Some words on a 14.5" TT/4.5

Pictured from left: 14.5" TT/4.5 with special edition one-off primary, shown with shroud rolled up, electronics set-up with dual 7AH batteries, RCA Junction Box, Kendrick Controller, UTA with Feathertouch focuser and Rigel QuickFinder along with ProtoStar 4-vane spider.

Rick R. about his recently completed 14.5" TT/4.5: Just a quick report from my observing at Cherry Springs Star Party. I again, to everybody's doubts cleared the skies on Saturday night! ;-) Even though there was a lot of dew and the transparency was so-so the Milkway was observed in intricate detail in all it's glory and stars to better than 6th magnitude were easily observed.

First off, while many might have had problems with dew, I did not. I was able to observe until dawn started to light up the sky. Of course this can be directly attributed to Rob's installed Protostar Dew Heater/ spider assembly. Wow, what a difference that made and I believe is indispensable for observers in the Northeast. Also Rob's configuration with the 7amp batteries and the boundary layer fans and dew heater worked great. All night I had plenty of power with just one battery.

Having a 20" F-5 scope (stayed home) and using the Teeter 14.5" F-4.5 at Cherry Springs was a joy. No ladder at Zenith, wow what a difference and no extra ladder to pack. You have no idea how refreshing that was and the fact that I could do most observing sitting down.

I observed the Saturn Nebula at over 400x and the contrast and resolution was superb. The ease of movement meant resetting the object in the FOV was a breeze. Objects like the Veil Nebula with a 26mm Nagler and OIII Filter were unbelievable. The combination of FOV and Light gathering power could not be beat. Both "major" portions were framed beautifully with twisty and lacy nebulosity easily apparent. The resolution on globulars was outstanding even with so-so seeing, at times, cores were made up of hundreds of starry pin pricks competing for your attention.

My original intentions for having Rob build this telescope were obtained perfectly. I wanted a "Premium" Scope with outstanding optics that I could move around and set up alone that wouldn't give up much on aperture to my 20" and that would not require a large vehicle to transport to dark skies. All these requirements were easily met and exceeded. I would gladly recommend his scopes to anyone (which I did many times). His scopes are as beautiful to look at as to look through. Many at the star party remarked on the "Furniture" quality fit and finish of my telescope.

Again I'm looking forward to many, many more observing sessions with this telescope and I a long time ago made the decision that Rob is going to make a structure for my 20". I am a definitely a satisfied customer.