SAO 10” 'GARY BARABINO' NEWTONIAN FORK MOUNT BRAKING SYSTEMS
Right Ascension Axis Braking System Components Declination Axis Braking System Components RA Axis Braking System Assembled RA Axis Braking System Body and Teflon Inserts RA Axis Braking System Complete and Unfinished RA Axis Braking System Finished and Installed inside RA Axis Support Housing
DEC Axis Braking System Partially Assembled DEC Axis Braking Ssystem Tension Adjustment T-Nut DEC Axis Braking System Teflon Pads on Pivoting Arms DEC Axis Braking System - Placement of Pivoting Arms DEC Axis Braking System Completed and Unfinished - Top View

DEC Axis Braking System Completed and Unfinished - Side View

RA and DEC Braking Systems Completed and Finished DEC Axis Braking System Placement on Fork Mount Tines
 

                                                                     

The above components make up the Braking Systems for the Declination and Right Ascension Axis's for the Fork Mount of the SAO 10" inch 'Gary Barabino' Newtonian Reflector. The design of these brakes incorporate aspects from the infamous Dobsonian slewing system in that they use Teflon to instill friction for smooth motion. With adequate tensioning, this system reduces backlash effectively to help in locking objects in the field of view. At the same time allowing for easy locating of celestial wonders with minimal jerkiness. The Declination Axis systems is comprised of two separate units - one for each fork tine. While the RA Axis brake is a single massive unit mounted inside the RA Axis Support Housing. Each axis has a different way and means of tension adjustment, as you will see in the following pages. To begin your journey, please click on the photo above in the upper left-hand corner. We hope to further enhance these systems with future modifications. Enjoy!