[ATM] Clock drives and Tracking systems

[artbianconi@blast.net]

I love building mechanical systems and engineering them. However, 
What I know about the locations of heavenly bodies is limited to 
the local gym. Inspiring as some of the ladies are they do little 
to help me find M-33.

The current Ball & Socket design is an attempt to build a truly 
compact portable truss which has the ease of a "point and shoot" 
aiming of a Port-a-Ball, without the huge sphere.

It's not anything ground shaking as ideas go or at least should 
not be: it's simply a ball mounted solidly underneath the primary 
cell which is then fitted inside an adjustable clamp in much the 
same way your leg is fitted to your hip. I've tested it with 
temporary fixtures and it aims and stay put easily within any 
spot in given hemisphere. Presumably it will continue to do so 
after an OTA is fitted.

The problem is this: how does one aim it electronically with any 
degree of certainty? Worse yet, how does one aim it with any 
degree of repeatable precision?

Port-a-ball acknowledges that it's clock drive system is only 
accurate for a limited period which may eliminate it for serious 
astro-photography. Such accuracy is fine for a small aperture 
(6")  telescope whose primary design intent is portability and 
ease of use. 

Because there is no surface for conventional optical readers to 
use, I must come up with another way of tracking. Anyone have any 
ideas?

Thanks

Art Bianconi

PS: if there's any interest in seeing the design, please e-mail 
me directly and I'll send some JPG's

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