From harrymc at ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au  Wed Apr 13 13:33:09 2011
From: harrymc at ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au (Harry)
Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:33:09 +0800
Subject: [RadioTelescope] Stepping, what's next ?
Message-ID: <4DA53595.4080908@ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au>

Hello Astronomers

I've got the little Arduino stepping the motors. Still a few bugs but nothing
that will halt progress. Is there anyone with mechanical inclinations that
wants to tear the mount apart and give it some oil and grease ?

After that, bolt on motors and the donor dish and give the whole thing a wiggle.

I have too many projects as usual but I can liaise with any other people still
interested in the project.

As an aside, the stepper driver boards get hot without some circulation. Mr
Tearles has suggested a new cabinet. There is a commercial rack with backplane
designed for the driver boards:

http://www.automotsys.com.au/RTArack.pdf

These people also sell PSUs
http://www.automotsys.com.au/rta.html

See Power Supplies at bottom of page.

Amtex sells a range or 125V and 250V adjustable DC supplies in 600W, 800W, 1kW
and beyond.

http://www.amtex.com.au/power_pdf/power_1.htm

See Industrial Grade Models and the bottom of the chart

So if initial tests prove up the mount, it may be that Physics can fund some
improvements. It'll still be a cheapish telescope I think.

All the best
Harry