2. Other

Woodland Hills School Dist. Refractor

This 9 inch refractor was made by C. E. Mackett & Co Mfrs & Opticians in Brighton England and has been housed in the Woodland Hills High School in Churchill Boro., near Pittsburgh, PA. Much of the instrument is good condition. It yeilds sharp contrasty images as reported by Jayson Kowinsky who teaches astronomy. Dave Smith & I were able to document this instrument on Nov 10, 2006. Dave Smith's shots are #109-#137 For more about the history of this telescope see: http://telescopium.org/Woodland_Hills_Refractor.html
Read More
  • Observers end of the telescope reveals the manufacturer

    Observers end of the telescope reveals the manufacturer

  • Telescope from the observers end reveals the instruments maker.

    Telescope from the observers end reveals the instruments maker.

  • Here we see that the refractors rack and pinion focuser has been replaced. It is an A. Jaegers focuser characterized by the bright red focusing knob and orver all design. Over the years the Jaegers focuser wore out and one red knob and pinion gear were replaced by an Edmund Scientific Co. doner. That is why the knob on the right is black! ( The "doner" Edmund telescope is shown in another image.)

    Here we see that the refractors rack and pinion focuser has been replaced. It is an A. Jaegers focuser characterized by the bright red focusing knob and orver all design. Over the years the Jaegers focuser wore out and one red knob and pinion gear were replaced by an Edmund Scientific Co. doner. That is why the knob on the right is black! ( The "doner" Edmund telescope is shown in another image.)

  • Jayson Kowinski teaches Astronomy and Physics at Woodland Hills High in Churchill Borough, PA.

    Jayson Kowinski teaches Astronomy and Physics at Woodland Hills High in Churchill Borough, PA.

  • Jason removes the "shower cap" from the main objective lens.

    Jason removes the "shower cap" from the main objective lens.

  • Jayson and Dave Smith at the objective end of the clasic telescope.

    Jayson and Dave Smith at the objective end of the clasic telescope.

  • one of the finderscopes is not currently on the imstrument.

    one of the finderscopes is not currently on the imstrument.

  • Here's a view of the equatorial mount assembly. Upon inspection I have determined this to be made by Cave Optical of Long Beach California. It was designed for their larger instruments and feaured 2-1/2 inch steel shafts. We have no idea if the Cave mounting replaced the original Mackett & Co mount or if the instrument was simply designed to incorporate the Cave mount as part of the design. It however appears to me that the Mackette tube assembly is quite a bit older than the Cave mount.

    Here's a view of the equatorial mount assembly. Upon inspection I have determined this to be made by Cave Optical of Long Beach California. It was designed for their larger instruments and feaured 2-1/2 inch steel shafts. We have no idea if the Cave mounting replaced the original Mackett & Co mount or if the instrument was simply designed to incorporate the Cave mount as part of the design. It however appears to me that the Mackette tube assembly is quite a bit older than the Cave mount.

  • Another image of the Cave mount and clock drive.

    Another image of the Cave mount and clock drive.

  • Two American made Bristol motor's viewed here are used to run the telescope. One controls the Clock drive the other is for the slow motion control.

    Two American made Bristol motor's viewed here are used to run the telescope. One controls the Clock drive the other is for the slow motion control.

  • This assembly consisting of two 1 rpm motors goes into the telescopes main disk and worm gear box.

    This assembly consisting of two 1 rpm motors goes into the telescopes main disk and worm gear box.

  • Close-up of one of the gear motors, both being identical. Bristol Motors has been superceded by Cramer Co. The motors have been futher identified as standard clock drive motors used by the Cave Optical Co; and futher supports the belief that the mounting is by Cave. The motors are 115 Volt 60 cycle 4 Watt units running at only 1 rpm. Since this image has been taken we have located several replacements and will soon be installed.

    Close-up of one of the gear motors, both being identical. Bristol Motors has been superceded by Cramer Co. The motors have been futher identified as standard clock drive motors used by the Cave Optical Co; and futher supports the belief that the mounting is by Cave. The motors are 115 Volt 60 cycle 4 Watt units running at only 1 rpm. Since this image has been taken we have located several replacements and will soon be installed.

  • Interesting assortment of gears to control telescope tracking.

    Interesting assortment of gears to control telescope tracking.

  • The telescope moves freely about both RA and Decl. axises and is quite comfortable to move by hand. The telescope tube also tapers from larger (at the main lens) to smaller at the observers end. This of course is the design used in older refractors and helps off set the balence of the scope at the tail end for finders and other accessories. (Dave Smith and Jayson Kowinsky pictured.)

    The telescope moves freely about both RA and Decl. axises and is quite comfortable to move by hand. The telescope tube also tapers from larger (at the main lens) to smaller at the observers end. This of course is the design used in older refractors and helps off set the balence of the scope at the tail end for finders and other accessories. (Dave Smith and Jayson Kowinsky pictured.)

  • Jayson examines the instruments tail stock assembly.

    Jayson examines the instruments tail stock assembly.

  • Untitled photo
  • In this image the original green color of the lens housing is very apparent.

    In this image the original green color of the lens housing is very apparent.

  • As we can see the original color of the telescope was green. The lens appears to be in great condition!!

    As we can see the original color of the telescope was green. The lens appears to be in great condition!!

  • The reflection of Dave Smith appears in the objective of the Woodlawn Hills Telescope.

    The reflection of Dave Smith appears in the objective of the Woodlawn Hills Telescope.

  • Untitled photo
  • Untitled photo
  • Here I am holding the objective end of the telescope which has mistakenly refered to as 10 inches. Actual lens diameter when we measured appears to be about 9 inches.

    Here I am holding the objective end of the telescope which has mistakenly refered to as 10 inches. Actual lens diameter when we measured appears to be about 9 inches.

  • Untitled photo
  • Untitled photo
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.