Accurate mount pointing

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Logieberra

Good? For the astronomical price, I bet they're darn amazing!

Although... http://www.myastrospace.com/forums/f...scussion/3734-

Peter, will we see ASA on your product line in the not too distant future?

It's interesting to note that the user plonked it on a Losmandy Tripod

While I'm sure ASA would take an order from my commercial venture..

...but I don't expect to be snowed under with inquiries any time soon....so it's probably not going to happen.

The reality is in Oz, sell cheap, or sell sporting gear (maybe both )

High end astronomy instruments are for a discerning few....and I'm not taking a swipe at those who are not in a position to drop $15-50K on a system...

You can buy a S-class Benz, or you can buy a "reasonably priced car" . Both will indeed safely get you from A to B.

It's simply a matter of whether that last few (and often costly) percent of engineering excellence matters to you.

[MrB (Simon)]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

BTW what happens to DD mount when it loses power? I've been told they simply fall limp....

I have no idea, but if I had a hand in designing the mount I would have added a solenoid operated clutch/brake.
If power were lost, the solenoid can no longer hold the clutch/brake open.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by MrB

I have no idea, but if I had a hand in designing the mount I would have added a solenoid operated clutch/brake.
If power were lost, the solenoid can no longer hold the clutch/brake open.

Indeed... one of a few practical solutions. The question however remains...

[marc4darkskies (Marcus)]

Here's an interesting and recent ASA forum thread that pretty much answers the question IMO.

http://forum.astrosysteme.com/index....-requirements/

Even if you manage to achieve perfect balance 100% of the time in all orientations, imagine what might happen if a power failure happens during slew or after a surge!

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by marc4darkskies

Here's an interesting and recent ASA forum thread that pretty much answers the question IMO.

http://forum.astrosysteme.com/index....-requirements/

Even if you manage to achieve perfect balance 100% of the time in all orientations, imagine what might happen if a power failure happens during slew or after a surge!

I can see Today-Tonight's headline: "Astronomer crushed by run-away telescope with laser-finder and causes overflying Airliner Terror "

"Legislation banning them needed now !"