Acknowledgments

I have many TM's (Telescope Makers) to thank. Some of these are included in the following excellent sources:

• The Modern Dobsonian by Tom Clark of Tectron Telescopes, is a wonderfully written book about an ATM's evolution with the Dobsonian design. Packed with useful information, especially if you like the "scope in a box" approach I took with my 13" above. Tom wrote an article in Sky and Telescope (I forget the issue) which first got me to thinking about a "travel scope."
  
  
• A Guide to Building Truss Tube Telescopes by Randy Cunningham of AstroSystems, is another book with clear explanations, formulas and notes on construction.

Both Clark and Cunningham are part of larger, commercial outfits which cater to the advanced telescope maker. Catalogs, as well as hard to manufacture parts (like truss-tube clamps) can be ordered from either Tectron (813)758-9890 or AstroSystems (303)587-5838. Both books, by the way, are stocked by Pocono Mt. Optics (800)569-4323.

• The Dobsonian Telescope by David Kriege and Richard Berry is a must have book for the ATM. Both Berry and Kriege are synonymous with advanced--though simple--telescope making techniques. Available through Willmann-Bell.
  
  
• In addition to the above books, or booklets, I suggest you not only subscribe to, but order all the back issues of Amateur Astronomy magazine. This quarterly is only four years old, but is--without a doubt--the finest magazine for the amateur; especially the amateur telescope maker.
  
  
• The ATM Journal is another excellent quarterly committed to the interests of the amateur telescope maker.
  
  

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