Modding DobsonDream encoders to OOUK rocker box

[canivenatici]

Hi guys, does anybody have experience with DobsonDream encoder kits or just these type of stuff? I was wondering if I could fit any of the kits to an OrionUK mount like shown in the drawing. Basically all kits attach the altitude encoder to the altitude pin that goes into the tube.. My mount doesn't have that pin.. What if I made a disk with a hole in the middle, attach the alt encoder there so that the encoder+disk move with the altitude bearing? I don't really know how encoders work so can't exactl tell if this could work.

Any help appreciated.

Stock altitude encoder

My mod idea

 

[Peter Drew]

Yes, that would work.  I've done a similar thing with a 20" Dobsonian using the encoders from an Orion Intelliscope.        🙂

[canivenatici]

Thank you

[faulksy]

when i had my orion dob, i bolted a flat piece of st/st flat bar across the bearing, put it in the lathe to get the center then bored it out to suit the encoder. worked perfect

[Sky_LO]

Yes it will work.   I did a custom install on a folding DOB with no natural pivot points using the Dobson Dream encoders.  My intstall will actually be in Sky and Telescope magazine in July 2021.  Hold off making the parts until you have the kit in hand, so you can get your setup the way you need.

-Lauren   

 

[canivenatici]

Of course, I'll come up with something lighter than a full disk with the kit at hand. Congrats for your future publication, Lauren.

Thank you

Edited April 13, 2021 by canivenatici