i will keep you posted on how i go motorizing my dob. el is a long way down the track with the computer controlled focuser. It will be controlled at this stage by a laptop and powered by 12 volt battery
Current options
http://www.roundtableplatforms.com/default.php made to order from the states. Costs $500 american, but manual dec control & manual focuser.
Mike Salway has one!
Worst case scenario ie buying all new parts from RS without any trade discounts etc ( i sourced the 3 stepper motors for free from 3 old 5 1/4" disk drives)
Area Description Qty Price Total
Tracking Stepper Motor 1.8 degree 2 $80.00 $160.00
Tracking Gear reducer 2 $165.00 $330.00
Tracking Bearings 4 $12.00 $48.00
Tracking 560mm diameter x 1mm Alu plate 1 $30.00 $30.00
Tracking Extras 1 $50.00 $50.00
Subtotal $618.00
Focuser Stepper Motor 1.8 degree 1 $80.00 $80.00
Focuser Extras 1 $50.00 $50.00
Subtotal $130.00
For Both Controller for 3 steppers 1 $85.00 $85.00
Subtotal $85.00
Total $833.00
Sell inc gst $900.00
EQ6 mounts are over $1000 and to motorize, you would have to start adding more to that price?
Like I say, i will see how i go, could be a complete flop. I would love to get going for snake valley, to get feedback.