[SJAAboard] SJAA Loaner Telescope Program.

[Mark Wagner]

Here are my thoughts on what the program should (and should not) be.  The inventory of equipment
is likely going to depend on what we agree the purpose of the program is.

I feel there are two main aspects of the program:

1.  Serving the membership.
2.  Managing the program.

We need to strike a balance that meets the needs of our members, without making management of the
program onerous to those willing to take on the job.  It is a rather thankless but valuable job.
So... thanks to Koop for having done it for so long, and to Rob and Rich for taking it over.

I think keeping it simple works best.  To me, the target member for this program is primarily one
that is being introduced to the equipment, specifically, telescopes (rather than accessories).

The telescopes in our loaner program should be as easy as possible to use.  My definition of that
is, that they be easy to set up and take down, and easy to understand how to use.  The do not need
to be of exceptional quality, but good enough to provide pleasing views and be mechanically sound.

There are some side benefits to having the inventory, such as loaning to members with scopes that
are in for repair, or want something smaller for a vacation trip, or, really, any number of other
purposes.  But the main purpose of the program is the prior paragraph.

The program should not have telescopes that are exclusive to a certain class of club member.  The
scopes should not be anything more than something fairly entry level - no esoteric designs that
are slick but of increased complexity, more fragile, or even larger aperture than reasonably
necessary for an introduction to the particular type of scope..

Keep it simple, and keep enough inventory only to be at the average level of demand  (we know
demand can spike for comets, Mars being on close approach, etc.).  Scopes are to not be stored
long term at a members home, essentially being a permanent loan.  Prune the program down to that
level, in order to make management and storage as easy on the program's administrators.

By focusing solidly on beginners, we also avoid the discussion about what is intermediate or
advanced, having to manage who is *qualified* (a real problem) to use more advanced equipment, and
risking damage to or loss of more valuable equipment.

If I were to ballpark a split of inventory for the program:

50% Dobs, 6 (very few), 8 (more) and 10 inch (most).   Solid tubes for studiness and ease of setup.

20% SCT in the 8 to 10 inch range.  Are they essentially all GoTo now?  Good mounts.

30% Refractors in the 4" range.  Good simple mounts.

I am particular to Dobs due to the bang for the buck, then refractors for their portability and
optical qualities.

Once newcomers determine what they like, higher end gear can be seen at star parties, or with
e-mail, even privately by arrangement.  The SJAA needn't concern itself with higher end gear.

I think this discussion should also include telescope donations to the club, as they end up in the
loaner program.  If a donation can replace a like scope, ok. That is, if a donation is in better
working order or condition than a current loaner scope, the donation could replace the one
currently in inventory.  The scope being replaced could be earmarked for auction, or even sold in
the Ephemeris for quicker disposal.  If a scope that is donated does not fit the program, it can
be accepted with the understanding it will benefit the SJAA by being sold, and the proceeds being
put first toward the loaner program, and if not needed there, toward whatever SJAA endeavor.

Let's keep it simple, and it'll be easy to do a great job.

Mark