Unique Design Features
3 inch focuser for large accessories like my 3 inch ASA zero power coma corrector and an Explore Scientific 30 mm 100° FOV eyepice
My telescope weighs over 500 pounds (227 kg). If I set it up not pointing north, I cannot move the mount.
I made an innovative pier head that sits on an 8 inch (200 mm) diameter thrust bearing. Below the thrust bearing, there is 4 inch (100 mm) radial bearing. Combined, these two bearings allow for full 360° movement with very little effort.
Fine alignment is accomplished with two push pull swivel head screws
I chose to go “old school” for fine control of the declination axis.
I made a tangent arm assembly. For fine control, I use a Pittman 12v DC motor. But, the most unique feature is the Roh’lix linear actuator.
Look carefully at the stainless steel shaft, there are no threads. There are 6 angled radial bearings that trace out an imaginary 24 thread per inch helix on the shaft. This results in ZERO back lash
Another idea I had was to make an adjustable secondary mirror holder. If you look at at the holder, there is a round disc about “0.25 inches (6 mm) thick. There are 2 slotted screw holes. Loosening the screws, the secondary mirror can be offset the proper distance without touching the spider legs.
This makes optical alignment much easier and way faster.
