15" Teeter Scope
In the summer of 2003 I was thinking of purchasing a little more friendly
and easier to use large Dobsonian telescope. I wanted a scope that had plenty
of aperture, easy to assemble and disassemble, and not need the use of a ladder
when the scope was pointed toward zenith. The scope had to have everything top
notch, meaning an excellent mirror, focuser, dew controls, digital setting circles,
and excellent woodwork and construction. I decided on a 15" f/4.5 telescope
and started checking out different manufacturers like Obsession, Starmaster,
McTelescopes, and Teeter's Telescopes. I had heard many good reports about R.F.Royce
mirrors and decide that would be my primary mirror. Obsession Telescopes didn't
use this that mirror manufacturer, and Starmaster was back logged using Zambutto
mirrors which I would have settled on. My only two choices were McTelescopes
and Teeter's Telescopes.
Rob Teeter of Teeter's Telescopes found out I was interested and invited me
over to see his work. I already looked at McTelescopes but I was impressed by
Rob's detail of finish. I was able to sit down and design a telescope that would
offer top performance in a solid beautiful package. The components of the telescope
included a 15" f/4.5 Royce mirror. 1/20 wave Antares diagonal, Feather
touch focuser, Telrad, Sky Commander digital setting circles, dew heater for
the telrad and diagonal, three fans, two to blow across the mirror, and one
to blow behind the mirror, wood finish and brass fittings throughout. The wood
and finish are first rate with Gloss Marine Spar Varnish coatings. For moving
the scope around wheel barrow handles are included, and a shroud to block ambient
light.
This is one terrific performing telescope and very user friendly. Everyone
has raved about the images and how good this scope looks. Some observers think
Rob Teeter over builds his scopes, but that is a matter of opinion. Rob will
build you a scope with either 1/2" or 3/4" wood construction, it's
usually your preference. The corners of the box are protected by brass fittings,
the fans are covered by brass grills, and any exposed are in brass to make a
truly beautifully looking scope. Rob uses Moonlite ball and socket truss tube
connectors, and Astrosystems spider and diagonal holder with thumbscrew adjustments
(however, ProtoStar diagonals and spiders are now standard). He will also use
other manufacturers equipment if you request it. I also had him line the inside
of the upper tube assembly with low-pill black velvet to absorb any possible
glare.
Now when I have star parties for kids or the general public, I don't need
to worry about someone falling off a ladder, and it's also easier and less tiring
on myself not having to climb back up the ladder to make adjustments. Because
I don't have to climb steps and the scope is easier to move around I can see
more objects within a set time frame than using the larger telescopes. If I
come to an interesting object that I need more aperture I can go to my larger
scopes.
In a dark sky you can see objects 15 magnitude or fainter, and the movement
of the telescope in all directions is very good. The movement is right ascension
or right to left motion is just as easy and as smooth as any scope made, but
in the declination the tension of movement requires a little more effort but
it's what I need because of the heavy eyepieces and binoviewer I use. This is
a wonderful planetary scope even though it's only an f/4.5 ratio due to the
top quality mirrors used. I don't have a motor drive on this scope but by using
a binoviewer and widefield eyepieces it's easy to keep a planet or object in
the field of view by its smooth easy movement. I have had this scope at 365x
on a good night and the images were pinpoint and rock steady. Widefield views
of star clusters and galaxy groups because of its short focal ratio is another
plus for this scope. Panning with a wide field eyepiece through the milky way
region is just fantastic, just so many cluster, nebula, and stars from horizon
to horizon.
The telescope sets up in 10 minutes, and breaks down even faster. Total weight
of the bottom part of the telescope including the mirror is about 75 pounds.
I'm looking forward in the coming years of enjoying this wonderful telescope
because of its ease of viewing. Pinpoint images, and great construction. I also
want to thank Rob Teeter for sending me pictures and emails through all the
building stages until completion.
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