Quote:
Originally Posted by Wavytone
Well, it arrived... interesting. A a visual travel scope this would very easily take a 100mm refractor and certainly a step up from what i had before. It would also take my MN56 mak newtonian well enough, though that will need a decent tripod.
Each axis has a roller thrust race, approx 90mm diameter. Massive overkill, mechanically. The central stud also has a thrust race and a hefty knob to tighten the pressure, resulting in modest drag (friction). Probably feasible to add encoders with some custom parts, if you wanted to.
The belt drive is effective. No noticeable backlash. The pinion has a flat and a setscrew to lock it on the shaft with the knob; it would be rather easy to undo this and make a DIY shaft driven by a small motor (if you wanted to motorise).
It requires 8mm bolts to attach the dovetail base (trip to Bunnings) and there is a 10mm threaded hole for a counterweight bar, so I'm off to find one that fits (mine is 12mm).
Central hole in the base appears to be ¼" x 20, though there are 2 x 8mm holes at 35mm apart and 2 x 8mm at 70mm apart, if you want to bolt it onto a substantial baseplate of some sort.
Only downside is that the edges of the roller thrust races are a little exposed and dust will get in. A felt ring would fix that and keep the dust out (simple DIY job).
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So...happiness? I'm curious as to what else you have to add to get it working. How do you attach it to the scope? How do you attach it to a tripod? Given goto mounts are available for $600, I wonder if it's a real alternative, or more of a novelty?
Best
Markus