Electronic Focuser with manual override?

[Saturn488]

I would like to install an electornic focuser on a telescope I use for both imaging and visual but I don't know of any product where you can use the manual focus while the autofocus is installed.

Anyone know of any device or a DIY?

[ChrisV (Chris)]

Moonlite focusers have a clutch that can disengage the motor from the focuser so that it can be manually moved.

It's pretty simple mechanism. I just got the basic moonlite with one focuser arm and no X10 focuser. Use my own diy focuser and 3d printed clutches to fit.

[bojan]

MyFocuserPro has the feature you are after. Override is utilized with additional encoder or push buttons.

Also see below for mechanical details:
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...t=MyFocuserPro

and here:
https://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/...hlight=focuser

[Drac0 (Mark)]

QHY's recently released Q-Focuser has it on the "Precision" version. Note that version only works on the fine focuser rather than the usual coarse focuser side. I have one but haven't been able to test it properly due to issues with the focuser on my new newtonian - worst crayford I've ever seen...hoping I've got it working today.

Cheers,
Mark

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

I use a SW electronic focuser belt driven to the 10:1 focuser knob.
Give fine control of focusing and just flip the belt to get normal manual focusing. Simple, but very effective.
Ken

[Leo.G (Leo)]

Mine has a wooden clothes peg goes on top of the screw to provide the clutch.
Not pretty but it works and that's with WO stating it was impossible to fit an electronic unit to that particular focuser (Synta DDG).
I removed 4 screws, had studs with female threaded tubes machined up which replaced original 4 screws and provided securing points for 4 screws to hold the motor plate in place.


https://i.postimg.cc/cCqnxFfN/IMG-1028.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/k4RSP06c/IMG-1027.jpg


There's actually clearance between the nut and the nylon roller, it just doesn't look like it and tension is adjustable via the spring.


Far from pretty but only a working concept. I'll make it look prettier one day, MAYBE............
No electronics shown in images, I have them somewhere here.


Maybe once I get the milling machine set up in the garden shed (after I weld a frame for the thing, I have the steel, welding skills and necessary equipment to MIG, TIG or arc weld the thing up) I can do something better.
One day, hopefully I'll just drop dead before one day comes, I have so much to do.........ONE DAY......