MyFocuser Pro2 DIY

[Paulywoo]

Hi,
Thinking of having a go at Robert Brown's DIY auto focuser. Has anyone had a go at this project? I have a background in electronics albeit back in the days were things were designed to work rather than programmed to do so, if you know what I mean, so the hardware isn't an issue nor is the use of arduinos etc.


My question is - there seems to be a lot of files on Sourceforge that seem to point to different versions/mods so which ones to download? I'm after a solution for my C8 (fitted with a 'crayford-type' focuser) on an EQ6-R (anyone got the original packaging they dont want? - I'm moving house) so any suggestions on which ones to use, or better still an explanation of how to find out for myself would be great.
Cheers!

[bojan]

Hi Paul, I did it couple of years ago (https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=192676&highlight=MyfocuserPro)...
Yes, there are many combinations (depending on chosen h/w).


Try this: https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/files/WINDOWS/MainApp/
and this:https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/files/ARDUINO%20FIRMWARE/myFP2_Firmware_336.zip/download


My requirement was to use "CZ" unipolar steppe and encoder.
The best for the start is to read the manual carefully, to find out what is the most appropriate variant for you.
Also, Robert is very helpful fellow :-)

[Paulywoo]

Thanks B,
I'll do that. Hope all will be clear after re-reading instructions. Found the forum posts on this topic and reading them now.
Cheers,
P

[ChrisV]

I went with the simplest option. I use mine via a pc-usb as used for imaging. So none of the options such as a display, temperature probe, hand controller etc. Simple hand wired on an expansion board with an arduino uno. Found a nice small geared stepper (had to convert from 6 to 4 wire) and stuck it all in a 3d printed box about the size of the zwo eaf.

if this is what youre after, I'll check which version I used.

[Paulywoo]

Thanks Chris,
Saw this simple option (after being advised to carefully read the instructions - always good, often neglected) so will try it the solderless model first and work forward from there. It'll be much appreciated if you can advise what version you made, even if only to confirm my understanding.
Cheers,
P

[ChrisV]

Paul

I did the myFP2M DRV8825 build but stripped it down a bit and used a different stepper driver (TMC2130 or 2100 I think - had some lying around).

On the schematic <myFP2M-DRV8825-13_schem.jpg>, I left out the following, all connections and parts for the following
J14 - HC05
J8 - D18SB20
J6 - buzzer
J4/5 - BLED GLED
J3 Prg Sw

I also used a tin can stepper which has a 120:1 gearbox (but it is was a unipolar stepper so had to pull apart and convert to bipolar). I used this so I could hardwire it into a small box with the motor. But you could just use a similar motor to those they recommend - if you do this its best to connect the stepper to the arduino.