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In the News:
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January 2003
Many images taken in later summer 2002. Most have been added to web
page
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June 03 2002
First images taken with this scope are excellent. Web site updated
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May 11 2002
Setup of Ultima 11 PEC is proceeding. Time consuming adjustments has
to be made to the pier including leveling of the arm. The first night
with the Telescope reveled problems using the Celestron Astromaster
(Digital Setting Circles) due to mechanical and configuration issues.
Found encoders improperly mounted along with a slew of other adjustments
including loose bolts. I also upgraded the DEC encoder from 2160 to 4000
ticks per revolution. Initial tests of optics are very positive with no aberrations.
Scope was badly out of collimation but that is to be expected since it
was shipped from California.
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May 4 2002
Our new telescope arrived, Ultima 11 PEC, an upgrade from the Ultima
8 PEC in the observatory.
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April 12 2002
Pier installed for our portable Celestar 8 Deluxe. See Telescopes
page for details
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January 24 2002
Radial Velocity measurements completed for 53-Kappa Orionis. See
Articles and Publications
for details.
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December 20 2001
Preliminary analysis of spectroscopic data indicates further
refinement of data collection process required including increasing
sampling intervals
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November 10 2001
Collection of spectroscopic data from selected stars and binary
systems proceeding with very positive results. Expect quantitative
results posted first quarter 2002 on Stellar and Galaxy radial velocities.
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October 15 2001
Telescope and all systems are fully operational. Preliminary systems
testing indicates no problems
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August 27 2001
We
have moved the observatory to a new location with darker skies and unobstructed
view. Observatory is fully operational
and name was changed from "Marlowe Observatory" to "Willow Creek
Observatory" to reflect the new geographic location.
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June 2001
We are moving to a new location for darker skies and unobstructed
view.
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May 2001
R.A. drive system repaired on Ultima 8 PEC Telescope. Logic board and
motor replaced. Testing indicates drive system functioning perfectly.
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April 2001
Problem with electronic drive system of Ultima 8 PEC Telescope.
Erratic failures in R.A. drive system determined to be due to failing servo
motor. Replacement motor and logic boards on order and expected
to arrive soon
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March 2001
Main Telescope upgraded from Celestron Celestar 8 Deluxe to Celestron
Ultima 8 PEC. The Ultima 8 PEC Telescope has increased load capacity,
heavy duty mount with Byers worm gear and very accurate drive system.
Periodic error is only 5 arc seconds with practically no erratic
error.
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