Astronomy - Telescope Positioning Using Tiltmeters
Accurately positioning large and small telescopes has always been a difficult problem. Applied Geomechanics precision tiltmeters provide a simple and effective solution. Tiltmeters are unlike conventional systems that measure telescope position using rotary encoders coupled to the telescope axes. Instead, they maintain an absolute reference with respect to gravity. The electrolytic sensor in the tiltmeter behaves like a level, changing its internal resistance as the sensor rotates. The tiltmeter electronics convert this change to a high-level analog or digital signal proportional to the tilt angle.