Computer-controlled astronomical telescope drive system.

Computer-controlled astronomical telescope drive system.

An 8-inch astronomical telescope with a two-axis equatorial mount capable of taking motor drives is available as a platform for this project. A previous project made progress mounting and driving suitable stepper motors, but significant work needs to be done in specifying and building the motor drive power supplies. Also, suitable drive software needs to be developed to control the motors and to guard against the telescope colliding with its own support.