Electronic Focuser

davidgate · #1 11-04-2006, 05:32 PM

Hi,

I've read some old posts by elusiver regarding an electronic focuser based on a Jaycar stepper motor kit. The thread seemed to end in August 2005 - can anyone tell me how it ended up?

It would be good to get the details if anyone can supply them.

DaveG

Merlin66 (Ken) · #2 11-04-2006, 06:04 PM

I've got the Jaycar stepper kit etc with the same idea, but ended up buying the Orion DC focus drive from Bintel for about $90. If you want to buy my Jaycar stepper stuff just drop me a PM, going cheap!!!

netwolf · #3 12-04-2006, 12:58 AM

davidgate, i can vouch for the Orion Accufocus about 90$ from Bintel. Though my first one had some issues, it was promptly replaced no fuss for one that works quiet well. You can read many reports about it on the cloudynights forums (US based). Most people seem to have commented positively about it. Considering that alternative commericial options are 3 times the price and more this is a very affordable option and its well recived by the community.

Regards

barees63 · #4 12-04-2006, 01:07 PM

more info and pics here: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...?t=7280&page=2

elusiver · #5 19-04-2006, 03:19 PM

been a while.. i got everything working except the mount.. i think wombat ended up making a mount for it.. software seemed to be working all ok.. give me a pm is you want the software.. give wombat a yell if you're after instructions for the mount. I've stopped working on it late last year cause at the time the mrs was heavily pregnant.. and since the introduction of the new master of the house

haven't even had a chance to get my scope out. If you want the source as well if you know VB i can't give you that as well. let me know if you want any help..

el

Merlin66 (Ken) · #6 04-05-2006, 10:03 AM

I'm trying to set up my CCD stuff ( getting ready for the MkII spectro!) and would like to know if anyone has set up one of the Orion Accufocussers for remote focussing via DslrFocus or any other program???
I've haven't pulled it to bits yet, so I'm assuming it's just a small 9V DC motor and gearing. It doesn't appear on the std listing of "available" focussers in my software so............
Can it be controlled?
Are there any "patches"/ ASCOM drivers available?
Has anyone got the circuit diagram/ connection details?

It's a great little focusser ( for the price!) and it would be even greater to get remote control.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #7 04-05-2006, 10:28 AM

Are you trying to get your post count up Merlin

I dont think it can be controlled via software, youmay need another circuit added to it to make it work via computer interface. From what I have seen of it, its just a reversing circuit with a motor attached to it. Not really worth the amount they sell it for but then again, what is these days.

barees63 · #8 05-05-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Not really worth the amount they sell it for but then again, what is these days.

FWIW, I would have to (respectfully) disagree with that comment, IMHO it's worth every cent of the less than USD$50 cost, it's a very tidy, well designed unit that is very easy to install and works extremely well..

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #9 06-05-2006, 07:42 AM

Do you thiink it would work on a JMI NGF-DX1 ? How does it attach to the focuser. If you think it is worth every cent of the money they are asking for it, I would be interested in getting one, just a few Questions if I can?

How variable is the speed range on it?
Does it seem to have good torque over the whole speed range?
Is there any variance in spped while the motor is turning?

Merlin66 (Ken) · #10 06-05-2006, 08:49 AM

I've fitted mine to the TV Genesis. the flexible coupler is designed that when you remove a knob from the telescope focusser it fits over the shaft ( 8mm diam); in my case the TV pinion had a tapered end and I had to make up a small 8mm "shaft extention" and a small Al extension plate to move the mounting plate about 6mm further out. No big deal.

Haven't measured the speeds but the high speed torque is more than enough to drive a TV 2" diagonal with a 13 Nagler to meet my needs. The "fine/slow" speed gives neat focus, which is pretty critical on a f5 system. No difference in the motor sound so I'd say it's maintaining a reasonable constant speed.

My only issue is that I'd like to be able to connect the focusser to the computer. Maybe need to go upmarket to achieve this goal, otherwise its 100%
Can post pix of the set up if it would help.

Mighty_oz (Marcus) · #11 12-06-2006, 01:41 PM

Hi there, seen the posts on steppers and since i recently put together a Jaycar kit i'm interested in any software to drive it as what comes with it is woefull

Can't program myself so ....
Any helpers out there ?
Marcus.

Starkler (Geoff) · #12 12-06-2006, 03:07 PM

Can someone please explain to me why an electronic focuser is desireable?

If its to compensate for telescope shakes when handling the focuser knob mightn't it be more desireable to put the energy and expense into sorting out the mount or investing in the focuser with a fine reduction ratio?

I guess I have an aversion to telescopes being covered with wires and electronic accessories and becomming unnecessarily complex and borg like

davidgate · #13 12-06-2006, 04:58 PM

Hi,

my reason for seeking out an electronic focusser was to facilitate remote observing. I currently run a vixen mount contorlled by a WinCTC interface and The Sky software on my laptop. All works great, but need to be able to control focus for fully remote observing (i.e. telescope outside, me inside!).

Since my original post I have done further work and have now gone beyond the Jaycar kit. I am working on a system that will provide control from a computer, a resolution of .02mm (theoretical) and at a cost of around $300.

Hope to report soon.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #14 12-06-2006, 05:11 PM

as homer would put it.... "focuser goes in, focuser goes out, focuser goes in, focuser goes out, focuser goes in, focuser goes out, focuser goes in, focuser goes out, focuser goes in, focuser goes out"

For imaging using an electric focuser is a god send, yeah you can touch the scope and make the scope bounce around until it settles only to find out its out slightly, so the process starts again, and sometimes again,but more often than not you want a steady image while focusing, thats where the EF comes in handy. Also for remote operation of scopes theres no better way than using some form of electronic device to help you out a bit. These devices arnt there to make your scope look like a borg, they are there to make things a little easier for people. I installed one on my scope cos I like pressing buttons. its all personal taste.

gbeal · #15 12-06-2006, 05:53 PM

Geoff,
while I agree with the wires on the scope dislike, if you try to hand focus with a small chip (640x480), and a decent image scale, around 8 meters you will soon grab the nearest electirc focuser you find. I hate the wires, but couldn't do without it. I did for a while but couldn't go back now.
Gary

Starkler (Geoff) · #16 12-06-2006, 06:17 PM

Fair enough fellas, thanks for the responses.