by Benn Hall

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.)

https://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/scope-showcase/sdm105-20-f-5/

https://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/scope-showcase/sdm108-18-f-4-2/

https://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/scope-showcase/sdm-001/