Hi,
I am still working with my 10-inch Dobsonian telescope. I am having problem to making a good mount that can track the star. It can be dobsonian or modify C5 mount. I want to use my old computer to control it as like goto mount but still can’t have a good idea. Is there any one-can advice me better idea?
I can do program for device and can make the electronic device but need some help for astronomical calculation.
Thank you
Michael
Need help making a computerized goto mount for dobsonian
Michael:
If you need just tracking, an eq platform may be enough. If you need GOTO or coordinate reading, you need to review some websites. Have you looked at the following websites: ?
1) Mel Bartel's computerized dobs
http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/cot/cot.html
2) Using Meade DS 492 motors for telescopes
http://www.data-plumber.com/autostarupgrade.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/
3) Computing algorithm
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zs3t-tk/
http://www.korner.freeserve.co.uk/lx10/dsc6.html
4) Digital setting circle
http://home.earthlink.net/~david.ek/digicircles/
http://palmdsc.dougbraun.com/
My idea for making a GOTO scope is to acquire AZ and ALT reading from the Dave Ek' digital setting circle through a Palm PDA runing PalmDSC. Then modify PalmDSC (the source code provided) to send signals to control a stepper motor board via a Palm RS232 port to drive motors until the AZ and ALT differences are zero. It is the simplest way because you will not get involved in the complicated astronomical computation. And a Palm PDA is portable. I am using a stepper motor board from a local company for my homemade motofocus. It has a RS232 port for communication. http://www.appsofttech.com/ast_mcu/prod ... pp04.shtml
Hope this helps.
Anat
If you need just tracking, an eq platform may be enough. If you need GOTO or coordinate reading, you need to review some websites. Have you looked at the following websites: ?
1) Mel Bartel's computerized dobs
http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/cot/cot.html
2) Using Meade DS 492 motors for telescopes
http://www.data-plumber.com/autostarupgrade.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RoboScope/
3) Computing algorithm
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zs3t-tk/
http://www.korner.freeserve.co.uk/lx10/dsc6.html
4) Digital setting circle
http://home.earthlink.net/~david.ek/digicircles/
http://palmdsc.dougbraun.com/
My idea for making a GOTO scope is to acquire AZ and ALT reading from the Dave Ek' digital setting circle through a Palm PDA runing PalmDSC. Then modify PalmDSC (the source code provided) to send signals to control a stepper motor board via a Palm RS232 port to drive motors until the AZ and ALT differences are zero. It is the simplest way because you will not get involved in the complicated astronomical computation. And a Palm PDA is portable. I am using a stepper motor board from a local company for my homemade motofocus. It has a RS232 port for communication. http://www.appsofttech.com/ast_mcu/prod ... pp04.shtml
Hope this helps.
Anat
Last edited by anat on Sun Sep 12, 2004 9:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Michael,
That is a quite a bold move. If you are serious about doing the alt/azi goto conversion. I may have the neccessary motors and controller to get your dob scope moving. I hope you have access to mill/lathe facilities because you will need it when it comes to parts fabrication. Contact me via email on the details.
Matthew
That is a quite a bold move. If you are serious about doing the alt/azi goto conversion. I may have the neccessary motors and controller to get your dob scope moving. I hope you have access to mill/lathe facilities because you will need it when it comes to parts fabrication. Contact me via email on the details.
Matthew