July 2024 ATM Meeting- New Telescope Mount Technology

Topic: New Telescope Mount Technology

Speaker: Rich Russin

The last decade has seen significant changes in telescope mount technology. In this ATM, we will review some of the more significant changes that will affect buying decisions. We will cover how manufacturers are including features such as wireless mount control, harmonic drive gearing, computer integration, and the reduced need for equatorial mount counterweights(thus significantly reducing the overall weight of the mount).

It is really important to understand these changes. Many astronomers spend a significant amount of money on the scope but then pair it with an undersized mount. The problems that ensue are often attributed incorrectly to the scope. New mount technology allows for a significant weight reduction of the mount while retaining a higher weight carrying capacity.

At this ATM, we will have available several scope/mount combinations to demonstrate this new technology.

Harmonic drive gearing(below) is changing how mounts are engineered. Learn how and why at this ATM!