Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Apr 25, 2013 11:45:55 GMT -6
Four Inch Unitron Refractor Telescope on Dennis the Menace
I recently viewed an episode of a 1959 Dennis the Menace which highlighted a very cool Unitron 4" Achromatic Refractor. Mr. Wilson buys a larger scope after trading up from a smaller one...
He's sharing solar views with a buddy, who is describing great Penumbra detail. The Unitron has an incredible 5' long tube at 1500mm and at f/15. It's got a 10x42 finder scope and slip-in eyepiece sleeve on the diagonal....
The scope had the option of the "UniHex" turret...
With a beefy base, the entire set-up weighed 109 lbs and came packed in a crafted wooden case.
But on with the show....
Mr. Wilson finally gets some solo scope time, observing the Sun, set-up in his back yard...
Couple of things here....first no solar filter on the aperture! He's using one of those dangerous eyepiece filters...I wonder how many budding astronomers kept up with amateur astronomy with their remaining good eye...? Second, the accessory tray & Tripod safety chain are taken down...I guess to bring the eyepiece lower and allow for the camera shot with Dennis.
The Unitron came with a solar projection screen and here, one can see the rod brackets..
The Unitron had the option of using 1.25" eyepieces, but it looks like that Mr. Wilson is using .096 eyepieces. Shame , with all that light gathering ability of the 4" piece of glass, the photons are crunched through ever smaller tubing.
I like the Slo-mo control knobs of this scope...
Different shaped knobs for the Dec and R.A controls. Here is a closer look...
This is a great idea. Also shown is the Clock-drive gearing.
The tolerances must have been tight with the finder scope bracket. Look at the adjustment screws and the lack of extended screw length. Just enough for slight nudging and tweaking.
But, Mr. Wilson is not in a proper observing position...
Been there...
During this solar session, we get a stock view of a 1950's solar face...
I like those two alignment points - Hmmmm
As all good Chicago Astronomers do, we share views with all who are curious..
And...there will always be those who must grab on to the scope with filthy grubby fingers...
To the dismay of Mr. Wilson...and rightfully so...
Later on that night, Mr.Wilson does some evening observing...
This time, the accessory tray and chains are back in their proper secure position. (I'm surprised that the whole scope didn't collapse earlier!)
Then the show goes on about Mr. Wilson catching a mysterious celestial object in the FOV of the scope...
Of course, the object is Dennis based and Mr. Wilson gets depressed about being embarrassed in the local papers and goes into hibernation...
I'm glad Mr. Wilson brings the scope in, but I doubt he did it solo. He has given up amateur astronomy after this negative experience with Dennis and wants it out of the house.
I'll take it!...
A fun episode, (which I have never seen before), with a great scope.
