alt/azimut drive for dobsonian

[Dietmar]

hi guys,
for my 20 inch f/3.7 dobsonian I am shopping for an alt/azimut dob drive system.
any input is gladly appreciated!
thanks in advance!
- oh - here is the dobsonian I am talking about:
dobsonian (http://www.stargazer-observatory.com/newt.html)

[astro_nutt]

Hi Dietz,
I've made a motorised mount for my 10" dob (solid tube)..for the altitude, I basically I made a cradle to hold the tube which is moved via friction drive (Tamaya electric motor/gearbox 4201-1 reduction to a shaft with a hard rubber sleeve (this allow for disengagement via cable) to another 4-1 reduction gearbox against the rim of the semi-circular drive for the cradle. I have similar drive unit for the Azimuth.
A new rockerbox with rubber wheels (friction motor driven on one side) instead of teflon bushes against the scope's hubs is one idea..
I hope this helps.
Cheers!

[wavelandscott]

An Argo Navis + Servocat makes a pretty fine combination in my book!

[iceman]

Fantastic, Dietz!

Is this for visual observing or astrophotography?

[gary]

Hi Dietz,

Nice scope!

Gary Kopff here from Wildcard Innovations.

These links may be of interest -

http://www.stellarcat.com/ home of the ServoCAT slew and track system.
As the name implies, the ServoCAT employs servo motors which have
considerable advantages over stepper motors for telescope control.
The ServoCAT is a 'black box' motor controller that will drive both axes
of the scope. The system allows the user to disengage the motors and
push the scope manually (PUSHTO) without loss of knowing where the
scope is currently pointing. Email Gary Myers at RXDesign@ssvecnet.com.
He also has a wealth of knowledge on how to install the system on a custom
scope such as yours. Be sure to ask for a copy of StellarCAT's free installation
DVD.

http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au our own web site and home of the
Argo Navis Digital Telescope Computer (DTC). It works in conjunction
with the ServoCAT (the two interface together with a cable) and it
provides all the object offset and tracking rate calculations on behalf of the
ServoCAT. It has a user interface that allows the user to dial up an object by
name. Once selected, by pressing the GOTO button on the ServoCAT handpad,
a slew to the object is initiated and once there, the system automatically tracks.
A copy of the Argo Navis User's Manual can be found here -
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/downloads.html

There are also dedicate forums for the ServoCAT here -
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ServoCAT/
and the Argo Navis here -
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/argo_navis_dtc/

You have a lovely view from your balcony!

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Managing Director
Wildcard Innovations Pty. Ltd.
20 Kilmory Place, Mount Kuring-Gai
NSW. 2080. Australia
Phone +61-2-9457-9049
Fax +61-2-9457-9593
sales@wildcard-innovations.com.au
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au

[Starkler]

Hi Deitz. Sorry to have nothing to contribute on topic but I just wanted to say what a lovely scope and lovely picturesque view from your balcony :)

[Dietmar]

thanks for all the inpout, guys!
it is mostly for visual observation, but also for planeary and lunar imaging.

[netwolf]

Dietz,

Fantastic news, congrats and its a great looking scope. Another addition to your arsenel of scopes.

I have the Argo-Navis - Siderealtech combo for my G-11 mount, but it will just as easily handle Alt/Az. Also the Sitech can also be driven by just a laptop without need for the ArgoNavis. But for standalone portable use you cant beat the Sitech/ArgoNavis combo.

http://www.siderealtechnology.com/
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sitechservo/
Also you can get a custom solution from gototelescopes.net who will provide you with a sitech kit for your dob.

Regards
Fahim

[richardo]

Hey Dietz !!
Long time no hear....
Hope your well...

I have a bartels system that I want to sell...
These systems are highly configurable for dob mounts, you can even put de-rotator motors on them if intending it photographical use.

Here's the link if your interested... fair bit of user input and lots of advice is available on line....
Any way here's my ad in the classified section...
You won't need the laptop i have advertised, but I would let the system as pictured/ listed go for $380.00 aud + postage... also am happy to give advice on setting it up...
Or any initial advice pre selling.

Let me know via pm or my direct email if your keen any way.
Hope all is well with you and yours.

All the best for now
Rich

[bojan]

The best solution is Mel Bartel's system.
http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/BBAstroDesigns.html#Computer_Operat ed_Telescopes

I am using stepper system for years and it works great. It is also cheap, if you are handy-man.

[richardo]

Sorry Diets,
here's the link to my ad in IIS classifieds and some other links there to give your the idea......

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=44874

The yahoo scope drive forum is still going strong....

You know what I've been able to do with this system, so give it some thought...

I'd like to see it go to some one who can get some use from it.

any way... let me know via pm or my personal email address.

All the best once again
Rich