Re: [ATM] A powered alt-az ground-board

["Eric S. Johansson" <esj@harvee.org>]

Don Clement wrote:
> 
> Perhaps a better method of transmitting power through a rotating mechanical
> joint than using the direct contact (and  noisy) slip ring would be to use
> non-contact magnetic induction and AC current through a pair of coils. The
> ac power could be easily rectified and filtered to DC on the scope end.
> 

call me old-fashioned but it seems to me that a telescope does not rotate 
through a 360° or greater arc.  So, why not put a stop to keep your telescope 
from over rotating and use plain old zip cord with enough slack as a power feed 
to the telescope proper.  I know it's not as "sexy" as a slip ring or wireless 
power transmission but, it does have the advantage of being very reliable and 
extremely cheap (i.e. $.20 a foot.)  If you want more sex appeal, use an 
Anderson power pole for a nicely polarized disconnect.  scattering LEDs around 
on your mount proper (some flashing, some steady) will make it so sexy you'll 
have no trouble bringing home the babes.  :-)

---eric

-- 
Speech-recognition in use.  It makes mistakes, I correct some.
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