Differences

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--- hardware [2025/06/09 20:14] – holtz
+++ hardware [2025/08/13 18:20] (current) – holtz
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 Mounted on the side of the telescope is a 6" two-element refractor guide scope.
-Telescope communication and control is via a [[http://www.siderealtechnology.com/ |Sidereal Technology Servo Controller II]].
+The telescope was upgraded around 2010: the analog motors were replaced with digital servo motors, and the gear system replaced with a belt drive system, using 3/8" wide trapezoidal belts. On the RA drive, the motor wheel has 15 teeth, while the wheel on the RA worm has 30 teeth.
+Telescope communication and control is via a [[http://www.siderealtechnology.com/ |Sidereal Technology Servo Controller II]]. The Servo Controller II is located in the base of the telescope. Driver/receiver RS-422 extenders for the encoder connections were purchased from US Digital, with EA-R-L-10-W5 for the receivers and EA-D-L-10-??? for the drivers.
 Although the SciTech controller can independently control the telescope, we conntinue to power up the Boller and Chivens system for several reasons: 1) it activates the torque motors that may help to push against the worm drive, 2) it activates the telescope hardware horizon limits. There is a relay attached to one of the web power switches which turns on the telescope power. There is a second relay attached to a separate controllable outlet that can be used to override the hardware limits; this must be used only with great understanding and care!