The MicroTouch Autofocuser is designed to work with the popular Feathertouch line of focusers from Starlight Instruments. The MicroTouch allows autofocusing of a CCD camera when interfaced with a computer (via USB). Included features also include Temperature Compensation, Digital Readout, and Manual Operation. The MicroTouch works with both regular Feathertouch (Crayford-style or rack-and-pinion) focusers and the Feathertouch SCT MicroFocusers.
Features
Automatic focus with ASCOM-compatible software (FocusMax, MaxIm DL, ImagesPlus, etc)*
Temperature compensation using built-in thermistor
All electronics in single hand-controller box -- no separate hub and extra cables
Manual control with hand-controller box for use visually or with video cameras/webcams
MicroTouch software for configuring system and remote manual operation
* Note: Autofocusing with FocusMax requires MaxIm DL or CCDSoft for camera control interface.
Included Items
- MicroTouch Hand Controller with Digital Readout
- Low Profile SCT Stepper Motor Unit*
- Motor Cable
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Power Supply (choose AC and/or DC when ordering)
- CD-ROM: MicroTouch control software, hardware drivers, ASCOM Platform, FocusMax software, and operating instructions
- The MicroTouch Autofocuser is ASCOM compatible.
* Included motor fits 2" Feathertouch Crayford focusers and Feathertouch SCT MicroFocusers (except old-style C14). For the old-style C14 MicroFocuser, choose the 2.0" original-style motor. Other motor options are available for Feathertouch 2.5", 3.0" and 3.5" focusers; direct-drive motors for Feathertouch 3.5" and TEC focusers; Skywatcher refractors; Stellarvue standard focusers; and Takahashi FSQ refractors. Choose the motor below.
Approximate Focuser + Motor Length from Telescope Rear Cell
Celestron 6" SCT 2.9"
Celestron 8" SCT 2.9"
Celestron 9.25" SCT 3.0"
Celestron 11" SCT 2.4"
Celestron 14" SCT 2.4"
The new low-profile motor retains the precision of the previous motor, including the 300 steps per turn of the fine-focus knob (3000 steps per turn of the coarse focus knob). Any previous MicroTouch controller can be upgraded to the new low-profile motor, and all new MicroTouch units for use with SCT MicroFocusers come standard with the low-profile motor.
Specifications
Length from focuser mounting clamp: 1.27" (old version was 2.45")
Overall dimensions: 2.89" x 1.77" x 1.23"
Weight: 0.3 lbs (140g)
300 steps/revolution motor
Resolution of 0.26 microns per step with SCT MicroFocusers**
Resolution of 6.5 microns per step with Feathertouch 2" Crayford focusers