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.
[Illustration: FIG. 138.—Diagram of Gerrish Electric Control.]
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