I have got the itch to get a setup for controlling the Az/Alt of the 12" by the stepper motors.
I've read here, there and everywhere about all the systems but still a little dazed at what system will do me, an off the shelf system or a custom built setup.
I have a plan / project to make a system up, but need some advice on my methods of my madness. The plan isn't defined, but I am not at all concerned if it takes a few months to figure out.
Now, I am very noob-ish, to these systems, though I am electronically minded to make a system, but this is what I want to do :
- Have a stepper motor / control system to guide on DSO's / Planets etc, you know, the normal stuff.
- Also want to have the ability to speed up or slow down both axis's (er or is it axi ??
), as I want to have the ability to follow a satellite or other feature that goes slower / faster than sideral time. (e.g follow the ISS or shuttle in orbit or eventually show the shuttle's entry to earth's atmosphere)
Watched a few vids on youtube too, just to get an idea as well.
Stepper motor system -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYG8SlrwGHM
Moon guiding -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-O5H2drEsw )
Now please correct my noobishness, but is this what I might need?
2 x stepper motors, a variable controller (either controlled standalone or by PC), wiring, gearing system (or a method to drive the mount), batteries.
Do I need a PC / Laptop (as I already have both)? Will the PC / Laptop take away the complexity of making a variable box on it's own or is it better to use both in conjunction?
Now the variable controller, I want the adaptibilty to switch between sidereal time to whatever speed I choose.
Like using 2 potentiometers and stuff.
Now if all else fails, and I choose to throw it all away, that I might choose an Argo Navis or similar system.
Is the Argo system encoder a motor? Or just a digitial sensor (where you still have to move the mount manually?)
I'm just confused at exactly what the argo navis system is. (automatic or manual)
Thanks.