics are located.
I can easily imagine a set-up like the Choate dome and the GOTO sitting on a mountain away from the lights and far above the smog and haze that marks so much of modern suburban living.
The only way I can end this is with a few words like...Astounding and Wonderful.
JohnG
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Dan /schechter
sage
Reged: 12/21/06
Posts: 365
Loc: Long Beach, Calif.
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It has been a blast following this thread. Please let me know when the next full moon star party is and if I am around, I would love to receive an invite. Dan
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's a shot looking along the tube of John Pons' 10-inch Zeiss from his front yard. That's Jupiter to the left of the palm tree with Antares left below.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1383
Loc: NJ and PA
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Know anybody who does palm tree removal?
Bill
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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I can.
1 good climber with a harness and spikes.
1 good chainsaw.
1 good groundman.
1 hour.
--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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droid
rocketman
Reged: 08/29/04
Posts: 4030
Loc: ohio
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This is an excellant thread. I just found it during lunch at work.
I'm in love , eery time i see that telescope my heart goes pitter patter. ....ok maybe its envy ...but in any case. more please.
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102mm Celestron C102HD
Tasco 7TE5 60mm Classic
Tasco 9TE5 60mm Classic
Celestron Ultima 2000 SCT
Remains of an 8 inch dob
Celestron Comet catcher(orange tube)
1960 Edscorp Space Conquerer 6inch f/8
10x50 Bushnell Binoculars.
11T 4.5 inch Tasco reflector Lunograsso?
60mm Telescope Club
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twhite
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/28/06
Posts: 1388
Loc: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA
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Quote:
I can.
1 good climber with a harness and spikes.
1 good chainsaw.
1 good groundman.
1 hour.
I'll be the groundman. Let's do it. 
--------------------
Tony White
Astronomy Club of Tulsa
---
18" f/4.5 Pegasus/homebuilt dob
TMB 152 - TMB 105 - AP 105EDF - Antares Elite 105/1500 - Unitron 102/1500 - Celestron C102F -Celestron C80F - Unitron 131-C - Unitron 140 - Brandon 80 f/6 - Coronado MaxScope 60 0.5A - and more...
Celestron Ultima 11, Orion Optics OMC-140, Celestron CometCatcher
AP1200GTO - AP400GTO - Vixen GP - DiscMount DM-6 -Lapides Tak Teegul - and more...
Garrett GT100-45, Celestron 11x80, Eagle Optics 10x50ED, Celestron 6.5x44ED
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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I know a great climber. But I don't climb. I run the bobcat, chipper, stump grinder, and bucket truck. I chop, slice, dice, haul, lift and drive. But I don't climb higher than 10 feet into a tree!
I'll get on a roof, but I won't climb into a tree canopy.
There's a reason climbers get paid so much money.
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Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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john D
All you have to do is ask!!
Reged: 08/05/07
Posts: 5449
Loc: Midlothian, VA
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wow those are some great scopes!
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Meade ETX-125
Meade LXD55 mount
Philips SPC900NC webcam
Some Accessories!
My Blog
 -Midlothian VA
--Land Of The Free Because Of The Brave--
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Ziggy943
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/11/06
Posts: 1508
Loc: Utah
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Quote:
I know a great climber. But I don't climb. I run the bobcat, chipper, stump grinder, and bucket truck. I chop, slice, dice, haul, lift and drive. But I don't climb higher than 10 feet into a tree!
I'll get on a roof, but I won't climb into a tree canopy.
There's a reason climbers get paid so much money.
Not to worry. With a chain saw the tree will come to you
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May your skies always be clear,
Ziggy
www.slas.us
4" Mak
#1, 160mm F8 TEC (born 1-18-2007, 27 lbs, 45.5" long), on AP900
6" F17.5 (D&G lens) (first light 6-7-2008)
9" F/14.8 Alvan Clark (1915), on Byers 812
14.25 F/5.5 Newt in a roll off observatory
Others, that have come and gone
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1383
Loc: NJ and PA
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Yep one came to my buddy. He has no more worries. Dangerous business.
Bill
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dbledsoe
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/06
Posts: 829
Loc: Boise, Idaho USA
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Lew,
This thread is incredible, no beautiful!. One of the finest I have ever read. You're like a walking history book of astronomy in So. Cal. I also note that you're featured in Robert Piekiel's E-Book, "Celestron The Early Years."
Thank you for sharing so much wonderful history and information with us here on CN Classics. We are indebted to you.
--------------------
Don
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here's a recent shot of John Pons with his 10-inch Zeiss. In 1979, John had Daystar custom build him a 0.42-inch aperture, 0.4 lamda 1/2-bandwith solar filter, seen here at the tailpiece.
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I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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About 10 years ago, John cleaned and collimated the 30cm Carl Zeiss achromat at Griffth Observatory, a task he's done on a number of occasions over the years.
In this shot, you can see the tube straigtening rods behind the objective.
This telescope, built by Carl Zeiss Jena circa 1934 for the new Griffith Observatory being built in Los Angeles, almost didn't get delivered because of the Nazi government's export policies. Pons believes that the less than stellar performance of this achromat was intentional due to these policies.
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here we see John replacing the 30cm Zeiss achromat after its cleaning and re-spacing. Note the dew shield on the stool in the background.
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Here we see John squaring the Carl Zeiss Jena 30cm f/16 achromat with an auto-collimator of his design.
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Saturday, September 15, 2007 found John Pons taking down his 10-inch Zeiss and 6-inch Goto refractors for the season and storing the components in his garage. And he did it by himself! (Now you know why he's so muscular.)
John says he's getting too old for this and wonders how long he can continue doing it. It's at times like these that he wonders if he should sell the Goto.
In the accompanying picture, John is getting ready to apply a coat of paste Wax to the powder coated tube.
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1383
Loc: NJ and PA
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Looks like John could do this for several more years.
Bill
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 2297
Loc: Florida
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Lew, These pictures are priceless. Please pass on to Jon that he has tremendous respect from classic enthusiasts around the world. Bonco
--------------------
RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
Tasco 10K 80mm/1200mm
Towa 339 Restored
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Hi Bonco,
I think John (not Jon - I asked him) is enjoying the notoriety he's getting from my thread and the ones posted by Caveman. For all of John's tech-savviness, it's confined mostly to telescope design and construction, audio sound systems and electrical theory. (He rebuilt my old 1965 Fisher vacuum tube multiplex receiver to better than new condition. I ditched my solid state Technics receiver.)
Somehow, he's managed to steer clear of computers and won't have anything to do with them. He hadn't seen the pictures of himself or his telescopes on this forum until I brought him to my house about a month ago and showed them to him. I could tell he was really tickled about the publicity but insists that the facts be told accurately.
More to come!
Lew
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 2297
Loc: Florida
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Thanks Lew, I hope John knows his preservation of these classics is appreciated. Likely he's doing it out of love and dedication and not too concerned about who's looking. Reguardless let him know he has become a hero for many of us interested in these wonderful scopes. He too is a "Classic". Bonco
--------------------
RV6
Meade 2045
6 inch f/4 RFT R. Fagin Optics
TV Genesis
2.4 inch Lafayette Equitorial
3 inch Polarex/Unitron Equitorial
10 inch Zhumell
PST 40mm Solar scope
4 inch F/15 Antares
2.4 inch Unitron Equitorial
Tasco 10K 80mm/1200mm
Towa 339 Restored
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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On this thread, we've mentioned the great instrument maker, George Carroll. John Pons owns one of his 8-inch objectives, which he describes as near to perfect as an achromat can get, but when coupled with a Roland Christian chromacor, becomes an absolutely perfect apochromat.
Well, here's a picture of George Carroll that I took at the 1980 Riverside Telescope Makers' Conference in Big Bear, California. He is standing in front of a 4-inch instrument that he made in the late 1940s for Les Mawhinney who gave it to the Los Angeles Astronomcial Society in 1976. Unfortunately, someone stole the objective out of the tube at the LAAS observing site within a year or two after this picture was taken. 
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
Edited by Lew Chilton (09/21/07 09:31 PM)
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Here are a few pictures of the eyepieces, diagonal, wedge, and other accessories that are with the scope.
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Here is a nice door 
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Hey Steve am I the only one that isnt wondering why you have GOTO and Titan stuff in your living room?? Heres to you Mr. White you went thru one of the strangest transactions I have ever been involved in and didnt faulter enough to blow it. Your paitence has been rewarded 10 fold!! You are the owner of one of the best and coolest telescopes in the USA today!! It will reward you every time you wind that clock. Have fun on your trip. The Caveman with sore arms!!!!
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Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Steve,
You got the DOOR, too? I suppose it will now lead to your bedroom?
Keith
--------------------
He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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So Steve, did we miss an official announcement?!?!?
Didya gettit? Didya gettit?
--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Steve and I hauled it to his house last night lock stock, door and 500 lbs of pier. Steve I belive is on his way to Yosemite with his wife and kids but rest asured he is the owner of the GOTO from hell!!! John Has some money! Caveman got pats on the back and my ARMS a sore!!! OOO Johns having the finder scope brakets he designed for the Unipon fabricated for me!!! I am just glad it all worked out after all the hubub! you wouldnt belive it if I told you. Well Keith would!
--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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That is great news!
Well, great news for Steve, bittersweet news for Mr. Pons who I am sure hated to let it go. But it passes on into the hands of another grateful astronomer who can give it the respect it requires. So it's a story that is beginning another happy chapter.
Of course, when Steve finally gets back, we'll barrage him with questions and photo requests. I'm curious where he plans to install the beast - build something in the house to accomodate it or house it in a seperate observatory.
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Well, I am on the way out the door right now. But, I will have some interesting pictures and additional information when I get back home.
I may set it up once soon just so I can get it done right. There is still quite a lot of cosmetic restoration necessary. I suspect a complete restoration will take a few years, depending on what I do and what I send out. Function is perfect on the scope. John has it ticking like a fine clock.
I would like to also publicly thank Clint for facilitating this purchase and helping me get the beast home. Wow!
Steve
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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Glassthrower
Vendor - Galactic Stone & Ironworks
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 16348
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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Congratulations Steve on a truly enormous score of epic proportions!
      
It's very rare that a scope of this size and vintage (with this kind of history) changes hands on the amateur market. Many people would consider themselves lucky to ever see such a scope in person, less yet OWN it. I'm sure it is going to be well worth every hard-earned penny you spent on it.
AND TO THE GROUP : Nobody ask Steve what he paid for this titan. I'm sure it wasn't cheap, and Steve might not want to volunteer what he gave for it. If he does, then he can do that.
Wow, it's actually pretty cool from the perspective of someone in our little Classics group here. I "know" somebody who owns this scope and can ask him questions about it personally, right here on CN. It's like, in a small way, be able to look through mighty scope by proxy, vicariously, through Steve's membership here in the group. 
Have a safe fun trip to Yosemite, and then come back and fill us in on the details! 
Regards and clear skies,
MikeG
--------------------
Michael Gilmer - Member of the Meteoritical Society & Collector of Falling Stars.
Meteorites, Moon Rocks, Mars Rocks, Tektites, Fossils, Minerals, Crystals, & Trinitite.
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Quote:
I am just glad it all worked out after all the hubub! you wouldnt belive it if I told you. Well Keith would!
I hope Steve spoke of me only in generalities   .
Keith
--------------------
He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Quote:
Quote:
I am just glad it all worked out after all the hubub! you wouldnt belive it if I told you. Well Keith would!
I hope Steve spoke of me only in generalities .
Keith
From the deep woods...with verizon air card...
Yes, of course Keith.
As you all can imagine, it was very hard for John to sell the telescope. It was his baby. I wanted to do best by him and even planned on returning the telescope after seller's remorse hit him hard. A couple hours later, things worked out and we finalized the deal. It was made extra interesting by myself going through some personal job issues.
Steve
--------------------
1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
Edited by Steve_M_M (11/29/07 09:49 AM)
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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Just a brief mention that he had spoke to you Keith! John and I are good friends and he needed to sell this scope. I didn’t really know how bad until Steve and I loaded and unloaded the mount head at 200+ lbs it is really heavy! We only loaded it into his Magnum and the two part pier into my astro van. The bottom I would guess at close to 400 lbs. John at 5'7" or so and coming up on 70 years old could not put this together by himself without serious risk to his health but has kept doing it anyway. He would not call for help; he had no good system for doing it alone. He just kept saying it was dangerous. His 10" Zeiss is easier to assemble than the Goto. I could not buy it right now due to Debbie and me buying the new house and property. John has been asking me to find a buyer for it for months, the right buyer! Not some warehouse collector, or reseller but an Astronomer. After going to Mnt. Pinos with Steve and watching how excited he became over that little Tak he had and how he spent all night helping a guy with a new 10” LX200 Meade. Then when asked if he was interested in the Goto he didn’t falter and sold every scope he had in order to purchase the Goto I think John new he was the one that would get it!! The big reason that I wanted Steve to get it was so it would stay local and be setup in a permanent location, an observatory!!! Not rolling around in a driveway waiting for a minor earthquake to topple it over, sending it to its death or falling while being assembled. John is a great man and if I was going to guess has an IQ up in the 150s somewhere as with many folks that fall in this category they can be a challenge to deal with when it comes to social event such as selling something as loved as this scope or taking them home for the holidays. The important thing is John’s heart is bigger than his 10” telescope and that’s why you have to give him a lot of latitude when it comes to friendship or business dealings. I am glad Steve is as patient as the day is long,and has a heart as big as John, that is what got him this telescope more than anything else! Clint (Caveman) Whitman Here~s to you Steve. 
--------------------
Clint&Debbie Whitman (aveman
1960s 6"F15 Jaegers-Unipons by John Pons on a Byers 812, 1947 4" F15 TINSLEY, 1965 10" F8 CAVE, 1950 5CM & 6.5CM Nippon Kogakus (the twins), 1960s UNITRONS a 152 restored a 160 numbered green lens original mint a 114 original 50s mint, 1950s UNITRON M100 100mm F15 OTA, WO 80mm Florite, ASTROPHYSICS 155 EDFS on LOSMANDY G11, a bunch of Tascos,Sears Mayflowers The list goes on Add infinitum.
Edited by clintwhitman (11/29/07 08:30 AM)
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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I agree, its good that this scope will be used, not boxed up in a warehouse or sitting in a collection room.
Keith
--------------------
He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1021
Loc: SoCal
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Well, now that the 6-inch Goto has passed from John Pons to Steve Miller, a chapter ends and a new one begins.
However, John, not one to live in the past or remain idle for long, has embarked upon a new project.
Remember that superb 160mm f/16 Unitron prototype objective that he sometime used in the 6-inch Goto? Well, now he is designing a tube assembly for it so that he can mount it piggyback on his 10-inch Zeiss.
Everything that John makes reflects the highest level of craftsmanship, and this new scope will be no exception. So stay tuned for further developments.
--------------------
I don't get no respect, but my scopes do!
----------------------------------------------
1961 Swift 60mm model 839 (2); 2003 TV-102/GM-8; 1959 8" f/6 Treckerscope; 1959 8" f/7.4 Murray Scope; 1959 Fecker Celestar-4; 1978 4" Edmund Astroscan; c. 1986 4-inch Celestron-Vixen SP-C102; c. 1950 20X60 Saturn spotting scope; 1963 7X50 Nippon Kogaku binoculars; Unitron #114 alt-az mount (Swifty-tron)
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Just an update....
I have spent the past 6 weeks disassembling the telescope and mount to remove all the heavily corroded parts. I was left with 72 pieces, not including bolts/screws...just the big stuff. I decided the best way to do this was to interview platers. As it turned out, one in particular was willing to strip and re-plate several parts with different techniques and see what I liked and match the original finish the best. By the way JWW, I spoke to several platers about the technique you told me about and I researched quite a bit. Seems the technique has been somewhat abandoned in CA due to some explosion that occurred a few years ago.
When I brought the parts over, the owner and production manager spent about 90 minutes with me going over every part and my concerns as to each specific part.
So, today I examined the samples. Wow! This place, Highland Plating, does some amazing work. They stripped and replated 4 focus knobs and both of the setting circles with varying plating from Nickel to Chrome to Satin Nickel and Satin Chrome. The also did "touch" polishing that left every part looking incredible. When they were right there in front of me, it was so easy to pick.
Just a note...as I was driving over today, the owner called me to tell me he was out of town and had not finished the final pricing quote, but he had most of it done. He then gave me a number...there was a slight pause and then an "OH MY GOD" came out of mouth. But, the samples were just incredible and looked very close to original. I decided do it right once and be happy. I was able to get a lot discount of $600 and left ready to have the whole shebang done.
It all should be done on Friday 1/25.
I still have not picked out my land at Clint's place yet for an observatory, but I am hopeful that maybe we can have a star party during the lunar eclipse on Feb 21st.
I can't wait to get everything back and finally assemble the telescope.
Steve
--------------------
1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1383
Loc: NJ and PA
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I still have not picked out my land at Clint's place yet for an observatory, but I am hopeful that maybe we can have a star party during the lunar eclipse on Feb 21st.
Steve, Just have Clint subdivide a little slice off his property for your observatory. I am sure he would be happy to do that for you.
Glad you found a good man to do the replateing.
Bill
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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That is the plan. I almost had a great trade for the land, yes Clint, a Nikon o-12.5...still looking.
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
|
Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Always be very careful with your Goto.....
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
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Time on my hands
sage
Reged: 07/07/06
Posts: 281
Loc: Central Oregon
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Steve, PLEASE say those are staged shots for the shock effect!
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Thomas
TMB 130 SS [New Favorite]
C6-R/Atlas [Old Favorite]
127 Mak/AT Voyager [Grab and Go]
NexStar 8 GPS XLT
Firstscope 80EQ
I LOVE hard work...I could watch it all day long!
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Those pics look like the Choate Observatory. Is that how John found it? Yikes.
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Those pics look like the Choate Observatory. Is that how John found it? Yikes.
Keith
I believe those images are of sever vandalism..or a storm..I can't remember which... 
It is a horrible scene. 
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3508
Loc: bellevue ne.
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Pier bolt ripped out of the floor like earthquake damage. Maybe it happened in Japan. Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
Pier bolt ripped out of the floor like earthquake damage. Maybe it happened in Japan. Mike
I've seen these images before, and if memory serves me, they were from vandalism. Then again...my memory has been a victim of vandalism itself... So....
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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It is from an earthquake in Japan.
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
&
1961 Nishimura 6" Reflector
|
rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8306
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
It is from an earthquake in Japan.
See..there you go. Earthquake vandals... 
I saw somewhere..images of several observatories that had been vandalized in some country, by very upset rioters...
Thanks for clearing it for us...
And how is that new 6" of yours coming along?
Rob
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www.goldmtobs |
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