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A No-Harm GoTo  Home Made Oak Dob This is an example of what can be done to a telescope without harming the mount in any way. The customer that owns this scope shipped me just the mount and tube cradle. I did the rest of the conversion for him. No harm was done to the mount at all. He can undo all of the conversion and use it on another scope if he wishes, with some modification. The manual movement of the scope is retained. You see the three wooden blocks on the side of the rockerbox  ?  They are the clamps that hold the geartrain plate to the side of the scope. I could easily have made them metal, but chose to keep the wood look. They bolt into places where there was already a screw. I just took his out and used a longer one in it's place.

The 'tin can' in the back is a scope of mine.
Remember, there is no harm done to this scope. Those clamps come off easily and don't mar the finish on the scope.
 
 
 

Features list:

• Unlike other GoTo systems, all of our systems are GoTo telescope controls for a lifetime. The circuitry, motors, computer, cables, software and (usually) the gearing, can be used on other mounts (Dobs or GEMS) with a little modification to the new mounting.
• It does NOT use encoders, none are  required or even recommended.
• There is no Field de-rotator included in any system but the system is quite capable of using one for astrophotography.
• Stepper motors that are quiet enough to talk over in a normal tone of voice when tracking and nearly silent when slewing.
• Time tested software and hardware.
• No permanent modifications to the telescope mount itself. Almost all of our systems are removable should you upgrade to a larger mounting.
• A small 17 amp hour gel cell battery is good for one night of observing.
• Resolution is at .225 arc seconds for this mount. Better resolution is available on request.
• Laptop can be an old 486 and can be included with your order.
• Software is included and pre-configured.
• Telephone and e-mail support is available for free.
• Instructions for operating the software are included.
• This system is GoTo pointing accurate to within a fraction of an arc minute.
• Start up time is less than 2 minutes.
• A one button grand tour mode is standard.
• Unlimited database, custom made, DIY and large database included free.
• Easy 2 star alignment.
• Custom made grand tour files are available for free and can be sent to you via e-mail or floppy. Install time for these is 1 minute.
• Multiple mount error correction routines are standard.
• Gearing backlash control is standard.
• Laptop can have Guide installed, a planetarium program that graphically displays the night sky. Access from inside the scope software with one key.
• Laptops and the circuitry can usually be powered from the same battery. There is no need typically, for a power outlet.
• LX-200 interface for control with other computer programs, standard.
• 40 microsteps per full step of the motors. Typical number of microsteps with the gearing is 5, 760,000.
• Drift compensation standard (allows lunar tracking at high power for CCD work)
• Realtime display of coordinates.
• Built in observing log is standard.
• Wireless mouse operation available.

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Here is a picture of a laptop and the pcb together. We attach the two with long pieces of industrial strength velcro. The laptop just sits on top of the pcb. BOTH can be made to run off of one single battery at your request. I have done this with quite a few laptops and all have worked perfectly running off of 12 volts.
 
 

Other completed No-Harm Dob conversions:
14" Discovery Dob
 

Pricing

No-harm conversions are to be paid in two (2) parts. One at the order time and one at completion, before delivery.

Total price for a tube type dob, up to a 10" mirror size is $1520.00.

Using your laptop, each payment is for $760.00. 

Purchase a suitable laptop $165.00 
 

Further Questions Via E-mail

Further Questions via Telephone: 817-468-0154