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The Super Half Hitch seamlessly combines the best virtues of manual and electronic control:
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Integrated Automatic
Tracking The automatic tracking system keeps objects precisely centered once you "push-to" their locations. You do nothing extra: Just follow the direction of the Sky Commander to the object — then let go. The tracking system automatically takes over and holds the object in view.
Moreover, the Push-To-And-Track system is noiseless and requires only a small 9-volt battery for operation. And it's painless! The manual control knobs remain operational. And you can move the mount by hand at any time without disengaging anything. The "feel" of the mount is virtually unaffected because the very tiny clutch pressure is applied in the drive's third stage and is only sufficient to engage the motor. The small clutches are NOT involved in holding the scope on-target.
Additionally, a simple array of push-button overrides provides two-speed motorized slow-motion controls; automatic centering function (like a short-distance GoTo); and an automated search pattern.
The automatic tracking system is tightly integrated into the Super — not an afterthought. Addition of the automatic tracking system only subtly changes the appearance of the mount, does not change its overall dimensions, and barely alters its weight. The tracking-controller/hand-control is a small box that will hook to the folding DSC bracket when not being used for push-button override. The motors measure only .8x.8x1.0 inch. Moreover, the modular design assures that the entire drive system can be easily serviced.
Like the mechanical aspects of the Super Half Hitch, the automatic tracking system is built with a modular approach for maximum reliability and ease of service. The electronics in the tracking unit are limited to tracking functions. Pointing control resides in the separate DSC (the Sky Commander). Moreover, the architecture of the tracking unit is itself highly modular — integrating a proven, commercially-available microprocessor with two proven, commercially-available stepper motor controller boards. Additionally, any revisions to the control logic can be downloaded to the tracking unit free of charge. All of these features extend the Half Hitch philosophy of combining "bulletproof" reliability with localized modularity for easy lifetime servicing. Planned obsolescence and breakdowns are NOT part of the Half Hitch creed! |
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A Rolling Start — And Stop The two-stage motion-controls add a "damped" feel to the movements but avoid the stickiness of sliding friction which ALL other manual alt-az mounts have in common. The Super's involute-geared drive second-stages add just the right amount of ROLLING resistance only, yielding a perfect, predictable feel. The Super's axes are free of the jerky transition from static to dynamic friction which can NOT be escaped by any mount that depends on sliding friction to hold position -- whether through clutches or friction discs. The difference in feel is quite dramatic. The abrupt sliding transition is replaced by a steady acceleration -- followed by steady deceleration when stopping (instead of the sudden grab when the sliding friction transition is reversed). Roll to a start. Roll to a stop. The difference from sliding friction is stunning. The mount rolls from one position to another. Then it solidly stays in place -- until you deliberately start it rolling again. Go. Stay. Go. Stay. It's almost like the scope is suspended in some viscous medium that yields smoothly on demand but levitates the scope motionless when released. |
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Avoid the Worm Blues! The Super Half Hitch's control system is based on roller drives and involute-geared reduction stages — creating a low-friction system with virtually no backlash or periodic error. Clutches or axis-locks are NOT involved in holding the telescope on target. Less versatile slow-motion controls based on worm gears have both backlash (the free-play when reversing directions) and high friction. One must be traded against the other. To reduce backlash, one must increase the friction. To reduce friction, one must increase the backlash. How does this unavoidable conflict in worm gear drives translate? When trying to make a position adjustment, the observer must concentrate on judging and overcoming both the backlash and the starting friction. Also, worm-based drives must rely on cumbersome clutches or axis locks to hold telescope position. Cheaply implemented worm gearing is prone to many problems. Poor materials wear quickly and perform erratically. Moreover, worm gears require precise alignment and must turn on shafts that are perfectly straight, otherwise there will be tight zones and loose zones that alternate. For a mount that uses poorly implemented worm gearing, there are no practical fixes that you can apply to make it better. |
