Hi guys N gals.
I'm starting to get excited about my having the ability to use tracking on my EQ mount...so I'd thought I'd share it with ya!
As most are aware, the mount is home-built by me awhile back, & I have been trying to come up with an answer to motor-drive it ever sinse!
The basic system is very simple & CHEAP! Comprising of a radial arm of the correct length, with 1/4" 10 TPI all-thread as the main gear reducer...I built this with the definite idea that a motor of some description doing 1 RPM would be necessary. I've used various 240V motors on it, & all have tracked good enough, the only problem being high frequency vibrations induced by the motors themselves, making them not usable for high magnification photography. Now I've gone to the idea of using a stepper & controller to drive it.
The controller is being built in Syney, & is nearly finished.
To re-cap thus far: 1 radial arm cost: $0 (unless you want to include my labour for making it.)
1 high-torque stepper out of a 1981 canon electric typewriter: $0
1 controller/hand-paddle: $40-$50
I will comment further on the successful operation...or un-successful... whatever the case may be....operation of the drive when I receive & fit it to the mount.
EQ mount drive up-date!
