help with meade zero image focuser

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Hi guys - I recently got a second hand meade zero image shift focuser from CN.

I dont have a handbox with it, so for now I am just trying to verify that it works correctly.

Im just trying a direct connection to a 9V battery, but so far it doesnt seem to do anything. Should this work, or does the handbox do some magic that Im not expecting?

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Had a bit more success - I hooked it up to a 12V supply, and it does seem to work - but the HC I ordered (the JMI one) is a 9V unit, so I suspect I might be in trouble...

[Merlin66]

I still have the #1209 Zero focuser I used on my Lx200's.....
It was designed to run from the 12V front panel, but I still have success using the JMI separate hand controller..
You could, if necessary rig up a 12V version - just replace the battery with a std 12V socket or look at the solutions on the MAPUG site.
http://thadlabs.com/MAPUG/AstroDesigns/MAPUG/Focusers_Altern.htm

[mozzie]

tim i have mine powered to the meade panel and use the autostar2 to control the speeds..do excess wires to contend with!!!!

[Barrykgerdes]

I have a moonlight focusser without a controller but I plugged it into the Meade focusser socket and it works perfectly from the Hand controller.

Barry

[AndrewJ]

It should run very happily off 9V
The unit is a bog std DC motor.
The Hbx runs it using PWM
at 100, 75, 50 and 25%
( so 12V, 9V, 6V, 3V. )
but any raw voltage source between 3 and 12V should make it spin.

Andrew

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Well, I got a new JMI controller from bintel. The unit doesnt move at all. :mad2:

Any ideas? There is a big grub screw on the top - could it be on too tight? (But I doubt it, since there is zero sound coming from the unit)

It seems work happily on 12V. Could it be an older unit that doesnt work on a 9V supply?

Update: It sometimes works with the JMI. What could cause intermittent operation? (loose wire?)

[Merlin66]

Tim,
I've just got my #1209 out and the JMI controller....
It works 100% at the Fast speed setting on the controller....but not at the slow setting...
If I can help I'm over in Maribyrnong...drop me a PM.

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Fixed it :) the issue is the cord - for whatever reason, the meade cord was dodgy - I replaced it with a standard cable, and some old 3.5mm plugs I have, and it all works fine.

[Merlin66]

All's well that ends well!
glad you got it sorted out.