Actually i've read numerous articles in the last 10 years about
backyard astonomers who have built their own reflector including the
mirror. Several guys have built their own binoculars (parallel
telescopes), designed parallelogram mounts for smaller bins, etc.
Optical instruments are cheaper now than they have ever been, so it
is
indeed easy to call Orion and place an order.


What country were the individuals in that the articles were about? Oft
times the articles are indeed about such activities, just not Americans

doing it.

hjs S&T mostly and Astronomy and to my recollection some were
international, but most in the US. And I'd hear guys talking about
building a reflector at the local astronomy club meetings.

But DIY is still alive in backyard astronomy.


Well, it isn't here, in this area.
hjs That's unfortunate because an understanding of how it works at
some level helps in the use of almost any instrument.


http://3ap.org/
http://extragalacticsystems.co=ADm/3...cilities.shtml
http://extragalacticsystems.co=ADm/3...s/brashear.jpg


It's one of the bigger clubs in the country, yet the interest in
construction and optics is nil. The facility is tremendous, and the
interest in improving it is significant, yet the work is always done by
a
small group of dedicated individuals. Otherwise, open the box, unwrap,
install batteries, enter the number, look.



And the real issue with that couple was not that they caused the
interference, but that they ignored several formal complaints from
the
FCC.


Well, no kidding. My point was that simple operation is not what HAM is

about, understanding and controlling interference is part of it. The
post
was in response to an individual's comment that operating HAM equipment

wasn't that difficult.

hjs Well, I'm glad that you agree. Yes, understanding how the
components interact and the principles of safe and efficient operation
are very important. It is too bad that prospective ham's are not
subject to practical testing covering such aspects.

And the FCC could have used a little more common sense once they
got the attention of that elderly couple. Culpability on both sides.



Not really, the couple should have complied. The HAM had even provided
them with the toroids to correct the problem, they threw them in his
garden when they heard that he was talking negatively about them. How
many HAM are being forced by zoning regulations into removing their
antenna systems (or at least spending considerable time and money
fighting the ordinances). How gleeful the neighbors are when they win
in
these type of disagreements. The neighbors were properly warned, they
just didn't believe that the FCC had the authority to fine them since
they weren't operating equipment per se.

hjs Well, sure the couple should have complied.

Regards.=20


Dr. Artaud