NightSky Scopes, LLC
61432 Daspit Rd.
Lacombe, LA 70445
985-882-9269
scopes@nightskyscopes.com

ABOUT NIGHTSKY SCOPES

NightSky Scopes was created after my search for the optimal large telescope was realized. I looked at many telescopes over the years, at star parties, stores, and the Internet.

After much frustration with a 12.5" sonotube Dobsonian, I decided a Dobsonian-mounted truss tube Newtonian telescope was the way to go. But it needed to be done in a way that was attractive but still built for maximum performance and it needed to come complete with the necessary accessories ( i.e., light shrouds, Telrads, and wheelbarrow handles).

Nothing on the truss telescope market was exactly what I was looking for, and after having been in the construction industry as an electrician for 12 years, I had picked up enough carpentry, flooring, plumbing and general construction skills to become fairly handy. I had a small shop full of power tools and had done a lot of "home improvement" renovation projects and furniture building at my home that I felt confident in building a wooden telescope.

I made the first NightSky Scope with the optics from that 12.5" Sonotube telescope and was quite pleased with the outcome, as were several fellow club members who commissioned me to make telescopes for them using their optics from their large Sonotube telescopes.

A lot of time and research went into designing the mirror cells for NSS. The mirror cell is the heart of any Newtonian telescope. Many hours were spent drilling, welding, wandering through auto parts stores and Home Depot. Finally, with indispensable help from my friend Louis Roussel, my welder, the design for the mirror cell was completed and implemented.

After completing three telescopes, my original 12.5" f/4.8, a 16" f/4.5 and a 12.5" f/6, the results were well received and the idea that I should go into business building telescopes was mentioned more than once.

I took that advice and started NightSky Scopes in March of 2001 and it has grown from there.

Many of my customers have offered ideas or asked for certain additions to their scopes that turned into features I now offer. I am always willing to hear an idea for an addition or an improvement.

The most notable additions asked for by customers that are now permanent additions:

Offering Sky Commander DSC's installed.

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Focusers

Making the altitude bearings "spoke" style instead of solid "D's"

Most recently, The ServoCat GOTO and Tracking system from StellarCat.

Many improvements have been implemented since those first few scopes and the design will continue to evolve as new ideas and technologies develop. The number of satisfied NightSky Telescopes owners continues spread across the country and overseas.

Jim Nadeau
Owner

and... turner of every screw, cutter of every cut, finisher of every finish, and builder of every scope!