Hi Tim and others,
I have the same problem with my scope's alt bearings. I have been thinking about using a timing belt turned inside out - like Dan Gray did here for his azimuth axis:
http://www.siderealtechnology.com/28inch/azimuth.jpg
There must be some way to then connect the timing gear to the encoder. Would this work?
I also thought about whether a platic rack and pinion would work - bend a plastic rack around the alt bearing circumference. However I have not been able to locate a plastic rack large enough. Any suggestions on where to look?
Thanks,
Rod.