The first design consideration of this device,
is that I don't intend entering the RA and DEC for thousands of sky objects
into a ROM. The memory will store the owner's own sky objects, as he or she
encounters them. Once stored, the "Go To" function will be able to direct the
telescope to the desired coordinates.
As mentioned, I will design my guidance system
around a heavy equatorial mount already equipped with DC stepping motors that
are already aligned to the proper axis. They will have the right amount
of power to move the desired telescope, and will be rugged enough for out of
doors use in both summer and winter.
All I need to know about them are their
power requirements, their operating voltages and currents, and their stepping
characteristics. The size, shape, and spacing of their required stepping pulses
are most vital. I have already decided on a proportional control scheme that
will determine the distance of the move in advance, so that I can speed the
telescope to its new position in such a way that it slows down the right amount
before the end of its travel, preventing the telescope's momentum from causing
the system to overshoot its mark.