Eq Platform part 1

Here is how I design and build an equatorial platform based off a customer telescope stats. It's not optics but every telescope needs tracking. This is a rugged two motor design that tracks superbly and is inexpensive and easy to build.
Part 1 is design and making bearings.

[@adventuresofanamateurastro804]

I had a platform by Mr. Ed and it's a work of art. The craftsmanship is at a Superior level and glides across the sky like a feather and built solid as a rock. Very humbly priced. Thank you Mr. Ed!!

[@99dlavall]

What size dob did you get it for? Did you go with ac motors or stepper? Are you able to do any astrophotography with it? I'm curious because I'm not sure if I want to go with steppers for more control, or ac sync. Concerned that steppers might not be smooth enough.

[@gettingpast4391]

Best video on the internet for making an EQ platform. I don't think you'll lose much business.. those who can build one were planning to do it even before they found your video, and those who can't will be convinced that it's too difficult.

[@starman82]

Thanks for this Ed, I've been trying to muddle through the design on my own and this really makes it clear.

[@CsikiAttila]

OK, this was the video I finally understood how these platforms work. However, all I can think about now is hopefully nothing bad happened to Ed, based on the handling of the circular saw. I guess I will have nightmares for a few days :)

[@kylesoule]

This is amazing information. Thank you so much for sharing it!

[@shaytan1313]

great video sir, thank you!

[@PapaMcEuin]

nice. do you have your excel sheet for download?

[@99dlavall]

First of all Ed Jones: Thank you so much for a great design and a very nice how to video!! And yes, yours are VERY humbly priced. So much so, that unless you're really a DIY-er for the fun of it (of which I am) it only makes sense to order one. I'm going to have fun making one but I can pretty much guarantee that by the time I finish all the tweaks, fixes, re-dos, and what-not I'll be in it for more than If I just ordered one in the first place.. :) For those of you without Excel you can just solve for COG and round to the nearest 10th or whatever: COG = (Hota*Wota + Hrocker*Wrocker + Hplat*Wplat) / (Wota + Wplat + Wrocker) COG = (18*57+3*30.5-0.75*8)/(57+30.5+8) = 11.64

[@ericbcox]

Awesome video. Couldn't you just use a table saw blade to cut the angle??

[@Opticsed]

Well you could but the cut will be rather rough you would have to do a lot of sanding afterwards.

[@honoriosergio5454]

Great video!

[@randybork4493]

Great video! I'm glad I found your channel. I have one question regarding locating the center of gravity on the virtual axis. It seemed to me when I was first thinking about this that I would want the intersection of the altitude axis and the OTA axis located on the virtual axis, so that point would not be making a circle around the virtual axis as the platform moves. In any case the two spots [COG and the alt/OTA axis intersection] won't be that far apart and it may not matter.

[@Opticsed]

This is no different than say a German equatorial mount where the OTA axis revolves around the polar axis. An English yoke is the only one I can think of where the polar axis and OTA coincide.

[@nleco]

You mention to set the COG value such that torque equals 0. However, in your example, the height is 11.60 but torque is set to 3.7. I most likely am not understanding something. Looking to make one and like your instructions.

[@nleco]

I was thinking about this more after I tried it out for myself. It seems it's hard to get it to exactly 0. I believe you said it was ok to get it down to 10th of an inch or something along those lines. So my understanding now is to just get that 'torque' value as close to 0 as possible.

[@n1ckf00c]

Where can I find that spreadsheet you are using?

[@seansadler6912]

He shows you the formulas, just copy each into your spreadsheet program.

[@avinashajupiterastronomycl2868]

Can you give me some Ideas