ASA Electronics DDM200 Product information sheet

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 1 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
DDM200 –Direct drive mount
ASA part #: 0200748A

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 2 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Table of contents
1 General safety-relevant notes........................................................................................................................... 4
General ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Operation as intended............................................................................................................................... 5
Abusive Operation..................................................................................................................................... 5
Warranty and liability................................................................................................................................ 5
Distributor, CE marking ............................................................................................................................. 6
Target audience......................................................................................................................................... 6
General safety notes.................................................................................................................................. 6
Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual................................................................ 7
Safety related hazards and behaviour....................................................................................................... 8
Operator’s obligations............................................................................................................................... 9
Process specific hazards ............................................................................................................................ 9
2 Product description ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Drives and controllers.............................................................................................................................. 12
Telescope control unit (TCU)................................................................................................................... 12
Electrical Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 12
Dimensions and weight ........................................................................................................................... 13
Performance specs .................................................................................................................................. 14
Environmental conditions ....................................................................................................................... 14
3 Delivery contents............................................................................................................................................. 14
4 Optional accessories........................................................................................................................................ 15
5 Physical installation ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Unpacking the mount.............................................................................................................................. 17
On-site requirements .............................................................................................................................. 18
Requirements of concrete foundation.................................................................................................... 19
North-South marking on foundation....................................................................................................... 21
Installing the equatorial pier on your concrete foundation.................................................................... 22
Installing the pier adapter on your concrete pier ................................................................................... 28
Rigging the DDM200................................................................................................................................ 35
Installing the DDM200 onto the equatorial pier..................................................................................... 37
Installing the DDM200 onto the pier adapter......................................................................................... 38
Mounting counter weights...................................................................................................................... 39
Mounting a telescope onto the DDM200 Basic ...................................................................................... 43
Mounting telescopes onto the DDM200 Twin ........................................................................................ 45

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 3 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
5.12.1 Telescope tilt adapter...................................................................................................................... 45
5.12.2 Mount telescope tilt adapter onto DDM200................................................................................... 46
5.12.3 Telescope alignment with tilt adapter ............................................................................................ 50
6 Locking Brakes................................................................................................................................................. 51
7 Weight balancing............................................................................................................................................. 52
With DDM200 Basic................................................................................................................................. 52
With DDM200 Twin................................................................................................................................. 54
8 Electrics and wiring.......................................................................................................................................... 55
Electronics cabinet .................................................................................................................................. 55
Mount main cable ................................................................................................................................... 57
AC power supply cable ............................................................................................................................ 58
Ethernet (LAN) cable ............................................................................................................................... 58
Telescope wiring...................................................................................................................................... 59
8.5.1 User device (e.g. camera) cable....................................................................................................... 60
8.5.2 24V cable for device hub (only for ASA telescopes)........................................................................ 60
8.5.3 USB cable for device hub (only for ASA telescopes)........................................................................ 60
Connectors on the mount back side........................................................................................................ 62
Connectors on the mount bottom side................................................................................................... 63
9 Polar alignment with equatorial pier .............................................................................................................. 64
10 Polar alignment with pier adapter .............................................................................................................. 65
11 Mount operation......................................................................................................................................... 66
12 Support........................................................................................................................................................ 66

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 4 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
1General safety-relevant notes
General
This user manual serves as training material and relieves operating the machine as intended and safely.
The proper operation and conscientious maintenance are essential for obtaining the reliability and operational
capability of the machine. The safety of all persons who get in touch with this machine highly depends on
mastering the operation of the machine.
So, read this manual before the initial operation!
This user manual enables you to learn everything about the machine’s capabilities before the initial operation
and how to operate it as intended. It contains important hints, to ensure a functional and economic operation.
This manual is not only an essential entry point for new operators, but also contains useful hints and suggestions
for advanced operators. It is an essential reference text for all users of this machine. By reading the manual
•dangers can be avoided,
•work processes can be optimized and accelerated,
•repair costs and downtimes can be minimized,
•reliability and lifetime can be increased.
This user manual should also be read by machine owners and persons responsible for operation.
In some chapters there are important safety –and hazard hints that prepare you of eventually occurring
dangerous situations. Reading this manual during operation is too late.
Also consider the following principles:
Judicious and careful working is the best protection against accidents
This user manual should be stored accessible near the machine.
Purview of this manual:
This user manual was made appropriate to the following technical standards:
•Machinery directive (2006/42/EG)
•Electromagnetic compliance (2004/108/EG)
•Low-voltage directive (2006/95/EG)
Knowledge about basic safety regulations is essential for the safe and unimpeded operation of this machine.
This manual contains the most important hints, to operate this machine safely.
This user manual, especially the safety hints, have to be considered by all persons who work with this machine.
Furthermore, consider the safety regulations and regulations for accident prevention of the application site.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 5 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Operation as intended
This machine must only be used as mount for telescopes, cameras or other optical
equipment for observing objects in the sky, tracking satellites and satellite communication
purposes.
Every action differing from the intended operation is an abusive operation and is prohibited.
Abusive Operation
Examples for abusive operation:
•Every operation that differs from the operation as intended, as described in the previous chapter, or
every operation that extends it.
•When the machine is operated beyond safety and danger requirements considering the hints in this
manual. This also concerns errors, caused by deficient or not-properly executed or unauthorized work
on this machine.
•Every modification, overriding or putting safety installations of the machine out of operation
•When the machine is operated in a technically not impeccable condition
•When technical defects are unremedied before initial operation
•Usage of inadmissible facilities and tools
The manufacturer is not liable for detriments caused by abusive operation
Warranty and liability
Basically the general terms of delivery and sales of the manufacturer are valid.
Warranty and liability claims for personal or material damages are excepted if they are caused by one of the
following reasons:
•Abusive operation of the machine
•Inappropriate manipulation, initial operation, usage or maintenance of the machine
•Operation with defective safety installations
•Disregard of hints in the manual concerning operation or maintenance of the machine
•Inappropriate physical modifications of the machine
•Poor observation of machine parts that underlie attrition
•Inappropriately performed repairs

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 6 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Distributor, CE marking
Type designation: DDM200
Distributor: ASA Astrosysteme GmbH
Galgenau 19
A-4212 Neumarkt i. M.
The CE marking is located on the type label of the machine.
Figure 1 - type label
Target audience
This user manual is for persons that are liable for operation, maintenance, cleaning of this machine and who
have the necessary qualifications and capabilities to realize the possible hazards of working with this machine.
This also includes the knowledge of relevant instructions and generally admitted safety regulations.
General safety notes
Important!
Always keep this manual at the application site! This complete document must be accessible
for the intended staff. The operational staff must know where this document is located.
The machine must only be operated and maintained by competent personnel, who knows the
safety arrangements and residual danger and who became instructed.
Every action that differs from the operation as intended is prohibited. That also includes
components of this machine.
At the time of sale, this machine and all of its components are state of the art.
Nevertheless there are residual risks. The risks for health and persons have been minimized
constructively as good as possible.
This document contains important hints and helps to increase safety for operation and
maintenance.
Following this manual helps to prevent danger and increasing the lifetime of this machine.
Modifying the document is prohibited.
The documentation of each subcontractor and particularly safety hints have to be abided too.
The manufacturer is not liable for damages caused by not considering the user manual or
inappropriate usage.
This document was made with diligence. Anyhow there might be little contentual divergences.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 7 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Explanation of indication signs and safety hints in this manual
Indication sign for simplification of an activity, application hints and other useful
information.
This sign indicates actual hazard for health and life of persons. Adopt measures to avoid or
reduce these hazard and risks.
Not considering these hints might lead to health-damaging consequences, up to lethal
injuries.
Signal word
meaning
DANGER!
Indicates an actual hazard with a high risk. Not consider
Not considering these hints might lead to health-damaging consequences, up to lethal
injuries.
WARNING
Indicates a hazard with a moderate risk. Not considering these hints might lead to health-
damaging consequences, up to lethal injuries.
ATTENTION
Indicates a hazard with a low risk. Not considering these hints might lead to light to
moderate injuries.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 8 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Safety related hazards and behaviour
The following signs have to be placed or are placed on the machine or its components:
Sign
Meaning
Location
Behaviour
Caution against electricity
On the mount
electronics
cabinet
Work on electric components must only
be performed by skilled professional
staff!
Disconnect power before opening the
cabinet.
Caution against hand
injuries
Between both
mount axis
Keep your hands away from the danger
zone during mount movement.
Due to changed weight balance (due to
removing/adding components on the
telescope), the mount might move.
When a power failure occurs, the mount
might move, if the weight balance is not
assured.
Hints and signs located on the machine must be considered in any case.
Keep all the signs and hints located on the machine in an impeccable and legible condition.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 9 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Operator’s obligations
Every person who works with this machine is liable of:
•Considering company safety regulation
•Considering the general regulations for occupational safety and accident prevention
•Reading this manual and confirming to understand it with a signature
•Considering the machine-specific regulations like this manual
•Considering all additional user information such as acoustic and optical warning signs, floor signalling,
hint signs, prohibition- and mandatory signs
•Wearing the personal protective equipment
•Performing the delegated work tasks prudently and reliably
•Permanent observation of the technical condition of the machine, concerning apparent damages and
defects and altered operational behaviour
•Reporting damages and defects immediately to the supervisor
•Only using impeccable and suitable tools and equipment
The personnel working on this machine must receive a training course to learn all safety installations and
regulations. The personnel need to read all the chapters of this manual.
Process specific hazards
The operator should be informed about the following hints before initial operation and should comply with
them at all time.
Always observe the manufacturer’s safety notes!
CAUTION
Never work negligently or recklessly on the machine!
Do never touch the machine during movement!
Watch out for persons located in the machine’s range of movement!
Disconnect the machine’s power supply before cleaning it!

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
DANGER!
Only operate the machine when a proper weight balance is ensured! Removing or adding
components to the machine changes the weight balance and might cause unintended
movement.
With inaccurate weight balance the mount might move unintentional at power failure.
Always check weight balance after every modification.
CAUTION
When using oils, lubricant or other chemical substances always consider the products safety
regulations (safety data sheets)!
Consider the environment-friendly usage and correct disposal of these products.
CAUTION
Always ensure that the machine cannot be used or powered on by unauthorized persons
during operation pause.
DANGER!
Do not touch any current-carrying parts!

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
2Product description
The DDM200 is a german telescope mount. It is driven by direct drive torque motors combined with high
resolution optical absolute encoders for position feedback. It is available in 2 versions: basic or twin. The twin
version provides the option to mount a second telescope on the opposite side of the DEC axis instead of a
counter weight shaft.
Figure 2 - DDM200 Basic with ASA600 telescope
Figure 3 - DDM200 Twin with 2 H400 telescopes

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
page 12 of 66
printed: 25.02.2020
Drives and controllers
Since all drives are equipped with absolute encoders, reference runs or homefind procedures on power-on are
not needed any more. The mount knows its current position right after start-up.
Motors ASA torque motors Ø=210mm
Controller ASA Torque motor controller board
Feedback Sensor high resolution optical absolute encoders
max. rotational speed up to 10°/sec
travel angle in RA 330°
travel range in DEC 330°
Telescope control unit (TCU)
The telescope control unit is a Windows 10® computer integrated in the mount that runs the mount control
software Autoslew. The TCU can be accessed via Ethernet connection using Windows Remote Desktop® or
TeamViewer®. A user’s computer is required for operating the telescope (not included).
Electrical Specifications
The mount is completely powered by the power supply units inside the included mount electronics cabinet. The
maximum voltage inside the mount is 48VDC. The cabinet needs to be connected to a standard 110/230VAC
power socket or an appropriate UPS (uninterruptable power supply).
Typical power consumption during tracking: ~50-200W
Peak power consumption (acceleration, wind gusts, …): up to 500W
ASA recommends using a UPS with 1000VA or more (not included) for the mount’s power supply.
Suitable UPS is available at ASA.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
Dimensions and weight
Weight: 136kg (300lbs)
Figure 4 - Dimensions

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
Performance specs
Max. equipment payload 200kg (on each side of the DEC axis)
Slewing speed up to 10°/sec
Important: ASA only guarantees the following values in combination with an ASA telescope, as
the telescope has a major influence on pointing and tracking accuracy!
Pointing accuracy <8” RMS with pointing model (for altitude 20° to 85°)
Tracking accuracy <0,25” RMS within 5 minutes tracking time (for altitude 20° to 85°)
(without seeing effects and with a pointing model in use)
over 5 min: 0,05” RMS/min
Environmental conditions
Ambient operating
temperature -20°C … 40°C
Storage temperature -30°C … 50°C
Ambient operating
Humidity 95% RH max. (non-condensing)
3Delivery contents
DDM200 Basic
DDM200 Twin
DDM200 mount
147kg counter weights (suitable for ASA600
telescope), consists of 6 steel plates, a stainless
steel counter weight shaft and 2 circular stainless
steel counter weights.
Additional counter weights can be ordered
separately.
2 telescope tilt adapters
electronics cabinet (Including all power supplies for mount, IP-remote power switch, Ethernet switch,
wall mounting brackets, Cat5e ethernet cable)
Rigging material: 2 ring bolts and 2 lifting straps
Tools: hex key set
packaging
A user computer for operating the telescope is not included. It has to be provided by the
customer or ordered separately.
A simple state-of-the-art office PC or laptop with windows 10 is sufficient.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
4Optional accessories
•Additional counter weights
oPowder-coated steel plate 13kg, 240x240x30mm
ASA part #: 1003423A
Figure 5 - counter weight plate
oAdjustable stainless steel counter weight 20kg, Ø248mm, height: 59mm
ASA part #: 0200752A
Figure 6 - adjustable counter weight
•Equatorial pier with polar alignment mechanism
custom-made for observatory location latitude
dimensions and angle have to be declared at order
Fine-adjustment mechanism for polar alignment is included in the base of the pier.
Figure 7 - equatorial pier

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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•Pier adapter with polar alignment mechanism
For mounting the DDM200 onto a vertical pier. This part includes the polar alignment mechanism.
ASA part #: 0200755B
Figure 8 - mounting mechanism

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
5Physical installation
Unpacking the mount
The DDM200 mount will come in wooden crates. The crates are only held together by white fabric stripes –no
screws. For moisture protection the crates are covered in plastic foil.
Figure 9 - Packaging
1Crate for DDM200 mount, electronics cabinet and telescope mounting adapters (120 x 80 x 87cm)
(length x width x height)
2Crate for counter weights (80 x 60 x 42cm) (only included with DDM200 basic)
Additional ordered parts, such as equatorial pier or mounting mechanism, are delivered in separate crates.
You do not need any tools (except a knife) for opening the wooden crates. If you are careful with
unpacking the crates can be reused.
Remove the plastic foil and cut the white straps with a knife. Then just lift up the top lid. Then remove the
lateral parts by lifting them up.

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
On-site requirements
The mount will be delivered in wooden crates. Store them in a dry environment protected from weather. In
case you task ASA to perform the initial installation, do not unpack any items without the presence of ASA
staff.
For the initial installation performed by ASA the following things have to be provided by the customer:
•Stable Internet connection completely accessible for ASA stuff during the whole installation process
min. data rates: 5Mbit/s download, 500kbit/s upload
available port on your local Ethernet switch
•Operator computer: a simple Windows office PC is sufficient (German or English language)
•110/230VAC power socket
•Appropriate concrete foundation (see chapter Requirements of concrete foundation)
•Crane: Consider the mount and equipment weight (see chapter Dimensions and weight), height and
lifting distance required to lift the mount and telescope into your observatory.
•Road to observatory has to be negotiable for trucks
•Electric drill with SDS-plus chuck
•appropriate vacuum cleaner for cleaning the drill holes
•accurate north-south marking on the concrete foundation (see chapter North-South marking)

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
Requirements of concrete foundation
For mounting the DDM200 equatorial pier or the pier adapter you need a flat, uncracked concrete plane
/foundation with a diameter of 550mm respectively 600mm or larger. The concrete must be at least 120mm
thick.
Figure 10 - base plate of equatorial pier dimensions [mm]
Figure 11 - base plate of pier adapter with polar alignment mechanism

DDM200 user manual - hardware
Created by: MPuchner 01.2020
version: 9600024A
Original user manual
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printed: 25.02.2020
In the red marked area there will be the holes for the concrete screws, used for fastening the equatorial pier or
the pier adapter. Keep this area free of reinforcement rods, so that the holes can be drilled without
interference.
Figure 12 - foundation requirements [mm]
max. unevenness: +-1mm
max. horizontal deviation: 1,5°
ASA is not liable for any damages caused by inappropriately manufactured concrete foundations.
Consult professional for constructing your foundation –including static calculations.