I
have a cheap Tasco
4.5" (114mm) reflector that I use in my pocket
handkerchief sized back yard. One frustration is that because of the
bad light pollution in the backyard, it can be very difficult to
identify where to point the scope to see things. In addition the mount
itself is not particularly good. One day I will build a bigger
reflector of the order of 8-12". In the meanwhile I am building a goto
mount that will take the Tasco but which will be robust enough for the
bigger scope.
After being frustrated again by trying to point the scope, I walked
into a colleagues office and saw part of a StorageTek tape silo. This
robotic arm included two DC servo motors with optical encoders, a
video camera and a stepper motor. These parts are the basis
of Redback.
After some work I decided to write up my experiences in trying to build
this. It has been some time since there has been a viable home built
controller with the specs and instructions on the net. My hope is that
you will find these pages help in creating your own mount.
I will write up and post each step as I complete it. I will also
collect the schematics and software as I go.
