Re: ATM the Holcombe mount

["Bill T." <twentiethwave@hotmail.com>]

>Yea!
>Lets see Mell Motorize one of those :-)

Actually, it wouldn't be very hard!  If the leg lengths could be controlled 
by a motorized screw or rack and pinion, a simple microprocessor system 
could adjust the lengths of the legs to track objects through the sky.  The 
math is just simple right-triangle stuff, on top of the astro routines.  
This could be the world's simplest and most portable tracking system ever, 
at least for big scopes.  I use a grinding machine with the same principle, 
the tool is positioned by adjusting two motorized extendable cylinders 
through software:

http://www.kupercontrols.com/misc/20top23.jpg

A simpler scheme would place electric clutch clamps on each leg.  Pressing a 
button near the end of tube, where you normally grip the scope, would 
disengage the clutches so the leg lengths could float as the telescope was 
moved.  Releasing the switch would clamp the legs in position.

The big trick is devising legs that can cover most or all of 90% of 
altitude, and a setup that is ergonomically acceptable.  I've used a 
Holcombe-like Polaris star test scope that uses 2x4's, clamps, and a big 
tripod near the eyepiece.  It is no picnic to use.

Bill T.





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