How accurately should encoders be installed?
Again, the short answer is, as accurately as you’d like the DSCs to operate. One can’t do the job with a hand-held drill. OTOH, careful work with a modest lathe and drill press is quite sufficient, especially if performed by a modest machinist. Most astronomy clubs have such a person. Best accuracy is obtained with high-resolution encoders. Standard encoders have 2048 steps per revolution, and high-res type has 4000.One can also use gears to provide greater resolution, but see below. If the encoder is connected directly to a shaft, the hole in the shaft must not be oversize. It must be straight, well centered, and parallel to the axis. The body of the encoder must be held so that it cannot rotate with the shaft. If it is connected by gears, the shafts must be parallel, and there must be no backlash. Encoders are not especially delicate, but they do not like to be bent.They require very little torque, and rotate continuously. The setscrew should not deform the shaft. The 4-wire connecto
