EQ8 Mount Dimensions for POTH input

[hughgilhespie]

Hi,

First I need to say a big thank you to Steve (steppenwolf) Richards. He created a very useful spreadsheet showing how to measure a mount and then calculate the values that are needed to set up the mount in an automated dome-type  observatory. These values are input to POTH, part of the ASCOM software. POTH then uses them to do all the calculations needed to ensure that the observatory dome will accurately track where the telescope - also controlled by POTH - is pointing. So, the telescope ends up pointing through the open shutter - GOOD - and not pointing at the fibreglass roof - BAD! 

Steve's spreadsheet is available in the Technical Notes section of his website, http://www.skyatnightimages.co.uk/. It gives all the measurments  for his Mesu mount.

So, in a spirit of  boundless plagiarism, I have now cloned Steve's spreadsheet and done the measurements for my EQ8 mount. The results are in the attached file which I hope might be useful to someone.

 One word of warning. I did the measurements as carefully as possible but I can't guarantee they are accurate so be careful. I did all the measurements with the mount attached to the pier which made it hard to get some values, easier if the mount was just on a bench. Plus my mount photo isn't very good so I recommend that you also look at Steve's much clearer picture to actually understand what you are trying to measure.
Regards, Hugh

Mount_dimensions_EQ8.xlsx