Equatorial Platform

This is one of the first test runs of my new equatorial platform for the spherical mount telescope (similar to Portaball)
It provides approximately 50 minutes of tracking time. The Hurst step motor with 1/300 built in reduction turns @ ~ 17.56 rpm with a 1/3" shaft giving a total reduction of 25218.75 and this would turn the platform once in every 86164.09 seconds. Motor controller is PIC based and power supply is 12 V DC.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Equatorial
• Platform

[jonajona0606]

You did a great job. I want to get a 12" dob and the I will try to build one of these

[curiosis]

Even though I've made several iterations (assembly-disassembly / holes) platform worked surprisingly well for X81 magnification at the eyepiece. I'll try to make another one after some time while try to avoid my mistakes here.

[GunLawsSuck]

I have a 12.5" Portaball and don't can't pay the price for a commercial eq mount. Do have plans available

[gaiatechnician]

I am researching equipment to move parabolic dishes for solar cooking. The dish and focus moves on the equatorial axis. I use dripper trackers to move the dish. What is your electronic timer called? I just need something very basic. Even if it ticks every 10 minutes, it is fine. To move 7 inches in 15 hours would be perfect for my application. Can it do that?

[postcolonial1]

Very cool.