The Construction of "The Ewing Equatorial Mount" (Phase One Completion: October 1, 2001)
The following are pictures, lists or parts, and descriptions of the German
equatorial mount that I built, with the help of some friends. I decided
to build my own mount for a couple of reasons (other than being "thrifty
"). One reason was that I found out by talking with other amateur
astronomers in my club that quality telescope mounts cost a lot of money.
The other reason was that the amateur astronomers in my club who paid a lot of
money for a telescope with a quality mount either complained that they didn't
operate well enough and used them anyway or modified the mounts so that they DID
operate well enough.
I want to thank the friends in my astronomy club who were involved in the project. The most instrumental people were, in alphabetical order, Brian, Dean, Gene, John, and Val. (I simply rememeberd who I "bugged" the most.) They provided me with ideas, mechanical expertise, and general support. Without their help, this project never would have never gotten off the ground. Thank you, my friends. C'mon over to my padsite and enjoy the results any time.
(The lists of parts, descriptions of the construction, and blow-ups of the pictures can be seen by clicking on the thumbnail images.)
The Parts
The Pier
(By the way, the bike is in the background for size reference.)
(By the way, the bike is in the background for size reference.)
The Platform
The Pier Mount Without The Tube
The Pier Mount With The Tube
But there's more ...
After using the mount, I noticed that two problems existed. One was that the mount was unstable and would wobble uncontrollably. The other was that people were tripping over either the "legs" or the cables! So, I decided to go with a tripod configuration.
After using the mount, I noticed that two problems existed. One was that the mount was unstable and would wobble uncontrollably. The other was that people were tripping over either the "legs" or the cables! So, I decided to go with a tripod configuration.
The Tripod Mount With The Tube (#1)
The Tripod Mount With The Tube (#2)
And now for the motor drive system. Now, the mount can track objects. Soon, I'll be taking photographs.
Front View Of The Tripod Mount
Side View Of The Tripod Mount
Rear View Of The Tripod Mount
Wide-Angle Side View Of Stepper Motor And Pulleys
Close-Up Side View Of Stepper Motor Assembly
Front View Of Stepper Motor Assembly
The Tripod Mount, The Tube, And "The Proud Father"
The Tripod Mount And The New Tube (Side View)"
The Tripod Mount And The New Tube (Rear View)"
The Tripod Mount, The New Tube, And "The Proud Father"
Next, I'll be building the declination drive system. The fun never ends!
(And time goes by ...)
Then nine years to the day when I first created this page, I am now updating it with new photos.
(And time goes by ...)
Then nine years to the day when I first created this page, I am now updating it with new photos.
Front View Of The Tangent Arm
Side View Of The Tangent Arm
Rear View Of The Tangent Arm
Front View Of The Mount With New Rings And Tangent Arm
Side View Of The Mount With New Rings And Tangent Arm
Rear View Of The Mount With New Rings And Tangent Arm
