February 2002: Technical Innovations Acquired

Technical Innovations, Inc. entered the fiberglass observatory dome business in 1991. Owners John and Meg Menke of Barnesville, MD decided to create affordable domes "designed for the professional, priced for the amateur." In the years since 1991, their product line grew to include HOME-DOME, PRO-DOME and ROBO-DOME observatories in several sizes, plus dome automation products such as DOME-WORKS, DIGITAL DOME WORKS and ROBO-FOCUS.

In February 2002, the founders of Technical Innovations, Inc. (amazed to find themselves in their 60's) transferred ownership of all dome and dome automation products to NetLink Technologies, Inc.

Jerry Smith, the president of NetLink, will be doing business as Technical Innovations and the company will continue to be based in Maryland. The new Technical Innovations will carry forward all the products and policies of the founders, including employing the same staff and contractors for production. Jerry's goal is to have a smooth and transparent transition for all past, current and future buyers of Technical Innovations' exceptional domes and accessories.

There will be a transition period of several months as Jerry masters the numerous details of the T.I. product line. John and Meg will be assisting Net:Link in a training role until Mid-May and will continue on a part-time consulting basis after that.

In mid March 2002, NetLink will move Technical Innovations to larger quarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, about 15 miles from its present home in Barnesville, Maryland.

Jerry Smith's background includes engineering, management and a long-standing interest in amateur astronomy.

"While I don't have as much recent astronomy experience as do John and Meg, that will change as I represent Technical Innovations at upcoming events and shows. I look forward to meeting Home/Pro Dome owners and those who are thinking about buying a dome at an astronomy event in the near future. I'll be at the North East Astronomy Forum (NEAF) in Suffern, NY in May. Please stop by our booth and say hello!"

John and Meg are continuing a part-time astronomy business under the name "Menke Scientific, Ltd." offering mentoring services for amateurs who are entering the world of remote control astronomy. Please visit their new website: www.menkescientific.com.