Which focuser do I want????

[Nico13 (Ken)]

Hi all,
Well jsut going through some upgrades to the system that include a GSO RC8 and a change from Pentax SLR to Canon EOS 550 controlled by Backyard EOS so I want to take advantage of the focusing controll in BYE.
I was going to make my own stepper controlled focuser but would not have the ability to controll it with the software without some sort of interface and so it's take the easy way out for convenience sake and get a comercial stepper that I can connect to BYE.
I have no problems with DIY as I build a lot of bits and pieces.

So the big question is WHICH ONE or which way do I go any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[wasyoungonce (Brendan)]

If you want a neat little cheap controller unit try "SharpSky focus controller". He also have a newer unit with dew control as well.

Can buy it built or build yourself, has manual step control and full ASCOM control.

I gave up on a adapting a diy stepper motor and used a ML stepper on my ML focuser, mainly because it has a clutch system. But some folk hve buit very nice stepper motor systems using the sharpsky controller.

[coldlegs (Stephen)]

Originally Posted by Nico13

Hi all,
Well jsut going through some upgrades to the system that include a GSO RC8 and a change from Pentax SLR to Canon EOS 550 controlled by Backyard EOS so I want to take advantage of the focusing controll in BYE.
I was going to make my own stepper controlled focuser but would not have the ability to controll it with the software without some sort of interface and so it's take the easy way out for convenience sake and get a comercial stepper that I can connect to BYE.
I have no problems with DIY as I build a lot of bits and pieces.

So the big question is WHICH ONE or which way do I go any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Ken
BYE seems to be ascom compliant so you might be able to use
the USBnSTEP interface from these guys

http://rigel.datacorner.com/rigelsys/stepper+motor.html

All mine run from it ok.
Get most of my 2mm pulleys and belts from these guys

http://sdp-si.com/eStore/Catalog

Your biggest problem will be where to screw on the plate that holds
the stepper.
Here's some of mine.

Cheers
Stephen

[Nico13 (Ken)]

Originally Posted by wasyoungonce

If you want a neat little cheap controller unit try "SharpSky focus controller". He also have a newer unit with dew control as well.

Can buy it built or build yourself, has manual step control and full ASCOM control.

I gave up on a adapting a diy stepper motor and used a ML stepper on my ML focuser, mainly because it has a clutch system. But some folk hve buit very nice stepper motor systems using the sharpsky controller.

Thanks Brendan,
The SharpSky unit was one I'd seen while looking around, I hadn't seen the newer unit with the heater control, looks pretty good.
I'll add this to the list for consideration.

[Nico13 (Ken)]

Originally Posted by coldlegs

Ken
BYE seems to be ascom compliant so you might be able to use
the USBnSTEP interface from these guys

http://rigel.datacorner.com/rigelsys/stepper+motor.html

All mine run from it ok.
Get most of my 2mm pulleys and belts from these guys

http://sdp-si.com/eStore/Catalog

Your biggest problem will be where to screw on the plate that holds
the stepper.
Here's some of mine.

Cheers
Stephen

Thanks Stephen,
I have a few of these little geared steppers already with a hand controller I made up but never mounted them as I was waiting to do this upgrade path to make it worth while so the interface may well be the way to go and link to belts and pulley's will be handy also as I do need them as well.

Couple of good options here guys thanks.

Anyone got any others for consideration?