Hi Allan,
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allan
So Barry, in your 18" the 32k encoders are keeping up with the telescope's position and not loosing their alignment even when you give it a fast manual push around the sky?
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I think I can answer that. With 32,000 step encoders interfaced
to the Argo Navis, the maximum slew rate per axis is a hernia inducing 90 degrees a second.
Quote:
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Actually now I think about it, does the Argo have a similar dual encoder system that my Orion dob has, whereby I can manually move it to the area of the sky where the target is and then hit GOTO for the final alignment? I realise some systems have single encoders and if you bump them or manually move the telescope the system loses it's alignment.
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When coupled with the ServoCAT GOTO/track system, there are four
encoders (two pairs) installed in all. The ServoCAT installation comes
with a pair of levers that you can flick to disengage the motors if you
so choose. You are then free to manually push the mount around and
Argo Navis and its associated pair of encoders keep track of the
scope's position. Re-engage the levers to re-engage the motors and
the system tracks as normal as if nothing happened.
The system uses servo motors rather than steppers. Though servo motors
are more expensive than stepper motors, they have distinct advantages
in telescope control applications because of their higher dynamic torque
range. The servo motors have their own optical encoders fitted to the motor
shafts which forms the servo feedback loop.
Argo Navis computes the object offset and tracking rates on behalf of
the ServoCAT. In the case of an Alt/Az mounts, the tracking rates are
continuously changing on both axes.
Before the year is out, Wildcard Innovations and StellarCAT will be releasing
new firmware for both the Argo Navis and ServoCAT.
This release includes the latest revision of the ServoCAT-Argo Navis protocol
which brings about some new features. For example, it is now possible
to track man-made satellites and other solar system objects at their inherent
tracking rates.
Watching a Dob track a fast moving satellite is an impressive sight.
The new SmartTrack feature allows the user to make small corrections with
the ServoCAT handpad to center a moving target in the eyepiece and the
Argo Navis and ServoCAT lock to that moving position.
We suspect owners will have queues of people waiting at sunset wanting
to have a go. I coined it teaching a Dob a new trick. It is pretty cool to see it in action.
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