Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1022
Loc: SoCal
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Well, the much anticipated waning gibous moon star party at Steve Miller's is history, but the memories linger on.
Several of the Southern California CN CLASSIC TELESCOPE regulars were there, including Steve Miller and his wife (of course - it was their house and backyard), Robert Provin, Dan Schechter, Lew Chilton and his wife and the inimitable Clint "Caveman" Whitman and his wife. Also in attendance were a number of neighbors. The Millers provided pizza and softdrinks and were the most gracious of hosts.
The star of the show was, of course, Steve's completely restored knock-your-socks-off classic 6-inch Goto, formerly owned by John Pons. But giving the Goto some stiff competition (he-he  ) was Lew's mighty 60mm Swift. Both were trained on Saturn and several double stars. Hopefully, others in attendance will add their comments and provide an observing report. Temperatures were wonderfully balmy - in the hundreds with high humidity. 
Here are my photographic contributions...
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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: 1022
Loc: SoCal
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Here's the Left Coast CN crew. Rear row, from left: Steve Miller, Dan Schechter, Robert Provin and Clint "Caveman" Whitman. Squatting in front is Lew Chilton. You wouldn't want to run into any of these desperadoes in a dark alley, now would you?? 
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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: 1022
Loc: SoCal
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And my last contribution to this thread is a picture of Steve (at the eyepiece) and Dan losing their night vision. I was forced to beat a hasty retreat, as I had no desire to be tarred and feathered! 
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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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You are right, Lew. That's a shady-looking bunch of characters.
So, how was the experience at the eyepiece?
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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clintwhitman
Caveman
Reged: 01/01/07
Posts: 2427
Loc: ValVerde CA(SoEasyaCavemanCanD...
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The friends and the views were awsome of course!! It splits the double double like nothing you have seen. I even did a star test an it is as close to perfect as it gets. As far as the work Steve has done since getting the scope, Steve it could not have found a better owner anywhere! the scope is happier than it has been in years and in close to perfect condition. I am glad that it found you and is not in the warehouse that it was headed for. Instead it is wondfully restored and at least 8 or 9 kids not counting us CN kids got a chance to use her last night. I will bet if the GOTO could talk it would say that was one of the best nights I have ever seen!! Steve, Lew, Dan, thanks for the fellowship and a great night. Clint
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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.
Edited by clintwhitman (06/22/08 11:46 AM)
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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Quote:
The views were awsome of course!! It splits the double double like nothing you have seen.
The Goto? I was talking about the Swift. 
Jus' kidd'n'.
Hearing how meticulous Steve's restoration was, I'm sure its feeling better than it has in 50 years  . As far as performance goes, I wouldn't expect anything less than near perfection. What power were you able to squeeze out of it for Saturn and Jupiter?
Keith
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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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Lew,
Thank you to Dan, Clint and Debbie, Lew and Carla, and Robert for all coming over. It was a great, sometimes crowded, event. I enjoyed all of your company.
It was interesting to see the different kids reactions. Some of them were really excited to look through the telescope. I picked out two budding astronomers from the group. It was amazing how many times this young girl and boy came over to look through the telescope.
I think some of the neighbors thought we were having more of a "Party". When I went back inside, I saw someone had brought a bottle of wine, another a cherry pie, and another a case of beer.
Keith, the heat of the day limited our views. We started out with the Herschel wedge on the Sun. A few hours later turned to Saturn. I had plotted out all the satellite passes and the next 45 minutes or so was a suburban satellite spotting party. Then, back to Saturn. People were showing up a different times, so we ended up on Saturn for a long time. On to M13, M57, epsilon Lyra, and few others.
Steve
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1956 Goto Optical 6" f15 Observatory Refractor
From the Titan Observatory as featured in S&T 1957-1959
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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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Keith,
We could squeeze about 300x out max due to the conditions. Last weekend I had it up to 605x under ideal conditions.
Jupiter did not come up over the neighbors house until about Midnight. Looking directly over the slope of his black roof and we were limited to 180x. From my yard, the best views are a bit more to the east.
I think I see the virgin Mary in this picture? Should I put it on Ebay?
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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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trainsktg
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/23/05
Posts: 4586
Loc: Pacific Northwest
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Quote:
Should I put it on Ebay
Only if you start it off at $0.99, so us po' folk can feel important by being able to place a few bids  .
Keith
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He was a good little monkey and always very curious.
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1383
Loc: NJ and PA
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Quote:
You are right, Lew. That's a shady-looking bunch of characters.
So, how was the experience at the eyepiece?
Keith
Keith,
Would you buy a used car from any of those guys? Hey guys looks like fun. I am glad you folks had a good time.
Bill
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Lew Chilton
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/20/05
Posts: 1022
Loc: SoCal
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Here's an article about Steve's 6-inch Goto that appeared in American Youth magazine in 1960, another piece of information that further documents this telescope's history.
At Steve's back-yard star party last night (to celebrate his completion of the Goto restoration), I presented him with a hi-res scanned and printed image of the original article about the Goto's first owner (which has been in my astronomy scrapbook since 1960). As you can see, I slightly altered the headline to reflect the Goto's current ownership. 
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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: 16351
Loc: Kuiper Belt
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I am sooooooooo jealous.
Steve, you truly have a dream scope there. I can't wait until the day I can drive out to California and take a peek through it. Have you ever been tempted yet to lug that monster up to Mount Pinos? I bet the views would be jaw-dropping. When the day comes, I'd be more than happy to lend my labor in setting up, tearing down, and transporting.
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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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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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July 25th or August 1st for the weekend is likely.
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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: 1022
Loc: SoCal
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Mike,
Steve didn't mention that, in addition to his plan to bring the Goto to Mt. Pinos for one of this summer's new moon star parties, he'll also be bringing along block & tackle and an engine hoist to set it up. He'll also need a Caveman's strength to make this happen (hint, hint). I for one have offered to steady the 10-ft. stepladder that Steve will need to assemble the mount and tube assembly. (I need to remind Steve to make sure his health plan premiums are paid up.)
You can rest assured that this herculean undertaking will be well documented and exclusively posted here on CN Classic Telescopes forum. Stay tuned for further developments... 
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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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Robert Provin
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/14/06
Posts: 691
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Quote:
Mike,
Steve didn't mention that, in addition to his plan to bring the Goto to Mt. Pinos for one of this summer's new moon star parties, he'll also be bringing along block & tackle and an engine hoist to set it up. He'll also need a Caveman's strength to make this happen (hint, hint). I for one have offered to steady the 10-ft. stepladder that Steve will need to assemble the mount and tube assembly. (I need to remind Steve to make sure his health plan premiums are paid up.)
You can rest assured that this herculean undertaking will be well documented and exclusively posted here on CN Classic Telescopes forum. Stay tuned for further developments...
Oh yes, we are all anxiously awaiting the Mt. Pinos event!  Steve's Goto refractor is truly a magnificent instrument. The views were spectacular and it displayed one of the best star tests I have ever seen!  Just thinking of what it will do under the steady and dark skies of Mt. Pinos is enough to make one drool!  Thank you Steve for a thoroughly enjoyable evening under the stars.
As an aside, while Lew was mainly occupied viewing with his "mighty" Swift 839, I managed to catch him at the eyepiece of the Goto during late afternoon solar observing!
Robert
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Robert Provin
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/14/06
Posts: 691
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The view from the chaise lounge while sipping iced tea! Are we in heaven or what?
Robert
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Bonco
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 2297
Loc: Florida
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I've said it so many times but I'll say it once more:
YOUSE GUYS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE ALL THE FUN!!!
Envious Bill N.
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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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Happy-Idiot
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/06/06
Posts: 2807
Loc: 3rd Rock
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Quote:
I've said it so many times but I'll say it once more:
YOUSE GUYS IN CALIFORNIA HAVE ALL THE FUN!!!
Envious Bill N.
"Unleashed in the East" Party at Bill's house next week.
     
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Brian
A small scope that gets used often is a better investment than a big scope that stays in the closet.
Unitrons, you spend more time looking at them than you do through them.
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Steve_M_M
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/09/04
Posts: 976
Loc: Moorpark, CA
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Quote:
Steve didn't mention that, in addition to his plan to bring the Goto to Mt. Pinos for one of this summer's new moon star parties, he'll also be bringing along block & tackle and an engine hoist to set it up. He'll also need a Caveman's strength to make this happen (hint, hint). I for one have offered to steady the 10-ft. stepladder that Steve will need to assemble the mount and tube assembly. (I need to remind Steve to make sure his health plan premiums are paid up.)
You can rest assured that this herculean undertaking will be well documented and exclusively posted here on CN Classic Telescopes forum. Stay tuned for further developments...
Might not be as "Fun" as you think. I just disassembled the whole thing in 35 minutes.
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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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Well count me in on the Pinos trip I will bring either the Cave or ?? Any how here is the whole gang at Steves Had to get Lew in there he loves that Swifty!!
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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.
Edited by clintwhitman (06/25/08 06:16 AM)
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