[SJAAboard] Thoughts on requirements for scopes larger than 10"

[Mark Wagner]

> SUMMARY
>
> A rebuilt 28, the LightBridge, and the Zeider scope will provide a robust
> program while reducing our storage risk. This would reduce our 2006
> inventory of 8 mostly poor scopes to 3 excellent ones. That includes
> finishing the rebuild of 28.

I feel the Albert scope decision is primary, before the rest of the loaner program, as Albert is
requesting a disposition.  As I stated when the topic first came up, I am not a fan of that scope
for the loaner program.  This gets back to the "purpose' of the program, which to my tastes #28,
the LightBridge (which I'm not a real fan of either) and the Zeider scope fit.  The Albert design
is esoteric, not really representative of what is available commercially (it is "boutique" from a
one-man specialty shop, essentially making its long term availability more questionable), and is
costly by most standards. It "sticks out" in the program.

I am aware that there are a number of people in the area that are devotees of the design, and I
have little critical to say of it, but I also think buyers and builders of that design are
somewhat vested in their praise (and no, I am not damning it in any way).

I just don't feel it is a real "fit" for the SJAA program.  I would rather see a fixed up 13.1"
Coulter, lightened, tweaked, inexpensively, if we wanted another larger Dob.  There were two
examples on TAC of cheap 13" scopes, just yesterday.

Mark