From: "James Lerch" 
To: 
Cc: 
Reply-To: "James Lerch" 


Mel,

Let's see if I got this right,

If I build an Alt-Alt scope, and place it on a base that rotates in
azimuth, motorize all three axis, I can have a scope that will track Mars
(while at opposition) all night long, with no field rotation, no polar
alignment pains, and dang simple construction to boot?

If this is correct, can you get Scope.exe to control 3 motors directly (as in no
Saa1042 field rotation chip)?  Lets say use pins 14-17 to control the third
axis?  My thinking is were going to want micro-stepping in all three axis,
yea?

Otherwise, if we can live with half stepping on one axis, Scope.exe and
your control board is already capable of handling this type of mount, yes?

I've got an 11.25" F/7 primary that will be ready for an OTA and mount
soon. The goal was to have it ready for the upcoming Mars season.  I had
originally planed an Alt/Az with a rotating OTA to get rid of field
rotation on the CCD, but an Alt/Alt/Az would be SOOO much simpler to
build!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just had a thought, I could use my Bino-scope alt/az mount (minus the
Bino-scopes) add a second Alt axis at 90 degrees to the existing Alt axis,
and I've got 2/3 of the work already done! :)

With regards to your question "I have the software routines - any
takers ?" I'll raise my hand and do my best
'Horseshack' impression from the TV show "Welcome Back Carter"


Take Care,
James Lerch
http://lerch.no-ip.com/atm (My telescope construction,testing, and coating site)

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