Hi Ted and Tony, Thanks a lot for your interesting answers. I was looking to build something very accurate. I've been a tool, mold and die maker for 13 years before being a teacher and I still have access to all kinds of machine-tools. I got information about Heidenhain high precision rotary encoder and PC interface cards. They make encoders for professional observatories. I was to make a permanent setup in my backyard with a concrete base resting on the underground bedrock (about 6 feet deep here). The advantage of Az-El coordinates is that once adjusted, if the mount is steady, it doesn't have to be synchronized to the stars like the equatorial coordinates. I wouldn't need reference stars, so measurements in twilight would be easier as long as the satellite is visible. This is a long term project because I don't have much time these days. But I really intend to do it and wanted your advice before going too far. Thanks again. Dan -- Daniel Deak representant, projet spatial Starshine L'Avenir, Quebec COSPAR site 1747 : 45.7275°N, 72.3526°W, 191 m., UTC-4:00 Site en francais sur les satellites: French-language satellite web site : http://www.obsat.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe/Unsubscribe info, Frequently Asked Questions, SeeSat-L archive: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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