Image of the day

Captured by
Michael Scherman

Dual Clusters near Antares

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Hand Controlled Dual Axis for a Dob?

Started by Jud, 01/12/2008 05:41PM
Posted 01/12/2008 05:41PM | Edited 01/12/2008 05:42PM Opening Post
Is there a stripped-down hand controlled dual axis drive with clutches for a dob? Seems it should be reasonably easy, less compex, and less expensive than tracking since it would be essentially an on-off system. Perhaps someone has done this from scratch?

I Yam What I Yam!
Posted 01/12/2008 07:43PM #1
You guys better not let John Dobson hear you talking like this!

Alex
Posted 01/12/2008 10:08PM #2
I've tried Mel Bartel's system, but it required a lot of tweaking and you also needed a laptop. I retrofitted a Meade DS mount onto my 14" truss. All the brains are in the Autostar controller. Total cost for parts was about $200. Here's a link to it:

http://homepage.ct.metrocast.net/~hfs/Projects/Robo14/robo14.htm

I bought some new 1.25" tubes a few weeks ago so that I can redo my 14" into a more lightweight scope. I'm also going to redo the GOTO setup. The altitude speed is fine, but the azymuth speed is excruciatingly slow. However, the GOTO's are extremely accurate!

I used DS motors, but motors from an LXD55 or LXD75 mount could also be used.

Harry


Attached Image:

hfsarber's attachment for post 119602