Re: [ATM] Clock drives and Tracking systems

["Mel Bartels" <mbartels@bbastrodesigns.com>]

> 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.
>
> 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.

If you go back a few years, you'll find a pic or two in a Sky&Tel article
describing a French (?) scope where two drive wheels manipulated the curved
surface to produce tracking at any pointing position.

Mel

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