DFM Engineering, Inc.
1035 Delaware Ave. Unit D
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: 303-678-8143
Fax: 303-772-9411

 
 
Customer Testimonials
 

Alfred University
Appalachian State University
AURA, Inc.
Chabot Center
Clay Center-Dexter School
College of Southern Idaho
Colorado University


Dickinson College
Emory University
Johns Hopkins University
Middlebury College
PARI / UNCA
Private - Dr. Ron Kohl
Rowan University

University of Calgary
University of Michigan
University of Montreal
University of Wyoming
Valdosta State University
Virginia Military Institute
Williams College


 

Dr. Patrick Seitzer
University of Michigan
Department of Physics and Astronomy


..."The University of Michigan's Curtis-Schmidt telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory is dedicated to an optical survey for space debris at geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) for NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office in Houston."
..."DFM Engineering installed new drives on this telescope in March 2005, bringing the telescope and dome under complete computer control."
..."This very successful rebuild was accomplished extremely quickly - from the start of removal of old drives to first pointing tests with all new drives and computer TCS took less than 5 days!"
..."The system is extremely reliable. Customer service and software support has been uniformly excellent!"

 

 

Dr. Michael Castelaz, Director
Astronomical Studies and Education
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute


..."The telescope is excellent.!"
... PARI's West Optical Observatory goes online with a new 16-inch optical DFM telescope.

...PARI and University of North Carolina, Asheville partner in exposing students of all levels to both the development and use of highly technical instrumentation.
...Such experience is very unusual even for graduate students. For undergrads to participate at this level is certainly unique.

 

 

Dr. Robert Boyle
Dickinson College
Department of Physics and Astronomy

..."The 24 inch telescope manufactured and installed by DFM Engineering has been a great addition to our scientific program."
..."It features the GAM (Guide Acquire Module) and Filter Wheel with the most recent upgrade to DFM's state-of-the-art telescope control system."
..."It has exceeded our goals and expectations."
..."More students are interested in the sciences and enrollment in our physics and astronomy classes has increased."

 

 

Dr. Ken Rumstay
Valdosta State University
Department of Astronomy and Physics

..."The telescope operates wonderfully and is a joy to use!"
..."Our students have really been impressed by it, as have our administrators."

 

 

Mr. Chris Andersen
College of Southern Idaho
Herrett Center for Arts and Science

..."My experience with DFM Engineering has been a positive one in every way possible. From well before the time the telescope was delivered,"
..." When we told them about our unique requirements for an extremely handicapped-friendly telescope, they eagerly accepted the challenge and delivered the first-of-its-kind ARE-125 optical relay to provide us with world-class handicap access."
..." Their advice and guidance in the construction of the telescope pier and observatory paid off with a superbly stable, vibration-free image and a thermal environment which, on the second night of operations, exceeded the best seeing achieved at our site during the previous seven years." (first light image M-27)
..." During the telescope installation, I found the DFM staff to be professional, personable, and genuinely dedicated to delivering an opto-mechanical package of superb quality. It was very clear that they take pride in their product, and intend to stand behind it for years to come. "
..." I recommend DFM Engineering wholeheartedly to anyone considering the purchase of a high-quality astronomical telescope."

 

 

Dr. Dan Caton
Appalachian State University
Rankin Science Observatory

..."We have been a very satisfied customer of DFM's for at least 20 years. We originally purchased control hardware for two older telescopes. Since then, DFM provided TCS and a control system for another telescope. Thereafter, in 1995, we purchased from DFM a 32" telescope and, in August 2002, a 16" telescope complete with a filter wheel and slide mirror."
..." The quality of their software and hardware is great and the telescopes work well."
..."What we like best is DFM goes beyond their warranty period to help their customers. We can call at any time to receive help."
..."We believe we have an interactive relationship with both parties benefiting and I regularly advocate DFM telescopes."
..."Our Dean has a saying: You will never be disappointed when you invest in quality. We believe in this so strongly that I am currently writing another proposal to fund an additional DFM telescope."
..."Their craftsmanship and professional services are unsurpassed! We recommend them highly!"

 


 

Dr. Ray DuVarney
Emory University
Mathematics and Science Center

..."Located within the silver dome atop the Mathematics and Science Center, the gleaming DFM Cassegrain telescope is the centerpiece of the physics department's new astronomy program."
..."This majestic piece of modern scientific equipment is one of the major attractions on our campus."
..."We are delighted to utilize this fine instrument and be associated with the expert staff of DFM Engineering."
..." The quality craftsmanship and professional service is unsurpassed!."
..." We recommend them highly!."

 


 

Ron Dantowitz
Dexter School
Clay Center

..."We required a professional research tool with a low operating budget and minimal maintenance requirements. We also needed a system that was user-friendly, yet capable of completely robotic remote operation."
..."In addition to manufacturing our telescope and mount, DFM was also instrumental in the planning of our overall facility."
..."The DFM staff are experts in complete observatory design, and their assistance was invaluable."
..."As far as cost is concerned, it is true that there are less expensive telescopes. Yet, after months of 'comparison shopping', the combination of DFM's proven performance, product reliability, overall quality and comprehensive engineering services made the decision to purchase a DFM telescope an easy one."
..."I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone planning an observatory seriously consider including DFM’s expertise and products in their facility."

 


 

Steve Ratcliffe
Middlebury College
Bicentennial Hall

..."Bicentennial Hall is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced buildings of its type in New England, and we are very proud to utilize a specialized scientific instrument such as a DFM Engineering 24" computer controlled research telescope."
...Our DFM system also offers Azimuth dome control, the remote controlled version of the imaging guide acquire module with motorized off-axis guiding, the DFM remote monitor and keyboard in the dome, and a GPS receiver for setting TCS time."
..."The week of expert installation by the DFM team proved to be very successful."
..."We are extremely pleased with our new DFM Engineering telescope and instrumentation."

 


 

Raymond T. Martin
University of Wyoming
Red Buttes Observatory

..."Our 60cm DFM Cassegrain has been in nearly continuous operation at our Red Buttes Observatory since 1995 as a tool for Graduate and Undergraduate research. In that time literally hundreds of students have been introduced to professional astronomy with this instrument. The simplicity of operation, accuracy, dependability and quality of the engineering have provided a near perfect platform for astronomical research allowing the students to concentrate on their actual projects rather than spending their time fighting with the telescope."
..."Although quite a few manufacturers advertise their professional quality and performance too many are just upgraded amateur instruments and are simply not designed or engineered to do professional level research."
..."Customer service at DFM is second to none."
..."A little more expensive than their nearest competitor, certainly but you get what you pay for in quality, reliability, customer service and the comfort in knowing that they will still be around for years to come."
..."Thanks DFM."

 


 

Dr. Alan Uomoto
Johns Hopkins University
Center for Astrophysical Sciences

..."The 20" DFM telescope you moved from Johns Hopkins University to Apache Point Observatory in Sunspot, NM, is performing very well for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey."
..."The telescope is operated from our on-site control room using your DFM external computer control feature to point and focus. The observing computer automatically selects the program and calibration fields and the system runs "hands-off" during the night."
..."Many thanks and congratulations to you and your expert crew for delivering this quality instrument for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey."

 


 

Dr. Alan Hildebrand
University of Calgary
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

..."Our Baker-Nunn telescope upgrade was performed by DFM Engineering of Longmont, Colorado. We are very happy with our telescope control system upgrade as it augments the Patrol Camera project. The camera, with its custom optical tube assembly, is used to survey selected regions of the sky to discover asteroids, comets, and variable stars for further study, and required explicit considerations."
..."Special thanks to Mark Kelley and Dr. Frank Melsheimer of DFM for helping us to achieve our goals. Their professional expertise was immeasurable."
..."We are very pleased."

 


photo courtesy: Michael Mazur, University of Calgary



 

Mr. Stephan E. Martin
Williams College
Hopkins Observatory

..."We're very happy with our DFM 24" telescope here at Williams College."
..."Our DFM Engineering telescope has functioned beautifully at Williams since its installation in 1991, with pointing and tracking precision rivaling or surpassing any other telescope of its size today."
..."It has truly been a joy to observe with, and we are very satisfied."

 



 

Dr. Robert Lamontagne
University of Montreal
Mt. Megantic Observatory

..."I want to let you know how much we are pleased with the results of DFM's fine work. Right from the start, every aspect of the retrofit was handled smoothly and professionally."
..."The net result of this upgrade is a 10-15% gain in efficiency of the telescope observing time. It’s like getting an extra 15 clear nights every year - time enough to complete one or two more scientific projects. That’s a real bonus!"
..." From the astronomers, the students, the night assistants, and myself, congratulations for a job well done! It has been a pleasure doing business with you (and we hope to do some more in the future)."

 


 

How To Buy A Telescope

Paper: How To Buy A Telescope (.pdf 92K)

 

 

Company History

Letter From the President

Our Credentials