Before I acquired the DDR2, I found it difficult to retrieve information on how well this device worked. I'm hoping that the information I provide here will aid others in making a decision on whether a DDR2 will meet their expectations, and whether or not they can tackle the installation. I am providing as much detail as is practical, including detailed photos and descriptions of the installation process. Since it appears that this product will work well with commercial scopes as well as home brews, there will be some people with little experience in amateur telescope making interested in this product. I'm hoping that the the non-ATMs will find the information presented here simple and useful in tackling the installation if they decide to go forward with it.
All kits have direct drive for the azimuth.
The geared stepper motors included in my kit are made by Hurst, and are rated 3 volt DC at 8 watts. Both the altitude and azimuth drive assemblies appear to be very well constructed. This drive does not utilize a belt driven altitude wheel as supplied in the standard DDR2 kit. According to Tech2000, the DDR2-RIM drive may be more accurate than the standard belt driven kit, but will probably involve additional rework of your existing scope. This is the DDR2-RIM azimuth drive assembly.