[Raytrace] where to start?

[Tim Rickard]

>      What say you, List?  Can we do both effectively?

My two cents: For now, we could standardize on OSLO LT, or some other
program
if it is generally preferred, to make things more manageable.  As Ken
suggested, we could start with a simple Newtonian, since presumably all of
us are generally familiar with it.  The goal would be to make sure everyone
has the software and the newt. file working, and to begin exploring how to
do various analyses (e.g. wavefront, vingetting effects of various aperture
stops, spot diagrams, etc). Then a central obstruction could be modeled, and
the MTF analyzed. Then perhaps a simple refractor or a mak-newt., etc. I
have in mind an integrated tutorial and Q&A that could become an FAQ. Over
time there could be several FAQs on different, more advanced topics. The
conceptual stuff is also crucial of course.  For newbies like myself,
however, getting a simple program running and exploring the program's
analysis tools would help to frame the problems concretely while providing a
quick success to maintain motivation...

Of course, threads for discussing other programs and advanced topics would
presumably go on in parallel...

Tim