is this thing for real?
Boy would I like to have that!
looks good john, but how do you get the durn thing to lock on? i got a perfectly good subtense bar on my prism pole, and the theodolite just stares out to space. is it low on data collection fluid? it IS a robot, right?'):totalstation:
Maybe useful for those occasional Polaris and other astronomical observations?
Interesting story in the description. Only six were made.
I'm the seller of this instrument, and a collector of similar geodetic instruments- I can assure you that this is a real instrument. If you have other questions, feel free to ask- I've had several other inquiries as to these instruments, and am happy to respond. In the past I worked as a sub-contractor to Ball Aerospace and can vouch for the design prototype and their line of star trackers- several have flown on NASA missions (both manned and unmanned).
-Nathan
only joking with the subtense bar comment. looks like quite the instrument. can't believe someone had the heart to part dismantle a T4. must be some talented and brave machinist.
Ball Aerospace Star Trackers current versions
http://www.ballaerospace.com/page.jsp?page=104
Do an Internet search for Ball Star Trackers or Defense Mapping Agency Star Trackers and you'll see some technical papers.
Same Ball company that once made canning jars. I think they license the name to another manufacturer for the jars these days.
Wonder how they got into the aerospace business?