[Brian]

Thank you everyone for your interest.

I believe a tracking platform should not cost as much as a good new scope.
The platforms shown are an affordable solution for the small and medium size Dob users who just want the convenience of not nudging their scope all night to keep an object in view. Tracking is great for planets, but I also like it for deep sky observing. It keeps deep sky objects centered in the field of view where my eyepieces perform best.

It can easily handle up to a 14-inch scope. For a 15 or 16 inch, I would need to make the platform slightly larger and add an extra bearing support for stability. This would depend on the weight and rocker box size of the individual scope (a slight extra charge depending on size needed). I charge $20 more for a solid paint color because of the extra sealing and sanding involved.

The platforms shown are 5 ¼ inches tall including the pads, 23 inches diameter, weigh 17lb, and tracks for 50 minutes. The motor steps at .55 per arc sec. and has a 300:1 gear ratio, which gives it plenty of torque to handle the 19-inch center of gravity. It uses manual reset by simply lifting the corner of the platform and sliding the table over. The scope can be set on top of the platform or directly attached replacing the ground board.


Thanks,
Brian