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Starfest ATM Blue Box Challenge Competition Rules
Who Can Enter
An Individual or team (2 - 5) people who are willing to design and construct a fully functional 4" to 6" reflecting telescope for under $50 CDN (excluding the cost of optics) using materials that you would typically find in the Blue Box recycling program.
When Must Telescopes Be At Starfest
All telescopes entered in the competition must be at Starfest by 12:00 PM on Friday August 17, 2002. They will be set up in the area west of the main tent for display, judging, and general use as part of the evening program. On Friday, as part of the ATM program, each individual or team will be asked to give a short presentation (5 - 10 minutes) on the design and construction of their telescope.
Entrance Deadline
If you would like to enter the competition please email Norm Folkers at nfolkers by July 27, 2002 with your name, the name of the team and names of the team members (if applicable), and email address.
Optics
The primary mirror should be 4" to 6" in diameter. It can be a commercial mirror or home made.
The secondary mirror and eyepiece can be commercial or home made.
Mounting
The mounting can be Alt-Azimuth, Dobsonian, German Equatorial, Fork, Split Ring, Yoke, Ball, or a combination of these. However it cannot be a plumber's nightmare mount as per Sam Brown.
Allowable Construction Materials
Cans, glass and plastic bottles, newspaper, cardboard, anything else you would typically find in the Blue Box recycling program.
Scrap lumber, all pieces must be under 50 square inches.
Adhesives, nuts, bolts, springs, paint, that are available from your local Hardware or Building Supply store.
Materials Not Allowed
- Sono Tube
- Commercial mirror cell, secondary holder, eyepiece holder, finder scope
- Fabrication Equipment
- Hand tools, such as circular saw, scroll saw, hand drill, router, etc. are allowed
- Wood working equipment such as table saw, drill press, lathe etc. can not be used
Bill of Materials
To facilitate the judging each team should prepare a bill of materials listing the materials they used as shown below.
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