Design Criteria

CAUTION: This Design Suits Our Specific Needs
I believe that this design can be adapted to may different needs. Over the years, I have heard from many people that have used the design for larger or smaller mirrors, different focal lengths, photography and such. I will post some of these examples elsewhere. Having said that, I have designed this Split Ring to meet my own needs:
No compromises in optical performance, but built for visual use only
AC or DC powered , motorized equatorial mount that maintains an object in the center of view for >15 minutes at 100x
Simple, intuitive, fun use by adults and children with no assistance (like an Edmund Astroscan)
Built using readily available material and standard garage tools
Transportable in a mid-sized 4-door sedan (or my Geo Metro)
No loose or irreplacable parts and no tools needed to set up the telescope for viewing
Minimum set up time in total darkness (my personal goal is less than 5 minutes from trunk to obeserving)
Lastly, the telescope must be interesting to look at!

I think it is important to understand why the scope is built the way it is. These criteria spring from personal experience.

For instance, after back surgery, I could no longer haul around my over-built Dobsonian. Therefore, when I rebuilt my scope as an equatorial, I used trusses for the tube assembly and a fold-down, lightweight, low-to-the-ground mount.

I drive cars, not trucks or vans, so I need something that I could fit into the trunk or back seat. If it doesn't easily fit in the back of my Geo Metro, then I probably won't get out and observevery much.

After dropping and losing a special-purpose set-screw into the grass and blowing an entire night of observing, I resolved to minimize any loose pieces. Any loose pieces that I had, should be simple, cheap and 'disposable' . Therefore, all the screws are 1/4-20 and I just carry a bag of extra wingnuts in case I drop one.

I love to observe. I take no joy in the process of setting-up the telescope. Having watched friends take 30 to 45 minutes to set up their "super-scopes", I decided that my set-up process would be as short as possible. Therefore, I am looking through my telescope long before my compatriots!

Building a telescope is expensive enough without having to use special material or parts. I like saving money without compromizing quality by using common materials. I buy or adapt almost all of my parts from the hardware store or lumber yard.

What things have influenced your decision to build a telescope? What motivates you?