[acropolite (Phil)]

The main controller is a double purpose interface with opposing sides having different functionality.
On one side is the focus section, consisting of a manual controller/sensor port, DB9 connector for the motor/sensor cable, USB and some indicator LEDS. The indicator LEDS indicate Rate, Focus IN Focus Out and USB connect. The USB connect has the option of indicating on or off for connection status, selectable via software, a nice touch if you don't want your mount looking like a christmas tree.

The focus motor has both an inbuilt encoder to track position and a temperature sensor which can be used for focus compensation as temps drop. The manual focus controller paddle allows several rates of adjustment selectable by pressing the focus knob in, the rate indicator show the rate selected by flashing momentarily 1 to 4 times. Manual focus and PC focus can be used at the same time, manual changes update the client software so your PC doesn't lose track of the focus position.

If you don't need/want to use the manual focus knob, there's an option to allow automatic temperature adjustment using the optional probe (included) on the first of the dew controller ports, or the optional sensor can be used in lieu of the one built in to the focus motor.