DEC axis encoder project for StarLapse system (griz11)

DEC axis encoder project for StarLapse system

I wanted to put encoders on my StarLapse system so I could use an Argo Navis to navigate the sky. Losmandy makes a very nice kit for their GEM mounts but not for StarLapse. So I bought the Losmandy DSCH kit and used one of those encoder set-ups for the main axis and used the reader and a different wheel and a small die cast project box to fabricate one. The disk is a USDigital 1in hubdisk 2048 CPR. Its the same series as the reader so I could use the one that came with the DSCH kit. You need something to replace the spacer on the original camera mount arm. It won't tighten up enough without it. So I hit on the idea of using the die cast box to protect the electronics and provide the replacement for the spacer. The spacer has to be removed to attach the encoder wheel to the shaft that rotates with the dovetail holding the camera. Actually I've flipped the box over now so that its easier to adjust the reader and wheel. The way its mounted here you have to install the reader and wheel interlocked and its a little tricky. While fussing with it I figured out a better way. With it flipped you assemble everything on the bottom flat piece of the box without the sides being in the way. Tight to install the screws to bolt up the bottom though. Not much room and the dovetail gets in the way. I replaced them with hex heads so I could use a ball end allen wrench. Could go with a box a little bigger but I spent the best part of a day combing through catalogs and this was the closest I could find. Its not the dimensions l and w that are a problem but it has to be 1inch tall to provide the spacer function. The box and reader are mounted with automotive trim tape so I didn't have to do any drilling into the StarLapse. No mechanical stress on either part so this should work just fine.

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	Image of the day	Top pick	Top pick nominations	Total submitted
Deep sky
Solar system
Extremely wide field
Star trails
Northern lights
Noctilucent clouds
Landscape

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Backyard
Traveller
Own remote observatory
Amateur hosting facility
Public amaeteur data
Professional, scientific grade data
Mix of multiple sources
Other
Unknown

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