Classic Dynascope Restored

by Patrick C. Carr, CASE President

 

Club President Patrick Carr recently undertook a new venture: restoring old telescopes! Ever since Patrick, Dr. David Cater and Michael Peterson restored the antique John Brown University five inch refractor, he has had a passion for old glass. "I've always wanted to restore old things . . . from furniture to automobiles, so when we restored the JBU refractor, I guess I kind of got the bug.", says Carr.

 

The Criterion RV-6 Dynascope is owned by club member Rick Parker of Gentry, Arkansas. The six-inch newtonian reflector scope is well over 20 years old, and he spoke with Carr about the motors no longer tracking. With the impending closeness of Mars in August, the scope needed to be ready for daily use.

 

Carr first disassembled the scope entirely. He then re-painted the tube and all parts on the mount, purchased and installed a new motor for tracking, and cleaned the entire optics set. "The scope just looks great!" says Parker.

 

This was a great opportunity to restore a classic piece of astronomical history. Carr is currently working on club treasurer Mike Peterson's three inch Taso from 1966. This should be another great project. "Everytime I take apart an old scope, I get the feeling of history. I've also learned quite a bit about the workings of these older telescopes."

 

 

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