The pair of segments σ, γ, and δ, ε, are connected to η θ, the other pair of segments to η′ θ′. Now suppose the discs turning with the arrows: If K rests on one of the insulated points when the pendulum throws the battery C Z into circuit nothing happens. If the disc is gaining on the pendulum, K, instead of resting on γ as shown will contact with segment γ, σ, and actuate a relay via V, exciting the appropriate brake magnet.
Fig. 137.—Sir David Gill’s Electric Control.
If the disc is losing, K contacts with segment γ, δ, and current will pass via η′θ′ and U to a relay that operates the other brake magnet and lets the clock accelerate. A fourth disc (not shown) on the same spindle is entirely insulated on its edge except at points corresponding to γ and ε, and with a contact spring like K.
If the disc is neither gaining nor losing when the pendulum makes contact, current flows via this fourth disc and sets the relay on the mid-point ready to act when needed. This clock is the prototype of divers electrically-braked driving clocks with pendulum control, and proved beautifully precise in action, like various kindred devices constructed since, though the whole genus is somewhat expensive and intricate.
The modern tendency in driving apparatus for telescopes, particularly large instruments, is to utilize an electric motor for the source of power, using a clock mechanism merely for the purpose of accurately regulating the rate of the motor. We thus have the driving clock in its simplest form as a purely mechanical device worked by a sensitive fly-ball governor. The next important type is that in which the clock drive is precisely regulated by a pendulum clock, the necessary governing power being applied electrically as in Fig. 137 or sometimes mechanically.
Finally we come to the type now under consideration where the instrument itself is motor driven and the function of the clock is that of regulating the motor. A very good example of such a drive is the Gerrish apparatus used for practically all the instruments at the various Harvard observatory stations, and which has proved extremely successful even for the most trying work of celestial photography. The schematic arrangement of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 138. Here an electric motor shown in diagram in 1, Fig. 138, is geared down to approximately the proper speed for turning the right ascension axis of the telescope. It is supplied with current either from a battery or in practice from the electric supply which may be at hand. This motor is operated on a 110 volt circuit which supplies current through the switch 2 which is controlled by the low voltage clock circuit running through the magnet 3. The clock circuit can be closed and opened at two points, one controlled by the seconds pendulum 5, the other at 7 by the stud on the timing wheel geared to the motor for one revolution per second. There is also a shunt around the pendulum break, closed by the magnet switch at 6. This switch is mechanically connected to the switch 2 by the rod 4, so that the pair open and close together.
The control operates as follows: Starting with the motor at rest, the clock circuit is switched on, switches 2, 6 being open and 7 closed. At the first beat of the pendulum 2, 6 closes and the current, shunted across the loop containing 5, holds 2 closed until the motor has started and broken the clock circuit at the timer. The fly-wheel carries on until the pendulum again closes the power circuit via 2, 6, and current stays on the motor until the timer has completed its revolution.
This goes on as the motor speeds up, the periodic power supply being shortened as the timer breaks it earlier owing to the acceleration, until the motor comes to its steady speed at which the power is applied just long enough to maintain uniformity. If the motor for any cause tends to overspeed the cut-off is earlier, while slowing down produces a longer power-period bringing the speed back to normal. The power period is generally ¼ to ½ second. The power supplied to the motor is very small even in the example here shown, only 1 ampere at 110 volts.
