Re: Dec Drive, etc.

[Chris Albertson <chris@216-178-250-236.lax1.phoenixdsl.net>]

>   However, the real problem is the slop, and that can't be
> removed no matter how much encoding you do.  You have to
> have repeatability in any mechanism.  The system works if
> you don't mind being a degree or so off, so perhaps we
> should just live with it.  I certainly don't have time
> to modify anything until November.

Even if the Dec drive put the camera at totally random
locations with an encoder at least you would know _where_
you were pointing.  If you find you are off by some
amount, try again.  So it takes three or four "move"
commands to hit your target.  It's kind of like firing a
canon with a forward spotter.

>   ARNE is taking data by itself tonight.  Fun to walk out
> at the appropriate time and watch it move.  Now on to other
> problems that can be solved in the week before I leave!

You've got a point.  After all the Mark III had no dec. drive
and it does OK.  

-- 
   Chris Albertson             home: chrisja@phoenixdsl.com
   Redondo Beach, California   work: calbertson@primeadvantage.com