Re: [ATM] Unique New Equatorial Platform Design

[creator <creator@subarcsec.com>]

Hi Mel!

 > > For an ATM to actually [achieve] a circle symmetrical enough to
 > > produce tracking smoothness measured in arc-seconds... THAT is
 > > more difficult. Also very difficult in practice is actually
 > > implementing an axis of rotation for that circle that is
 > > precisely perpendicular to its plane. :)

 > Well, we seem to be talking past each other now.  Not trying to
 > change your mind - just pointing out that some very experienced
 > amateurs have a different opinion on what's actually easier to make.
 > For instance, the circle can self-define its plane if you use a
 > cone shaped shaft underneath the polar disc to drive it.

I think I need to study the plans for more "conventional" equatorial
platforms to better understand what you've just stated, because I don't
want us to be "talking past", and I do want to understand what you're
so patiently trying to tell me. :) I also don't mind having my mind
changed from time to time... :) However, just offhand, making circles
and cone-shaped shafts with some precision sounds tricky to me.

 > I'm looking through my files but can't find those articles -
 > I did a major cleanout a year ago or so and killed my equatorial table
 > folder.  But if you can grab Telescope Making mags from late '70's
 > through late '80's you should find a few pics/articles.

Thank you; actually, Jay Kirkland sent me a very good article by Bob Barclay
from Telescope Making #17 that is probably the very article you've been
trying to describe to me; it shows a system that is [very] much like mine,
and it is easy for me to see now how you could recall that article and say
"Hey, Dann's just re-invented exactly the same thing". I hope to comment on
the article in some detail in a separate post. Thanks for looking through
your files, I really appreciate it! :)

 > And BTW, I join the others in complimenting the workmanship and your
 > achieving synergy beyond the individual elements.

Thanks! :) Hopefully, the best is yet to come. :)

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
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"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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