• ALAT - Airborne Large Aperture Telescope.
  A ~3 meter telescope (or array of telescopes) deployed at ~21 km altitude on a Multiple-Function Lighter Than Air Platform. (40K text file plus ~1 megabyte of linked graphics)
• ARDOC - Airborne Relay for Deep-Space Optical Communication. (Major part of ALAT paper; 40K text file)
• Spin-off Applications for LTA (Lighter Than Air) Related Technology. (Part of ALAT paper; 40K text file).
• PDF file of entire ALAT paper, a previous ARDOC paper, and all related illustrations. (1.6 mb).

• Accessible Telescopes: Windows to the Universe for People Living with Disabilities (New! 10/2018)
  (1.8MB PDF file. Describes several designs for wheelchair-accessible telescopes, plus ways that existing telescopes can be modified to be accessible. Also includes a few brief telescope reviews.)
• Adventures in Astrophotography with a Small Telescope.
  This paper includes an Astrophotography Exposure Guide and step by step instructions for off-axis guided astrophotography 35K text file (linked images will be added later)
• Astronomical Images, Acquired from Within 10 Meters of a Shielded Streetlight (20K html file with 500k of linked images)
• Astro Gadgets! Amateur Telescope Making Projects.
• Flip Mirrors and Other Optical Image Switching Systems.
  This paper begins with a history of image switching system (flip mirror, etc.) development for astronomical telescopes, including the development of the Versacorp VersAgonal as an amateur project in 1982. It focuses on the use of flip mirrors and other image switching systems for subject acquisition and convenient switching between visual and photographic use of a telescope or other optical system. Some systems, such as the patented Versacorp DiaGuider, combine the functions of a flip mirror and off-axis guider. Most of this document is under construction.
• Notes and errata for the book Practical Astrophotography (Under Construction) Short web document with minor updates and errata information for the book.

• Influence of Marginal Ray Angle to Anti Alias Filter on Digital Image Quality. Ever wonder why you get unwanted edge and corner blur when you use wide angle rangefinder lenses on your Micro 4/3 and other interchangeable lens digital cameras? Here's why.

• Part 1: Converting Panoramas to Circular Images and Vice Versa - Without a Computer! (60K text file) (Linked graphics and images will be added later)
• Part 2: All-sky Reflector with "Invisible" Axial Camera Support (updated version with ~250 K of images). This paper is available in two other versions: As published in the 1988 RTMC Proceedings (under construction) and as published on the web in August, 1996. (30K text file)
• Part 3: Techniques for Wide Angle Eclipse Photography (30K text file with ~250K of images)
• Part 4: Fun with Wide Angle Optics (under construction)

• See Linked Eclipse Chaser table of contents below
• Or go directly to the Eclipse Chaser web page at: http://www.eclipsechaser.com

• Preliminary Proposal for Rebuilding the New York World Trade Center Site, a paper that presents concepts and designs for infrastructure and memorials that may be applicable to rebuilding at the New York WTC Site, with emphasis on construction that increases resistance to attack. (260K PDF file)
• Proposed Design for World Trade Center / September 11 Memorial at New York WTC Site. This paper presents a memorial design for the World Trade Center site that is compatible with the LMDC-Selected Libeskind site plan and the mission statement, guiding principles, and program elements for the WTC memorial competition. (900K PDF file, posted 8 Sept., 2003)
• XGA size Screen saver image of Jeffrey R. Charles' Design for WTC Memorial
  (For free nonprofit individual use on condition that Copyright notice is left intact.)
• Concept papers for large aperture antennas, earth science, etc. Compilation of brief 1995 era concept papers for proposed space mission and earth science infrastructure, orbital debris removal, related studies, etc. (90K PDF file)
• Optical Air Traffic Detection System. Brief 1996 feasibility study for an air traffic detection system intended to prevent illumination of aircraft during laser light shows. (60K PDF file)

• Sinking of the Steamship Titanic, a 1975 essay by Jeffrey R. Charles, written for an assignment in high school. Includes more recent analysis about the possibility of delaying the sinking by counter flooding, and whether the Titanic really broke in two at the surface vs. locally imploding beneath the surface. (40K text file)

• HO Model Railroading on 1m x 1.25m Industrial Shelving - a real space saver!

• The Falsehood of Cosmic Doomsday Myths: Fact Versus Fiction in the Solar System.
  The purpose of this paper is to ameliorate distraction and unease many may have experienced due to "doomsday scenarios" that were circulated circa 2008, some of which involve a so-called "rogue planet". Specifically, the somewhat long document demonstrates that, based on the current state of the Solar System and the laws of physics, many predicted "doomsday scenarios" are mere fantasy, won't happen "on cue", and in fact cannot happen, particularly in the near term time frame most proponents predict. It is different from my other papers, but necessary because it appears that more and more people are being influenced by false "doomsday scenarios", and this trend has to stop. The paper is intended to neutralize the impact false doomsday scenarios may potentially have on people, specifically in the Church, where there are at least two "lines of defense" (spiritual and intellectual) against such "false teaching". The paper emphasizes religious arguments against many "popular" doomsday scenarios, but also addresses secular concerns about such far-fetched, false predictions. This is because the so-called "science" in a vast majority of such predictions is flawed in obvious ways. The paper was first presented on 22 August, 2008, in Downey, California. The linked file is only in draft form. (900KB PDF File)

• Who Will Cry for Humanity (2010)
  A tribute to victims of war and terrorism, with emphasis on 9/11.

• Samyang 8 mm Proportonal Projection (e.g. quasi-stereographc) Wide Angle Lens (2009)
• Leica M9 Initial Review, Tests and Comparisons (2013) Includes comparison to Hasselblad-Imacon V96C digital back.
• Leica M Mount Lens Tests and Comparisons (2015) Addition to Leica M9 Review Web Page
• (In Work, 2024:) Fujifilm X Camera (and Lens) Reviews, Tests, Comparisons
• Fujitsu P-2000 Series Laptop Computer (under construction)
• Nikon Super Coolscan 4000 ED Film Scanner (under construction)
• Sony DSC-F707 Digital Camera (under construction)

• The sound of musical royalties (under construction), a concept for how musicians and the recording industry can get paid while the people get the music they want, from where they want.
• Fixing the gambling epidemic (under construction), a concept for how to limit the impact of gambling on those who don't gamble.

For information about engineering and technical writing services, purchasing special order products, or licensing patent or technology rights, please contact Jeffrey R. Charles at: jcharles *at* versacorp.com.

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Click here to go to the EclipseChaser Home Page at: http://www.eclipsechaser.com
or preview the linked EclipseChaser table of contents below.

All material in the EclipseChaser web page and associated web pages © Copyright 1975-2004 Jeffrey R. Charles. All Rights Reserved. Astrophotographer's Journal, ALAT, ARDOC, Eclipse Chaser's Guide, Eclipse Chaser's Journal, eclipsechaser.com, eclipsemovie.com, versacorp.com, and associated concepts, data, designs, images, and other elements are the property of Jeffrey R. Charles. All content is protected by intellectual property laws. Any form of reproduction or posting of any part of any associated document at web sites other than "eclipsechaser.com", "eclipsemovie.com", or "versacorp.com", or any commercial use (such as in a seminar, product, program, broadcast, publication, or motion picture) of data or other material in this web page, or of related material by the same author (whether said material was obtained directly or indirectly) without including this notice and without the prior express written consent of Jeffrey R. Charles is strictly prohibited. Any use other than for private, non-commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. Use of this material is subject certain Terms and Conditions. In using this site, downloading material from it, or transferring said material from a cache, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms and conditions. For information about the licensing and/or purchase of images and/or articles (or related book, movie, patent, or technology rights) please contact Jeffrey R. Charles at jcharles *at* versacorp.com.

In order to allow expeditious viewing by persons with slow internet connections, most articles at eclipsechaser.com will initially load as "text only" documents. Relevant images and captions will typically be on separately linked pages at the end of each article.

• Eclipse Chaser's Guide / Equipment & Expedition Planning
• Eclipse Chaser's Guide / Experiments & Data
• Eclipse Chaser's Journal: 1979, 1991, 1994, 1995, and 2017 eclipses
• EclipseMovie Home Page: More Cool Eclipse Stuff
• Images: Total Solar Eclipse Photo Gallery
• Images & Articles: Astronomy, Optics, & Other Cool Stuff
• Links to Other Eclipse & Astronomy Web Sites

The Eclipse Chaser's Guide to... WOW!
Registered Copyright MCMXCVIII by Jeffrey R. Charles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The following eclipse documents are currently at the EclipseChaser.com site. A few are repeated in the Versacorp web page.

• Eclipse Instrumentation and Expedition Planning:
  • Steps to a Successful Eclipse Expedition (35K text file)
  • Solutions to Common Eclipse Related Problems (30K text file)
  • Getting Your Film & Equipment Through Airports and to Your Eclipse Site (40K text file)
  • Cultural Reality at Your Eclipse Destination; When Caution may be in Order (60K text file)
  • Stay tuned for more!
  
  
• Eclipse Experiments and Data:
  • Techniques for Wide Angle Eclipse Photography (30K text file with ~250K of images)
  • Total Solar Eclipse, 24 Oct. 1995; Incident Light Intensity Graph (~125K graphic)
  • Predicting the Appearance of the Lunar Umbra at Future Total Solar Eclipses (35K text file)
  • Stay tuned for more!

Eclipse Chaser's Journal
Registered Copyrights MCMXCVIII, MMXVII by Jeffrey R. Charles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

• Part 1: My First Total Solar Eclipse: February 26, 1979 (text only)
• Part 2: The Big One; July 11, 1991 (text journal only)
• Part 3: The Wild One; November 3, 1994 (text only)
• Part 4: The Short One; October 24, 1995 (text only)
• Part 5: The Rough One; August 21, 2017 (text with 2017 eclipse and Creek fire photos)
• Part 6: The Iffy One; April 8, 2024 (text w/background and 2024 [partial] eclipse photos)
• Part 7: The Next One: Will You Be There? (text only)
• Between Eclipses 1: Astrophotographer's Journal, Part 2: 1979-1991

EclipseMovie Home Page (http://www.eclipsechaser.com/eclipsemovie)

• Eclipse Material Currently at the EclipseMovie Web Page:
  • Parts 1 and 2 of the adventure/drama, Syzygy
• Future Material Envisioned for the EclipseMovie Web Page
• Links to a few Sites About Human Rights Latin America
• Comments About Human Rights Latin America

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Go to Versacorp Home Page Table of Contents

Total Solar Eclipse Photo Gallery
Registered Copyrights MCMXCVIII, MMXVII by Jeffrey R. Charles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

• 1: Total Solar Eclipse of February 26, 1979 (Grassrange Montana, USA)
• 2: Total Solar Eclipse of July 11, 1991 (Mazatlan, Mexico)
• 3: Total Solar Eclipse of November 3, 1994 (Bolivia)
• 4: Total Solar Eclipse of October 24, 1995 (Nakhon Sawan, Thailand)
• 5: Total Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017 (Mackay Idaho, USA) (Part of eclipse journal web page)
• Total Partial Solar Eclipse of April 8, 2024 (Part of eclipse journal web page, with why not in path)

Astronomy and Eclipse Images by Jeffrey R. Charles
Registered Copyright MCMXCVIII for Eclipse Images by Jeffrey R. Charles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

• Eclipse images (including solar chromosphere, prominences, and corona, earthshine on the moon, and 360 degree panoramas of the lunar umbra) are in the Eclipse Photo Gallery section of the EclipseChaser Web Page.
• Astronomical images (film photos, digital images, and drawings) are also in the Eclipse Photo Gallery section of the EclipseChaser Web Page.
• Live and same day webcast images of astronomical events (when such events are observed and uploaded) are yet another feature of the Eclipse Photo Gallery section of the EclipseChaser Web Page.
• Selections from all of these images are also part of the VersaGallery (TM, SM).

Need information about eclipses for your planetarium, motion picture, or other project? Jeffrey R. Charles performs science consulting in regard to eclipse phenomena and instrumentation. Please direct inquiries to Jeffrey R. Charles (jcharles *at* versacorp.com) or click here for more information about total solar eclipse related science and engineering consulting.

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Go to EclipseChaser Home Page

Go to Versacorp Home Page Table of Contents

• Astronomical Organizations
  • Astronomia Sigma Octante, (ASO) a center for astronomical research in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
    • Click here to see the ASO home page!
    • Click here to see a brief abstract about ASO.
• Computer Museums
  • Colorado Computer Museum, a non-profit organization.
• Computer Software, Peripherals, and Electronic Imaging Accessories
  • David L. Charles' computer home page
    • WinFair (TM) Fair Management System for Windows (TM)

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Useful Web Sites:

• NCSA Beginner's Guide to HTML (50K Document)
• HTML Reference Manual / Elements List (170K Document) (Comment: SANDIA material at this link has been removed. The link was useful in its day because it had HTML2 information, lacking tags that would not work with older web browsers. The author of that site, M.J. Hannah, has a link to, but not an endorsement of, an HTML tutorial page, at: http://www.w3schools.com/html/ )
• EclipseChaser Web Site

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Versacorp (TM, SM) is a business that is dedicated to the development and marketing of highly innovative and versatile products, services, and technologies that encompass many fields.

Versacorp was founded in 1983 near Estes Park, Colorado, by Jeffrey R. Charles. Versacorp began as a merger of the Jeffrey R. Charles' photography and art business (photography services, custom enlargements, drawings, exhibits, etc.); related marketing publication (e.g. brochure, etc.) design business; and camera and instrument repair and sales business. At the same time, Mr. Charles' "JRC Designs" (TM, SM) business also came under the umbrella of Versacorp. This aspect of the business also involves photography, but emphasizes a wide range of new technology development and related speculative product and intellectual property (IP) marketing. The name "Versacorp" was originated for the business because it was descriptive of the many encompassed markets and the versatile nature of the original and planned products, services, and technology.

The first Versacorp-designed product (not counting artwork) was the VersAdapter (TM), a multiple function photographic and visual adapter for telescopes and other optical systems. Several months later, Versacorp moved its operations to Arizona, and, with an advertisement in the January 1984 issue of Sky and Telescope magazine, began to internationally market a variety of its products, including the highly innovative VersAgonal (TM), a multiple function photo-visual flip mirror attachment for telescopes, surveillance instruments, microscopes, and other optical systems.

In the next few years, Versacorp performed a variety of services including several types of repair and consulting engineering. Versacorp also obtained several patents, transferred some of its technology to licensees, and marketed (wholesale and retail) many additional products. By 1991, Versacorp had introduced more than 80 new optical, mechanical, electronic, and published products, some of which are still on the market today. While many Versacorp products relate to optics, other past and present Versacorp products, services, and technologies encompass a wide variety of additional markets including aerospace, astronomy, consulting, engineering, industrial equipment, sporting goods, surplus items (including miscellaneous items), transportation, furnishings, novelties, toys, games, ornamental design, publications, photography; film, video and digital cameras, video accessories; video production, custom machining, and more. Up through 1991, Versacorp was also a dealer for Questar and Vernonscope instruments, and Versacorp customers have ranged from individuals, to universities, to the NASA funded Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In 1993, Versacorp moved its operations to California and began to place more emphasis on IP and services. At this time, Versacorp discontinued some of its simpler astronomy related products in favor of a smaller number of more versatile multifunction products. In 1996, Versacorp began to emphasize Internet marketing of its products, services, and technology. Services were expanded to include image processing, web page design, technical writing, screen writing, editing, referrals, science consulting, design engineering, conceptual design, and system engineering. Products, technologies, and other intellectual property developed or introduced during this time include airborne and space platforms, communications, medical, software, written works (including action, historical, science fiction, and technical), and new technology for 360 degree panoramic imaging. By 1997, Versacorp had built on its founder's 1980's wide angle imaging concepts to go beyond 360 degree panoramic imaging and developed technology for true one shot full sphere imaging and associated virtual reality environments. Versacorp subsequently obtained related utility patents encompassing over 100 claims. In 2000, the founder of Versacorp authored the book "Practical Astrophotography", which is published by Springer-Verlag.

More recent Versacorp products, services, technology, and other IP holdings include the fields of architecture and site design, digital imaging, microscopes, scanning mirrors, and automotive parts. Versacorp currently offers most of its previously available services and many of its previously introduced products, as well as technology transfer and other licensing opportunities for all aspects of its intellectual property (IP). More recently, Versacorp has been using some of its web space to promote technology transfer for its patented and patent pending panoramic and full sphere virtual reality technologies. Performing Arts works (mostly lyrics and some music) were included in available IP by 2011. Those interested in licensing Versacorp technology or other Versacorp intellectual property are invited to contact the Technology Transfer Department at: license *at* versacorp.com. More information can be found through links in this web page and in conditions of use for this web site. If it's innovative, it's by Versacorp! (TM, SM)

About this web site: This web site includes information about Versacorp engineering services, optical instrumentation and technology. It also includes technical articles and links relating to astronomy, total solar eclipses, and more! It is administered by Jeffrey R. Charles and served by KTB. Please send Versacorp E-mail to: sales *at* versacorp.com and personal E-mail to: jcharles *at* versacorp.com. For expeditious navigation, minimal graphics are used in the table of contents. To view each item or directory, click on the appropriate blue or pink type in the above top level T.O.C., or in the expanded T.O.C.

The expanded table of contents near the top of this web page shows most items that are included in, and envisioned to be included in, this web page. Some items are still under construction; therefore, some links do not presently have destination files. Links that do NOT presently have complete or matching files are followed by the suffix "***". If links without this suffix do not work, try using the "reload" feature on your browser.

The content of this web page is intended to be equivalent to a "G" movie rating, so it should be suitable for visitors of all ages. The content of first level (i.e. "direct") links from this web page should be equivalent to a "G" or "PG" rating. Please E-mail Versacorp if you find that any of the direct links are not equivalent to a "G" or "PG" rating. Thank you.

Conditions of Use:

This web site is intended to promote interest in Versacorp products and intellectual property. Material from this or any associated web page may not be broadcast, published, or otherwise reproduced unless the following and linked conditions on the Legal Information Page have been read and agreed to by the subject users, broadcasters, publishers, or their legal representatives, and unless those using the material have paid the specified royalties. Accordingly, anyone who reproduces, broadcasts, distributes, or commercially uses material from this or any associated web page shall be deemed to have agreed to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the linked Legal Information Page, and shall thereby be liable for at least the royalties specified therein, whether or not Versacorp is aware of, or provides notice of, any alleged unauthorized use.

© Copyright 1975-2006, Jeffrey R. Charles. All Rights Reserved.
All content is protected by intellectual property laws. Any use other than for private, individual, non-commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use is subject to being prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Unless specifically noted otherwise, all material in this web site is the intellectual property of, and is written or produced by, Jeffrey R. Charles. Material at this web site may only be downloaded by individuals for their own private non-commercial use, subject to the conditions herein. Those wishing to use material from this web page in commercial applications should direct their inquiries to Jeffrey R. Charles (jcharles *at* versacorp.com). For information about licensing Versacorp patent, technology, publication, or trademark rights, please contact sales *at* versacorp.com.

In addition to other indicated restrictions, the following conditions apply to all limited and unlimited use of all concepts, documents, data, designs, images, inventions, trademarks, or other material written or produced by Jeffrey R. Charles, served under or transferred from this web page or other pages at the domains "versacorp.com" or "eclipsechaser.com", or derived from material therein, whether said material was obtained directly or indirectly: Any form of reproduction or posting of any part of this document or any associated material at web sites other than eclipsechaser.com or versacorp.com, or any commercial use thereof (including use in a seminar, product, program, publication, broadcast, or motion picture) of data or other content of this web site and the eclipsechaser.com web site, or of related material by the same author (whether said material was obtained directly or indirectly) without including this notice and without the prior express written consent of Jeffrey R. Charles and all applicable contributors is strictly prohibited.

Permitted private non-commercial use, reproduction, and affixing any part of subject material to any permanent media (including magnetic, optical or printed media) is permitted only on the condition that every copy or fixation of said material; is not altered, modified or defaced; includes references to this home page and the names of all applicable articles and authors; and that all names, patent notices, copyright notices, authorship notices and credits are either left unmodified or are prominently displayed in or immediately adjacent to each image and article. It shall also be prominently indicated on every copy or fixation of said material that commercial and intellectual property rights to data and other material therein are not transferable.

In downloading material from this web page or transferring said material from a cache, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms and conditions. For information about the purchase of products and/or the license or purchase of designs, images and/or articles or related book, movie, patent, or technology rights, please contact Jeffrey R. Charles.

The trademarks (and service markes or trade names, as indicated) DiaGuider (TM, local use 1983, first interstate and international use 1984), eclipsechaser.com (1997), Eclipse Chaser's Guide to... WOW! (1997), Eclipse Chaser's Journal (1997), EZ Level (1997), Jeffrey R. Charles (TM, SM 1974), Jeffrey R. Charles Productions (1995), JRC Designs (TM, SM 1980), JRC Productions (1991), jrcharles.com (2004), MicroDec (1986), MicroStar (1988), Nerdabilia (1996), Omniflector (1997), OmniLens (1988), Omnimmersion (1998), Omnimmersive (1998), Omnirama (1997), Omniramic (1997), Omniramix (1998), OmniSales (1997), OmniVR (1998), OptiDisc (1987), Sun Zapper (1997), The Reality of Virtual Reality (1997), Total Immersion (1997), Total Immersion VR (1997), Total VR (1997), Versacorp (TM, SM, TN, 1983, interstate and international use in many fields since 1984), versacorp.com (TM, SM, 1996), versacorp.co.uk (2005), versacorp.de (2005), versacorp.us (2004), VersAdapter (1983), VersaDrawer (1987), VersaFinder (1987), Versaflector (1997), VersaFocus (1985), VersaGallery (2004), VersAgonal (1984), VersaGuider (1984), VersaJeff (1999), VersaModule (1983), Versarama (1997), VersaScope (telescopes 1987, other optics 1997), VersaStuff (2004), VersaWheel (1990), VidFinder (1990) and associated concepts, data, designs, images, and other elements shown and described in this or related documents or communications are the sole property of Jeffrey R. Charles and are subject to the same conditions as the other material at this site and any additional protections under trademark law.

Prices, specifications, and availability of all items shown or described at the versacorp.com and eclipsechaser.com web sites (and in related brochures, advertisements, and communications), and conditions of use for both web sites and related web sites, are subject to change without notice. Additional terms, conditions, restrictions and disclaimers apply. Some of these are set forth in each particular document and in the linked Legal Information Page.

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Information Request/ Shareware & Product Registration/ Order Form Alias

The form is under construction.

Please direct all product sales inquiries to: sales *at* versacorp *dot* com.

Please direct all licensing inquiries to: sales *at* versacorp *dot* com.

Versacorp
Sunland, CA 91040
USA
(Full contact information is in the linked Legal Information Page.)

Phone (please leave message and Email or postal address): 818-352-2241

Archived Previous Versions of Versacorp.com Home Page:
The following listed documents are not linked to this web page, but can be accessed by appending the ".com" part of the URL (in the address line of your web browser) with the following numbers:
* To see the version of 24 April, 1997, enter "/vlink/orderfrm/orderfrm970424e090816.htm"

Retro browser friendly site! Written for Netscape 2 and newer browsers.

Originated: 3 June, 1996
Text Last Modified: 19 Dec. 2017
Links Last Modified: 7 Oct. 2018, 28 April, 2024

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