Auto Tracker

[crazzyroo]

Hi,

I have a 200mm Dobsonian and would like to get some form of auto tracker for it.
I.E I would like to be able to set it up in line with a planet and have it track the planets course without me having to adjust every 5 secs :-).
I don't know if I'll need a new mount as I only have the standard one that came with the scope.
So what I am looking for is an idea on cost and most importantly what I actually need to get.
Any and all help most appreciated.

Cheers

Nick

[Ian Robinson]

Two options :
= get some kind of dob driver for the dob mount
or
= put the OTA on top of a GEM (with at least dual axis drives)

No matter what - you are going to have spend some real money if you want good tracking.

[PCH]

Hi Nick,

try this info from a thread on page 2 of the Equipment Discussions section:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=36229

This is the item I believe you need. It's called an "Equatorial Platform" and is for exactly what you want to do. This one is much cheaper than others we've seen too, - as I believe someone mentions in the thread.

Cheers :thumbsup:

[Blue Skies]

I was going to suggest an equatorial platform as well, but they aren't cheap - probably cost as much as the scope!

[Ian Robinson]

There was a design for a dob equatorial platform in S&T , can't remember the issue (several years ago) , if he's handy with timber and mechanical stuff and power tools, he could make his own.

[crazzyroo]

Thanks for the info guys, I will talk nicely to the wife tonight ^.^.

I notice many shops have hand controllers as well; would I be able to plug one of those in the platform?

Thanks again
Nick

[rastis95]

Hi,
Im a bit like nick and have also been looking for some kind of tracking for my dob, the platform seems to be the way to go. I have come accross fully motorised GOTO dobs over in the states but worth as much as the scope. Out of curiosity though is it possible to put the OTA on an EQ6, never herd of any one actually doing this.
Cheers
Scott

[eclipse]

An equatorial table is probably what you are looking at. We made one for our 8 inch dob, uses in line skate wheels for the bearings and with a 8mm threaded rod, jaycar motor and planetary gear and worm drive set works very well with 3 volt battery, and sometimes variable potentiometer. Plans are on the web, not too hard to make especially if someone is good at woodwork, cheap, probably under $100 all up.

[Geoff45]

There's also a Yahoo! chat group discussing the making and use of these
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/eqplatforms/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

Geoff

[Geoff45]

September 1988

[JethroB76]

Yes, that was several years ago:lol: