Telescope Reviews: Introduction - Return to Astronomy

My name is Jim Cole and I just wanted to introduce myself to this forum. I was a serious amateur astronomer for about 12 years until life got in the way and I am now returning to my favorite hobby. I was a member of the local astronomy observers group in Fort Pierce, Florida for 8 years and its president for 2 years. I have a 14.5" mirror that I will have recoated and a new structure built in the near future. My serious consideration for the new structure is Rob Teeter, but the final decision has not been made yet. He has been very helpful in the couple of phone conversations that we have had. The original structure was a Jupiter Telescope by Andy Johnson that he built for me sometime around 1988-89 in Florida. His company was fairly short lived, although he made a great scope. The mirror was figured by Richard Fagan (a somewhat famed figurer of mirrors, in Florida at least). The structure finally deteriorated after 20 years (including about 8 years of neglect) and I tossed it about 2 years ago. My wife and I have been using my TV-85 for quick views of the night sky, but seriously miss the big dob. I still have my collection of TeleVue eyepieces, although most are ancient by today's standards. I am attempting to sell the TV-85 to finance the new dob. I hate to see it go, but the aperture fever has returned.

Anyway I have started reading this and other forums in an attempt to bring myself up to speed after my hiatus. I hope to participate on a regular basis. I'm sure most of that will be asking questions for the most part until I feel like I can contribute again. My wife (Leslie) and I are both looking forward to the resumption of our visual journey through the universe.

I am a full time nature photographer and use large format film cameras (4x5, Whole Plate and 8x10) to make my images in both color and B&W. Curiously, I've never made an astrophotograph!

Thanks,
Jim

Update 10/31/09 - I gave my order to Rob Teeter for the new structure. Now a long wait...

Edited by rockethead26 (10/31/09 02:06 PM)