Re: [ATM] Unique New Equatorial Platform Design

[creator <creator@subarcsec.com>]

Hi Michael!

Thanks very much for the references you posted! :)

 > On Mon June 12 2006 1:46 am, creator wrote:
 > > I would still welcome reference info, if possible, thanks.

 > ... the book "Unusual Telescopes" by Peter Manly...

Marvelous book! Referenced on the "History" page at http://subarcsec.com

 > "Falling weights are a common power source in telescope drivers but the
 > methods of regulating the rate of fall vary widely.

One of my observations about much of this prior art is that, while
using gravity (good!, or at least useful), many of these devices use
it to turn mechanical gears, pulleys, shafts, etc., etc., and thus do
not gain the advantage of smoothness or lack of periodic error.

 > "Tom Fangrow... (hiss drive)... ...Donald Menzel and Fernando de Romana...
 > rested on a bicycle pump filled with water...

Much closer to "the right stuff"... i.e. a clean separation of the power
source (gravity) and the regulationg means (fluid).

These are already credited on my web site and were also in my RTMC talk.
Fangrow's hiss drive was a direct inspiration and credited as such, and
Menzel and de Romana were credited "after the fact" when I learned of
them from the book. I am now also aware of Bob Barclay's use of a modified
hydraulic jack, which I will comment on in another post.

 > I can understand that you independently designed your drive,
 > and I applaud you for it, but I don't think your claims of
 > uniqueness are warranted.

Thanks for the applause! Please see previous posting re: synergistic
combination of elements. (also the "Mount" page at http://subarcsec.com)
and also note that I still think that my polar axis / hinge design
alone, but especially in conjunction with everything else, does warrant
a claim of uniqueness.

I am intrigued that you have a large personal ATM library, and would
very much appreciate it if, in the future, as you come across anything
that resembles my design, you would pass along a photocopy or reference.

Michael, thank you again so much for taking the trouble to bring out
the prior art from Manly's book!

Best regards,

-Dann
================================================================
Dann McCreary http://flyinghouse.com    creator-at-subarcsec.com
SubArcSecond Tracking Accuracy!  --   Visit http://subarcsec.com
Read The Bills Act http://www.downsizedc.org/read_the_laws.shtml
================================================================
"The heavens are telling of the glory of God;  and their expanse
  is declaring the work of His hands"  -     Psalm 19:1    (NASB)
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