Every SDM telescope is a handcrafted original with 300 – 400 hours of skilled craftsmanship lavished upon each creation. Delivery dates are best estimates but I will not rush the delivery of your SDM. Your scope is as important to me as it is to you. Your SDM is fully field tested so that I can be completely satisfied you are receiving your ultimate dream telescope that will reward you with unparalleled viewing pleasure and the “WOW” factor. Every SDM telescope carries with it my personal seal of approval and an enormous amount of kudos.
In June 2022, I set off on a 2,800 kilometre drive from Cairns to Charleville to collect my new 20″ f/5 SDM #105. The full trip would have been 5,400 kilometres, but Peter—being the gentleman he is—offered to meet me halfway. Charleville’s Cosmos Centre currently houses the original SDM #1, a 30″ f/5 that, after twenty years of service, needed some attention. Peter asked if I’d lend a hand while we were there. Absolutely.
Another SDM owner, Steve Jones, and his wife Sue were also heading to Charleville with their new 18″ f/4.2 SDM #108 for a refresher on setup and collimation. I hired a trailer and drove south through some very remote country, while Peter and his wife Kim travelled from Shepparton. I was buzzing with excitement—collecting my scope, meeting Peter, attending a mini SDM star party, and spending time with a monster dob.
The drive took two long days of nine hours each. I arrived late in the afternoon, checked in, and met everyone at the Charleville RSL for a well earned drink and meal. Conversation flowed easily; I knew straight away I was among relaxed, genuine people. After dinner, the five of us headed to the Cosmos Centre, rolled out the SDMs, and were soon sharing views of Jupiter and M104. My 20″ performed brilliantly—the Mary Rose mirror lived up to its reputation—and Steve’s 18″ was equally impressive. Fatigue eventually won, and we packed up in the dark… which later explained why I accidentally took Steve’s truss pole case and he took my accessory case, resulting in another 3,400 kilometre round trip weeks later.
We spent the next two days working on the 30″. Its sheer size was astonishing, as was the custom platform needed just to reach the eyepiece. With a 3.8 metre focal length, it was hilarious watching Peter’s head poke above the observatory roof while he and Steve troubleshot the bearings. Kim, Sue, Steve, and I helped Peter strip the scope, repair what was needed, and reassemble it. I held torches, provided muscle, and even rode inside the rocker box (yes, it really was that big). Steve was clearly technically capable as he and Peter stripped down and tightened the Servocat motors, elbowing each other out of the way to reach the power source. At one point we even borrowed nail polish from Kim’s handbag. Between tasks we viewed the Sun through the centre’s 230 mm f/7 Lunt LS230THa and explored the facilities. There were plenty of laughs, good conversations, and a shared appreciation for these incredible instruments.
By the final night, the 30″ was back together. We returned to test the goto and enjoy a short viewing session. Even slightly out of collimation, it was a memorable experience.
Everyone headed home the next morning. I reached Cairns three days later. For Peter and Kim, it was probably just another delivery trip. For Steve and me, it was an adventure we’ll never forget. I came home with a new scope and great memories shared with truly fantastic people.
(For Steve Jones, who lost his hard fought battle with cancer – Jan 2026.)
I had the privilege of joining Ben Wong to check out his new SDM scope at Pete’s place in Bunbartha. In truth, I mostly wanted to tag along to see “Santa’s workshop,” and Ben kindly let me come along. 🙂
We arrived in the afternoon and were treated to a personal tour of Peter’s workshop. The range of tools, jigs, and half completed components was incredible. Pete patiently explained what each tool was used for, and it was fascinating to see how he organises materials and moves each scope through the build process.
The Main Event: SDM #115
Then came the real reason for the trip: seeing Ben’s 20″ f/3.3 Lockwood SDM. What a stunning instrument. It stood fully assembled, gleaming in the afternoon light.
Peter walked us through collimation and the use of the Nexus DSC, which would come in handy later that night. Ben even got to learn how to use his new scope right there in the workshop — a rare privilege.
After a great dinner at a local Japanese restaurant, darkness had settled in, so we headed to a nearby property with a clear horizon to set up.
Under the Stars
Setting up the SDM was effortless, especially with the master craftsman himself lending a hand.
Once the scope was aligned and cooled, SDM #115 performed flawlessly. Sirius B (the Pup) was clean and obvious. 47 Tuc exploded with stars across the field. The Lockwood mirror was exceptional — pinpoint stars, razor sharp focus, and beautiful contrast across a range of eyepieces, especially in the Nikon NAV HWs.
Wrapping Up
As always, it was a pleasure catching up with Peter and seeing what he’s been working on. Sharing first light with Ben’s new SDM made the trip even more special.
Australia just had its BIGGEST star party yet! Not in quantity of numbers, but aperture 🙂 An exclusive group of owners of SDM Telescopes gathered under the same dark sky as our professional observatories in line of sight to the Siding Spring Observatory.
18 monster dobs from numerous states travelled hundreds of kilometres to gather under pristine sky, and what memorable views they produced. Hopefully this will be the first gathering of many – the views of the Tarantula Nebula through host Allan Wades 32″ will never be bettered! Photo credits go to Mike Lockwood, that very fine maker of large mirrors who travelled from the States to check out the Southern Skies.
Report from Stephen Hovell, Kaitaia, North Island, New Zealand Proud owner of “KORORIA” 28″ f/3.3 SDM#062 with Mike Lockwood optics.
I had been waiting for a long time when Kororia finally arrived in New Zealand. After paying Customs and GST I was told that they could not guarantee delivery until Monday, 27th March but Pete was arriving on Saturday 25th. So I decided to drive the 700km return journey myself and bring Kororia back on a trailer. The men loaded the huge box (2.4 x 1.2 x 1.2m and weighing around 600kg) onto the trailer then I made my way very carefully homewards. Some of our Northland roads are pretty windy and I didn’t want the precious contents strewn over the road. So it was a slow trip home. I had frequent stops to left other drivers past.
Pete and his 90 year old Uncle Merv arrived on the morning of Saturday 25th. The big box was waiting on the trailer up at my observatory, Pukemaru Observatory. The observatory is 4.8m wide, 7.2m long with a slide-off roof that comes 2/3 of the way off. I also have fold-down walls on three sides. Peter designed my telescope so it could see over the walls when they were folded down. In fact I can get down to within 7° of the horizon with half of the mirror (half of 28” is 14” and that’s still pretty good) although I tend not to look so low.
journey myself and bring Kororia back on a trailer. The men loaded the huge box (2.4 x 1.2 x 1.2m and weighing around 600kg) onto the trailer then I made my way very carefully homewards. Some of our Northland roads are pretty windy and I didn’t want the precious contents strewn over the road. So it was a slow trip home. I had frequent stops to left other drivers past.