Hello everyone:
I am interested in building a robotic mount for a telescope and was hoping to find some insight here. I would not even qualify as 'new to robot building' yet, as my only knowledge of the subject comes from digging through your website + forum and some college-level physics.. I have tried to gather sufficient information prior to posting, and I apologize if this is too basic or vague to work with. Please bear with me.
My plan is to make a mount for a small telescope that has a rotating base (the degrees of rotation for the base is not critical at this point) and one 'joint' where the telescope will be mounted. I have some estimates for the dimensions and weight of this amputated arm - would anyone out there be so kind as to help me brainstorm this project from the ground up?
I picture the mount looking as follows-
O <-- Telescope - 7in. long, ~45oz.
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| Base |
The "O" in the diagram above will be the joint where the telescope is mounted. Ideally, the telescope, parallel to the ground in the diagram, will be able to rotate about 100degrees up from the parallel position and about 60degrees down from the parallel position. From what I can tell, the 45 ounce mass of the telescope itself is roughly centered, so I do not expect to need extreme amounts of torque in that joint. If my torque calculations are correct, then it appears that an average servo could accomplish this lifting. I am concerned, however, by the need to be able to freeze this joint.. one of my many questions. Is there an alternative to a servo that could be better-suited to this purpose?
I have searched through the forum and the website for help on this - lots of bits and pieces, but still no clear image. Could someone please help me with some early-phase planning, primarily for the top joint in my diagram? What is the best way to accomplish that ~160degree range of motion and still be able to freeze the joint in place?
If it looks like this project might get off the ground, I would also love some input on controlling and powering the mount.. but that can wait. Thanks very much in advance!