RE: ATM bearings

[<dpitou@ix.netcom.com>]

Hi Krieg

Probably more important than the actual bearing type is the shape of the
axes. The ideal equatorial axis is probably a cone - big bearings on the
front ends and small ones in the back for location. A good approximation to
this is a couple of small radial bearings with a big thrust surface at the
connection point to the Dec/Tube assembly. What you want is to make the
connection point as large as possible. Generally the bearing type should
follow from the basic structural design, and not the other way around.

All the types of bearings you mentioned can probably be made to work well,
so the trade-off space you're working in is one of cost vs convenience vs
friction.


Dave