atm Attaching encoder to azimuth bearing

Ken Tullis (ktullis@gn2.getnet.com)
Wed, 02 Aug 1995 18:24:15 -0700

I'm adding digital setting circles to my 8" Dobsonian and I'm wondering what methods others have found to work best to connect the azimuth encoder?

I currently have a 3" x 1/2" bolt with large washers on both sides and a nylon "locking" nut underneath. Until now it hasn't mattered whether the bolt turned with the scope or not.

It would be easiest from a wiring standpoint to fix the bolt and encoder shaft to the ground board and have the encoder body rotate with the scope.

I've thought of drilling a 1/4" hole down into the exact center of the bolt head for the encoder shaft then drilling and tapping a hole for a set screw through one of the six flats on the side of the bolt head. To replace the nut I'm considering a "tee" nut in the base wood and using a jam nut on the end of the bolt to prevent it from turning in the "tee" nut.

Thanks in advance!

Ken Tullis

ktullis@getnet.com