EQ3 mount motorization

About project

My semester project was focused on creating prototype of motorization for equatorial astro mount EQ3 (stand for telescope, that can rotate telescope around polar axis). Motorization on mount is used to track night sky object during observation based on rotation of earth around its axis (simple rotation of telescope to compensate earth's rotation). That brings benefits of ended chasing objects during observation and also eliminates unpleasant vibrations. With this prototype I found out that it's possible to create working motorization which is cheaper than original component.

Motivation

Original basic motorization of equatorial mounts (Clock motor + motors with changeable speed for centering. We are not talking about GOTO!) is quite expensive upgrade that is not worth to buy for ultra amateur astronomers that uses telescope for couple times per year. As an alternative to original component, it is possible to create DIY motorization for part of the price that would bring small comfort during watching space objects + possibility to learn something new during creation.

More information

If you are interested in this project, you can find more information about it in export of my Enterprise Architect documentation HERE.

Documentation contains:

• UML diagrams that explain use cases of using mount motorization
• List of necessary components to create prototype/final product + links and prices
• Schematic of electronic components
• 3D design of construction (some components are possible to be 3D printed)
  
• Arduino code that provides necessary functionality with listed electronic components
• Project flow and final prototype without using digital fabrication techniques (because of corona pandemic)
  
• List of really simple lessons learned advices I learned during this project :)