Donated equipment to check out

I do not have the existing list which is why I have started this thread to get it started.

Good idea! I don't have the list either, and am not entirely sure what's on it. I think Ann and Paul just have the scopes in their garage.

Good idea! I don't have the list either, and am not entirely sure what's on it. I think Ann and Paul just have the scopes in their garage.

Still no list after 3 weeks, how can anyone know what to borrow without an existing list and whom to request one from.

We talked about this at the meeting last night. Ann is working on making a list, but it's taking her a long time. She has to write a description of each one, and she is taking a picture of each one as well, since many borrowers wouldn't have much of an idea what the description means.

That is good to read as this need to be a KNOWN benefit to club members who maybe starting out would find this borrowing use as a steppingstone to what they might buy later.

Paul and I have several telescopes- some small refractors and some small reflectors.  Mark has the bigger scopes and he has been the go to guy as the scopes we have are mostly untested, and may be missing some stuff.  If anyone wants to come by and literally check it out, just email me.

Ann

I would like to help on this and you can use the PM system right here for behind the scenes communication in this forum.

I'm don't think we should keep a bunch of small telescopes at all. The reason they were donated to us in the first place is that the views are not very good. If they have poor mounts, they may be frustrating to aim as well. Even worse, many of them are going to have steep learning curves. (I mean the ones with computers or even a equatorial mounts.) I think they are just as likely to turn someone off of astronomy as inspire them to pursue it. An argument could be made in favor of one travel scope or one four-inch Dobsonian that is small enough for a child to handle, but that's it in my opinion.

I'm don't think we should keep a bunch of small telescopes at all. The reason they were donated to us in the first place is that the views are not very good. If they have poor mounts, they may be frustrating to aim as well. Even worse, many of them are going to have steep learning curves. (I mean the ones with computers or even a equatorial mounts.) I think they are just as likely to turn someone off of astronomy as inspire them to pursue it. An argument could be made in favor of one travel scope or one four-inch Dobsonian that is small enough for a child to handle, but that's it in my opinion.

This is what I wanted to do is see if they meet the minimum usefulness for the club since as you state they might be too small or have poor mounts that can be discouraging to new or young members who get excited in getting a free use of a telescope that creates a bad experience even or give up the club over it.

For the better ones they should have someone with experience to guide them into using them with success this is what a good club should be doing anyway.

I have owned SCT scopes the 8" and 11" sizes on their clock drive tripod mounts have owned 17.5" F 4.5, 25" F5 and now own a 18" F 4.75, have operated an old Edmund Scientific 3" telescope with a bad mount when I was young.

I helped people stay with their telescopes when I showed them how to get them collimated which ended their chronic focusing problems, I still remember people who were very unhappy with their 13.1" Odyssey telescopes at the Oregon Star Party in 1997 when I fixed 3 scopes among a group who were there together were ready to give it up was astonished at the sudden improvement with their scopes after I collimated them, they were so happy they then observed far into the night.

I am doubting these much talked about barely seen Donated Telescopes for member use exist as it has been several years since I started asking for a list but still no list has ever been produced thus have no idea what to borrow for a session or two oh, I did borrow that 12" solid tube scope that has bad balance problem but that was THREE years ago!

How can club members realize a club benefit exist when there is no list for them and no set up on checking one out and that there is no indication they are fit for use.

How come these problems continues does anyone care about the club at all?