BEARINGS
There are 2 sets of bearings required-for altitude (up and down) and azimuth
(rotation on base). First, the altitude bearings are shown in this picture.The azimuth bearings are covered under base construction
The
bearings (attached to the cage) are standard electrical connection blocks-the
part you can see unscrews from a base-this is secured to cage using 2 small
bolts & nuts (better than screws) through predrilled holes in the cage-one
bearing on each side of cage-the assembly then rests on the base in semicircular
channels-these are finished with a cut up guttering connection (pvc with a rubber
seal)-whch provides smooth movement for altitude adjustment, the rubber provides
some dampening for vibration also.
Here
is a view of the actual altitude bearing surface, it is screwed into the precut
semicircle on the base; as stated earlier it was originally part of a connector
for rainwater goods (guttering), I sawed the end pieces off to use as the bearings-the
rubber sealing strip is visible-it hides the screws and provides dampening and
helps keep some friction on the bearing so scope stays stable while in use.
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