Len Marek's Restored Unitron Model 166 Photo Equatorial
Originally this instrument was a c. 1960s Unitron model 152, 4 inch equatorial owned by John Calabrisi who was formerly
Planetarium Director in Chatam, Va., and Assistant Director at the Roberson Museum Planetarium at Binghamton, NY.
Mr. Calabrisi donated the Unitron to the Kopernik Astronomical Society also of Binghamton, NY in 1974. Although the
instrument was initially used often, over time it fell into disuse with many parts (including the objective) eventually
turning up missing. Some years back, as the telescope was about to be junked one of the Kopernik members (George Normandin)
saw an ad placed by Len Marek who was looking for a Unitron "super-focuser". Mr. Normandin responded to the ad and asked
if Len would be interested in an entire telescope. In Mr. Normandin's words "It took some work [....], but the pile of
junk went to Len."
The telescope is now fully restored and has been converted to a model 166, 4 inch photo equatorial with fixed pier. The pier is
in Len's words, the product of "the wonderful hands and talent of James Witt of Phoenix Arizona" who built the pier as an exact
replica based on photographs of originals. Here is more on building the pier.
Posted here is a selection of images of the restored Unitron 166. Enjoy!
Click on the images for a larger view.
