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13” Coulter Odyssey I Turned Ultra Compact Project
Kevin Collins

In 2006 Kevin Collins, a member of the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association, undertook a reconstruction of his 13.1" Coulter Odyssey I into an Obsession-style truss tube scope to make it more portable. While that overall goal was achieved, the height of its altitude bearings still meant it would not fit under the cover in the bed of his pickup truck. As a result, it often had to ride shotgun if wet weather was forecast going to and from observing events. In 2014 Kevin again reconstructed his 13.1" scope – this time into an Ultra Compact instrument of his own design that would fit in the bed of his truck.  Join us as he, using pictures and THE TELESCOPE ITSELF, explains the design and construction process.  He will talk about everything from laminating maple veneers for his focuser board to the intricacies of using torque worksheets to get that elusive balance and buttery smooth motion we all strive for!

Kevin is a software developer for ATC Associates in Agawam, MA, the Assistant Winemaker for Mineral Hills Winery in Florence, MA, President of the Pioneer Valley Winemakers Society, and former President of the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association.  He is also a member of The Arunah Hill Natural Science Center, and the Springfield STARS Club.  Fifteen years ago he purchased a Coulter 10" Odyssey I for $50 beginning his adventures in amateur astronomy and telescope making.  Over the years Kevin has built a 4.5" f/8 classic dob, restored a 4" f/15 Steinheil refractor found in a dump, reconstructed a 13" Coulter Odyssey I into a truss tube scope, and built a 20" f/5 truss tube scope.  The latter created an incredible opportunity for Kevin, his father, and brother to work together on a project in their adult lives.  Beyond telescope making he enjoys deep sky and visible light solar observing with family and friends.  Kevin is also an avid cyclist, hiker, photographer, and amateur winemaker. He lives with his partner in Northampton Massachusetts

NOTICE: There is a change of venue for the Pre-Meeting Dinner
Please join us for a pre-meeting dinner discussion at House of Chang, 282 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA at 6:00pm before the meeting.