[Laser] Aiming methods using "goto" telescopes

[Gregg Seidl]

Careful Eric.You could become hooked on the telescope and forget about the
radio.HI HI HI Gregg K9KL and owner of Tower View Observatory
----- Original Message -----
From: "ERIC GUINN" <GUINNE@prodigy.net>
To: <Laser@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2003 10:09 PM
Subject: [Laser] Aiming methods using "goto" telescopes


> Bob,  (et al)
>
> I've been trying to use stepper motors and hinged boards and threaded rod
> and so forth for ages, until I came up with this idea:
>
> I purchased a little used Meade ETX-60AT computerized telescope with
> "Autostar" hand controller just for the purpose of pointing my laser
> station.  I hoped to find a broken scope for nothing, but I think these go
> for $60-$100 or so used, and you can buy them new at Wal-Mart for what is
it
> now, $179?  Anyway, these have repeatable non-backlash pointing accuracy
of
> arcseconds and such slow slew rates that you can't even see the tube move.
> PERFECT for laser comm!  You can use the scope as the receiver and place
> your detector in the eyepiece mount, or you could piggyback the receiver
> (after careful alignment) and use the scope optics as-is to look visually
> for the other station's beam. (AS LONG AS THEY AREN'T CLOSE ENOUGH TO
BLIND
> YOU!)
>
> Now if I can just find someone around here to TRY it with, and I'll be
set.
>
> Besides, I now have a cute little telescope to use with the family on
summer
> nights.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Eric Guinn, AC4LS
> Sevierville, TN
>
>
>
>
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