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DFM Engineering, Inc.
1035 Delaware Ave. Unit D
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: 303-678-8143
Fax: 303-772-9411
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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!"
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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!"
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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!."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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photo courtesy: Michael Mazur, University
of Calgary
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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."
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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)."
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