[Mickoid (Michael)]

Originally Posted by poider

Can anybody please tell me what this is used for on my 6 inch newtonian reflector

https://www.flickr.com/photos/529918...posted-public/

The gear wheel connects to an electric motor which turns the RA axis for tracking an object, you can buy one on eBay for around $80. The lever is used when the motor is attached, to disengage the gearing so the RA can be moved manually. They serve no purpose without the motor.