A Model of Telescope Mount Performance for Real-Time System Simulations

A computer simulation of the performance of the first GEODSS telescope was developed for the purpose of remote Real-Time System software development and operator training. In order to prove useful, this simulation had to provide a realistic approximation to the performance of the actual telescope. The telescope model used for this simulation is derived from the equations for linear motion and makes use of the measured telescope rate maxima and acceleration and deceleration rates. This model yields a simulation system performance that quite closely matches the behavior of the telescope. Although the tuning of the telescope driving must be done with the actual telescope, this model has provided a reliable vehicle for most other Real-Time System software development.