Meade#493 Motors + Autostar #472 Controller

[Merlin66]

Bought these 2 motors/ gearboxes (60;1) and Autostar controller with a view to use them to convert my dobbie to GOTO, but found they were too small for my job. Would be ideal for smaller dobbie (!) or converting an EQ to GOTO. Plenty of info on the web.
As new, never used. Would like to trade for a Powermate x3 or UO Klee Barlow. Cost me over A$ 220 to get them here.Or may an offer.

[Mr Bob]

How big is a 'smaller dobbie'?

[Robby]

Can you post some photos?
What is the speed of the RA motor shaft when running at tracking speed?
Cheers

[Merlin66]

I'd guess they'd work for a 6" or 8" dobbie, I'm sure some of the guys on the forum have already used them. Maybe they can give more info. The Autostar controller I believe give various rates x8 down to tracking speed. Don't have the details to hand but Telescope warehouse on Ebay has the full specs and photos. Can be used on alt-az and eq mountings, full GOTO capabilities.
If necessary I can post photos over the wekend.

[Robby]

So is the controller GOTO? 8x speed would be very slow goto.
I am thinking out loud with this and it may suit a little project I have coming up. Can you post some links to specs etc? I am new to Meade stuff, and googling those p/n's came up with rubbish!
Photos would be good.
Cheers

[Merlin66]

Couldn't get on the forum yesterday. I'll post some photos tonight. The GOTO speed I think is 4 deg/ sec (or something like that) The motors/ gears were designed to be fitted to the Meade DS models.

[Merlin66]

http//stores.ebay.com/Telescope-Warehouse Has a detailed description and photos of the motors etc.

[Merlin66]

The attached photos show the motors, gears and hand controller as well as the Autostar #497 (latest issue) GOTO computer controller. 14000 objects in database and can be upgraded. With the 60:1 gears the manual says 5 deg/ sec during GOTO slewing. Designed for the DS series telescopes, up to 5" aperture. Full documentation etc.

[Robby]

Thanks Merlin... I have done some digging, and it looks like those motors are going to be too small for my "project".
Thanks for posting the images. Looks like a good kit for someone with a smaller setup.
Cheers

[[1ponders]]

Merlin/Robby, would this gear suit a Losmandy GM8???

[Robby]

Hi Paul,
Perhaps, but from what I can tell the shaft speed will wrong for RA tracking. You'd need to do some hacking to get it right for GM-8. Also it'll probably need to be very well balanced!

[Merlin66]

The GM8 I believe has 180:1 gears so there may be a reduction in GOTO speed. The motors can be "adapted" to fit the existing worm so I think it could used. Just Google on "GOTO telescopes" you'll find a lot of reference materials.

[Merlin66]

Robby/ 1Ponders,
Definately NOT an issue with tracking. The Autostar controller can be "re-set" to almost any final gear ratio to facilitate accurate tracking, I think the only downside is the reduction in fast slewing?

[[1ponders]]

Hmmmm, I'll have to think about this one. Not being the "adapting" nor "hacking" type :) . Just looking for a cheaper solution than either Gemini (unless someone has a second hand one for a GM8 out there somewhere) or new encoders for existing Argo Navis.

[Merlin66]

Come on guys!!! The chance to covert your EQ/ dobbie to full GOTO with the latest Autostar controller..... what a deal. (Or trade for that UO Klee barlow/ Shorty barlow)

[Sausageman]

Is this really a size issue, or a balance and friction one.
The smallest motor can drive a telescope if the friction and balance is right.
get rid of the teflon blocks and put real bearings in.
That should solve all your problems.

Mike

[netwolf]

If you wanted to you could use a bigger servo mottro like the pittman. The yahoo groups "roboscope" has details (in there file section) on how to modify the DS circuit to work with Pittman Servo motors.

DS motor Mod for Non dS motors.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/files/Al%27s%20Non-DS%20Motors/
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/photos/browse/d04d


I have given doing this much consideration. However my lack of carpentary skills limits is holding me back. If i could but find a custom rocker base with appropriate bearings i would consider it. As you say Mike with appropriate bearings you can even use the DS motors.

This mount is an idea if anyone here is game to build it.. If you are then let me know maybe you can build two ;)

http://www.livingstonetelescopes.co.uk/K%20PAGE-2%20COM.htm

Another Idea is this one.
http://www.saunalahti.fi/~jsobser/ekvatjalusta.htm

I belive with Either as and appropriate bearings even the DS motors could be made to perform. If you check out the Roboscop group you will see what is possible.

Regards.

[Thiink]

If I had the cash I would jump on this (and an EQ5 to mate it to), and start some wide field imaging with the 350D.

You have some great stuff on offer at the moment Merlin, if only I had cash at the moment! Stick with it, you will find a buyer sooner or later.

[stinky]

But how much work to gel with an Eq5 mount? Otherwise sounds good.

[Merlin66]

**** Sale Pending ****

[Merlin66]

Sale fell through.
All this opportunity to build a fantastic GOTO computer controller mounting is still available. Go for it!!!!!!!!!!!

[Merlin66]

I'll keep this kit at the moment!

[pluck]

Is this still available ? I'm interested in making an offer if it is.

Paul

[Merlin66]

These parts are no longer available.

[toc]

Its not very hard to mate DS motors to an EQ5. You can simply glue the white gears from the meade worm drive kit to the existing EQ5 worm, and then attach the motors - All you need is some sort of mounting plate that can screw into the existing mounting points for the old motors.

I can post pics of my setup if you like.

[pluck]

Yes please post pics. Did you need to add a spacer to the DEC axis to allow the RA motor enough clearance ?