This is the the new control panel. One simple serial
connector for the RA motor.
SMALL VIDEO OF THE CONVERTED MOUNT
12 Meg VIDEO
OF THE CONVERTED MOUNT
This is a picture of the Dec./Alt cover. It encloses
all of the parts for this axis. A serial cable plug is on the bottom to
connect the stepper inside.
This is what is under the cover on the Alt./Dec. axis.
A 180:1 wheel and worm gear, bronze, stainless worm. It is mounted on a
clutch plate pair for anytime manual motion. No levers or knobs to move
when the friction is set. The stepper is a new Oriental Motors NEMA frame
size 17, 400 step model. Timing pulley's and belts transfer the power
to the worm and give a 4:1 over gearing ratio.
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All of the standard features of a GEM or Dob, listed elsewhere
on this site, are available. You can use this scope in either mode with
the proper wedge and tripod
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The circuitry is simple to repair or replace. Repair cost
is under $50.00. Replacement of the PCB is about $120.00.
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All of the parts are available to be shipped to you, ready
to be bolted on. Installation is fast and simple. You don't need to ship
the entire scope for conversion.
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Pictures of the parts and how they are installed will
be on a web page here for you to refer to when doing the install.
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You MUST remove the RA geartrain and ship it to us for
conversion. Two bolts hold the geartrain on and are easily removed with
a screw driver once the stock bottom plate is removed. We will add the
needed conversion parts and ship it to you for re-installation, using the
same mounting holes. Turn time is transit time plus 3 days.
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If you have an old laptop laying around, you can send
that here for the software installation and motor tuning. See laptop specs
below.
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One hole must be made inside the RA housing for the conversion
to work. It is unseen from the outside. A standard hand drill and file/Dremel
can make the hole, the material is aluminum and cuts easily. Pictures are
included of what is needed.
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A small amount of material removal is needed for Alt./Dec.
axis geartrain clearance. Again, it is unseen and easily removed. Pictures
are included of what is needed at order time.
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Field ready PCB. Please see this page
for details.
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Laptop requirements: see this
page
for specs.
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A small 12 volt sealed lead acid battery can typically
be used for powering the laptop and circuitry.
Using your provided laptop pc
$1195.00
With us providing a suitable
laptop PC $1295.00
