DFM Engineering
DFM Engineering is an American telescope and optics manufacturer. [1] DFM Engineering was founded in 1979 by Frank Melsheimer. DFM makes medium size Cassegrain telescopes and their associated systems including telescope optics, control systems, and mounts. A range of pre-designed telescopes are made, as are various custom installations. In 2005 the base DFM 16"(40 cm) telescope system cost roughly 95 thousand USD. [2]
Major designs offered include
- 16" - 0.4M CCT [3]
- 20 & 24" - 0.5 & 0.6M CCT
- 32" - 0.8M CCT
- 40" - 1.0M CCT
- 50" - 1.3M CCT and larger
DFM produced a 1.6 m solar telescope for the Big Bear Solar Observatory. [4] The United States Navy purchased a 1.3 m (51-inch) DFM telescope for the United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station in Arizona, USA. [5]
DFM installations include many Universities and Institutions, including: Alfred University, Appalachian State University, Chabot Center, Clay Center-Dexter School, College of Charleston, College of Southern Idaho, Colorado University, Dickinson College, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Lewis & Clark College, Middlebury College, PARI / UNCA, Rowan University, University of Calgary, University of Michigan, University of Montreal, University of Wyoming, Valdosta State University, Virginia Military Institute, Williams College