Re: ATM 2001 Oregon Star Party telescope walkabout

[Michael Lindner <mikell@optonline.net>]

On Thu, 30 Aug 2001 16:21:06 -0700 (PDT), Mel Bartels said:

> 
>  Flex rockers have 3 characteristics:

Interesting. I see there would be several advantages to this.

- Low center of gravity keeps things stable.

- Mirror sits fairly low to the ground, keeping the eyepiece height down.

- Transfer of forces vertical except for the groundboard.

However, I observe the following disadvantages:

- The 4 azimuth bearings must ride on some sort of "track". Is there any
problem with dirt and grit collecting there? Are the azimuth bearings typically
conical bearings then, rather than teflon pads?

- The altitude bearings must be BIG enough to be below the mirror. To keep them
reasonable, that would entail counterweights or springs.

- Where does one attach an azimuth encoder?

Just curious. Currently designing a 17.5" "lightweigth" "compact" scope...

-- 
Michael Lindner
http://home.att.net/~mikel
http://www.starastronomy.org
http://www.atmsite.org