A DIY EQ Platform for a 10" DOB

[slippery_sid]

HI everyone, I just finished building a platform for my son's Dob. It came out super nice and tracks beautifully. It uses a conical circular segment north bearing and a stepper motor driven by an Arduino. It has a mount for a laser to enable easy polar alignment and a little hand controller for fine-tuning the speed. I have a write-up with all the construction details, including the electronics and software, here. If you are looking to build a platform of your own or just get ideas, please check it out.

Edited December 27, 2023 by slippery_sid
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[Coco]

That looks fabulous ! 

[Astronomist]

I have a similar project in the planning phase at the moment, so very inspiring to see one as good as this. Unfortunately you are a far better woodworker than me, so copying might be difficult!

[Mr Spock]

Looks great - excellent woodwork skills 👍

[athornett]

Wonderful stuff! I made an EQ platform years ago but nowhere near as beautiful or compact as yours. How did you cut the sectors?

Andy

[Mr H in Yorkshire]

Exquisite work, you should be very pleased with yourself.

[slippery_sid]

2 hours ago, athornett said:

Wonderful stuff! I made an EQ platform years ago but nowhere near as beautiful or compact as yours. How did you cut the sectors?

Andy

I followed a technique I first saw published by Ed Jones. The piece pivots on a table saw first with the blade beveled and then with a sanding disc on the saw at the same angle. All the details are in my writeup, here.