My vague memories of levers and seesaws from elementary school (when pterodactyls ruled the skies) is that balancing two objects depends on both the weights and relative distance between fulcrum and the two weights.
I have an intuitive sense that I could reduce the weight required to balance the refractor by moving the counterweights farther down the shaft. In this case, many inches beyond the end of the existing counterweight shaft. Perhaps replacing a two foot shaft with one four feet long would allow me to replace the 10 pounds of counterweights with five pounds.
Yes, it will still be clumsy because of the length but lighter as well. I will need a very stiff shaft so replace the existing chromed steel shaft so probably carbon fiber composite. I will need epoxy a threaded stainless steel threaded end onto the shaft. (The existing shaft threads in place.)
Does my vague memory of physics have any connection to the real world?
I am certainly no expert, but I think that you are on the right track. One possible suggestion is to use the 4' shaft, but have a hinge in the middle, that allows the shaft to be folded upwards to make for easier transport. Then when you unfold the shaft, it would go down and lock itself into place.
ReplyDeleteThus when transporting the assembly, the 4' shaft would only be 2' and easier to move. I don't know if this makes sense, but I can picture it in my admittedly aging mind.
Yes you are correct. Recall the scales at the doctor where they move a small amount of weight back and forth on the bar to weigh you. Same thing. I cannot visualize your project, but you might consider some sort of telescoping weight arm with a set amount of weight, that you extend/deploy as needed.
ReplyDeleteThe telescoping counterweight shaft is how later Vixen mounts do this. This requires some thought.
ReplyDelete