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Any affordable mounts for D&G 8" f/12...?

Started by mskulick, 10/27/2011 11:33AM
Posted 10/27/2011 11:33AM Opening Post
Having recently purchased a large, long-focus achro, I'm wondering if there is an affordable alternative to the larger $$$ go-to mounts? sad Doesn't need to be go-to, and best if able to run on 12v for remote use. And could something with A/C powered RA be easily converted to run off battery power? (I'd like to take it for outreach where 110v is not available.) I would appreciate your thoughts...
-Mike
Posted 10/27/2011 10:43PM #1
I'll answer the second part. It is almost trivial to get a 110v AC drive to work off 12v DC. Most automotive stores, electronics stores, Walmart, etc. sell "inverters" to convert 12v DC to 110v AC. Usually 110v RA drives will have a small synchronus motor needing only about 5 watts of power. So almost any inverter will work. The "modified sine wave" or "pure sine wave" types will probably run the motor quieter and cooler. You can also get old-school "drive correctors" specially designed for astronomical use - brand names like "Mototrak" and "Accutrack."

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=2348
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=826
http://www.company7.com/orion/index.html
Posted 10/28/2011 12:45AM #2
If you look around, you may be able to find one of the old Cave Astrola GEMs. The larger ones were made with heavy, solid axels and bearings and they had an electric clock drive for RA.

http://www.telescopebluebook.com/reflector/astrola8dlx.jpg

Jim McSheehy
Posted 10/28/2011 03:04AM #3

Michael. I have a Cave observatory series mount with 2.5" steel shafts and a byers drive.

I heavely modified it for use with my 10"f/15. I have replaced it with a 4" shaft mount in my observatory.

The cave elevation side cheek plates(I made) can be removed if you need to change the elevation from the 47deg..I needed to your own.

With long moment action OTA's I found I needed to beef up the Cave mount. It is for sale..but the problem is I can't ship it...it is a pick up only item. Hense the problem.

Check out my website, www.goldmtobservingcenter.com to see it. Go to the photo section and scrole down to the building my 10"f/15 OTA and mount gallery.

Rob



Michael Kulick said:

Having recently purchased a large, long-focus achro, I'm wondering if there is an affordable alternative to the larger $$$ go-to mounts? sad Doesn't need to be go-to, and best if able to run on 12v for remote use. And could something with A/C powered RA be easily converted to run off battery power? (I'd like to take it for outreach where 110v is not available.) I would appreciate your thoughts...
-Mike

Eternity is a long time to be wrong.....so accept Jesus as your Savior.