RASC-KC ATM Project Book

Page Last Updated: 2001 Sept 12

Background: To date we have now published two major pieces of work and one minor one, namely the Expanding Their Universe, Worlds to Discover and Careers in Space. I'm putting together the next in the series: The RASC-KC ATM Project Book. I'll be presenting at the November meeting the submission guidelines but in a nutshell what I'm looking for are ATM project ideas (preferably ones that you have built yourself and that have materials lists, assembly details and drawings and pictures) that are more biased towards accessories and woodworking than optical or mechanical assemblies (after all that is what Berry's Making a Telescope book is all about!) Les Dempsey from the Belleville Club had a couple of great projects (more than a couple but I can only remember two): a binocular tripod and a Bushnell Voyager finder. I've got plans for the series of projects shown in Regulus over the last few issues and hope to get ALL OF YOU with homebuilt observatories to send in submissions (Kim, Jan, Norm... you are the ones I know about!).

Why would you want to contribute? To help out amateur astronomy in general, to get your ideas published in a wider venue, to get famous!, and to become famous. How about that! Each contributor will get their own copy of this. I intend to market it as our other publications, selling it for a reasonable amount, under $25 for sure

Publishing format

We're going to try for first generation paper out of a 1200dpi laser printer printed on both sides and bound with a plastic binding edge with thicker front and back. Rough size: ? under 100 pages.

Project List

  • Observing Table: Kevin Kell
  • Observing Table: Tom Dean
  • Observing Table: Hank Bartlett
  • Power box: Kevin Kell
  • Variable Height Observing Chair: Kevin Kell
  • Type 1 Barn Door Tracker: Kevin Kell
  • Fixed Height Tripod: Kevin Kell

    Tentatively interested people:

  • Observatory: Jan Wisniewski
  • Observatory: Kim Hay
  • Observatory: Hank Bartlett
  • Observatory: Norm Welbanks
  • Observatory: Dave Pianosi
  • Binocular Tripod: Les Dempsey
  • Bushnell Voyager Telescope Offset Finder: Les Dempsey

    Tentatively interesting projects but no people?:

  • Type 2 or 4 Barn Door Tracker
  • Powered Barn Door Tracker
  • Equatorial Tracking Platform for dobsonian scopes
  • Dobsonian bases with lens/equipment drawers
  • NYAA clamshell observatory design
  • Mark Kaye's Pier design, slide box, and Telescope tube design

    Article Design

    Each article should follow the same general template:
  • Overview of why and how
  • Picture/diagram of finished product
  • Parts List & Tools needed
  • Assembly Instructions
  • After the fact touchups, useage and review
    Below is the general outline... I'll be writing and posting a "real live" example in a few weeks to give you a better idea of what you may be getting into :) If you provide the content and images, I'll be happy to edit it into the standard form.
    Sample: power box
  • Overview: This is meant to provide a single case to carry around 12vdc power in a dew safe people safe environment along with a power distribution box and a 110vac inverter for a complete power source in the field. Keeps cables mostly inside.
  • Picture Diagram:
  • Parts List: 1/2" plywood (sizes), piano hinge & screws, handle & screw, two clasps & screws, varnish, wood glue
    Tools needed: jig saw, drill, paint brush, screwdriver, tape measure
  • Assembly instructions:
      Measure your 12vdc battery to make sure it will fit!
    1. cut the wood to these sizes. Cut out cable notches
    2. Assemble bottom, then sides using wood glue and screws
    3. varnish several times, waiting for drying inbetween (1-2 hours?)
    4. assemble lid with piano hinge, add front clasps and top handle
    5. drill the power LED indicator hole and insert LED with current limiting resistor
  • After the fact: install your battery, add LED, power distribution box and power invertor. Use the battery clamps as the on/off switch. Put your name on it