Robofocus setup instructions, anyone?

robgreaves · #1 08-07-2008, 01:05 PM

I bought a Robofocus 3.1 system that came with my Astrodon Takometer.

With hindsight, not really needing instrument rotation, I thought I'd try just using the Robofocus part with my TOA150 refractor for focusing.

When I connect everything to my PC, and connect to the Robofocus in Maxim/DL, all parameters for the motor (Duty Cycle, Pause, Step size) are set to zero. Thus, the motor does not move on command, neither does it move when the red box buttons are pressed.

If I disconnect from the Robofocus in Maxim/DL I can change the settings for Duty cycle, Pause and Step size to, say, 50, 10, 3. However, when I reconnect in software, everything goes back to zero. It's like the Robofocus box needs 'programming' or something, with the required settings.

I found if I switch the Robofocus box on whilst holding down both buttons, it emits various numbers of beeps and teh LED starts flashing, but I have no idea what these beeps mean.

Are there any instructions out there for Robofocus; specifically how to get it to accept some motor parameters to at least make the motor turn?

I've tried the Robofocus web page which is next to useless and is just a sales site - there are no instructions to download.

Any help most welcome before I consign it to the bin!

Regards,
Rob

Zuts · #2 08-07-2008, 06:18 PM

Hi Rob,

Dont throw it away

I can get focus in under 30 seconds using CCDSoft, RoboFocus and FocusMax.

Firstly do you at least have the software on this page.
http://www.homedome.com/robofoc1.htm#Autmated Focusing Software
It normally comes with robofocus. This can be used to independantly control the motor without maxim or ccdsoft.

If you dont have it you may have to email Robofocus as it comes with each unit.

Once you have it then download FocusMax, which is free.

Pressing the red buttons on the unit should at least work as long as the serial cable is connected to the motor, does this work, does the red light come on, on the hand control when you power it up?

Cheers
Paul

robgreaves · #3 08-07-2008, 08:16 PM

Hi Paul

Thanks for your reply. It seems to be fixed... I found a .zip file on the net of Robofocus driver and application.

It comes down to the driver in Maxim doesn't work. When I tried the standalone RF program, it worked fine - both to commanded moves and on the buttons.

When I connect in Maxim it resets the motor parameters in the Config screen all to zero, hence it doesn't (or can't!) move.

Even if I can use it to move the focuser by small amounts by dabbing buttons whilst I keep an eye on the analyze tab for FWHM, it's better than nothing!

All focusing to date has been by hand, and whilst I can nail it, it does need a steady touch.

Regards,
Rob

h0ughy (David) · #4 08-07-2008, 10:44 PM

will this free software work with a dslr? i have a version 3.1 robofocus on a crayford focuser that i can slipinto a refractor

Zuts · #5 08-07-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

will this free software work with a dslr? i have a version 3.1 robofocus on a crayford focuser that i can slipinto a refractor

I am not absolutely sure but I think not. Then again it only works with CCDSoft or Maxim and uses this for camera control. Since Maxim can control a DSLR then maybe it might work with Maxim, so why not give it a try

Paul

Zuts · #6 08-07-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robgreaves

Hi Paul

Thanks for your reply. It seems to be fixed... I found a .zip file on the net of Robofocus driver and application.

It comes down to the driver in Maxim doesn't work. When I tried the standalone RF program, it worked fine - both to commanded moves and on the buttons.

When I connect in Maxim it resets the motor parameters in the Config screen all to zero, hence it doesn't (or can't!) move.

Even if I can use it to move the focuser by small amounts by dabbing buttons whilst I keep an eye on the analyze tab for FWHM, it's better than nothing!

All focusing to date has been by hand, and whilst I can nail it, it does need a steady touch.

Regards,
Rob

You should give FocusMax a try as it's free. FocusMax controls the RoboFocus unit and just uses Maxim to collect images. In this way Maxim doesnt need to talk to the RoboFocus so the driver doesnt matter.

Cheers
Paul