Monk314

Hi to all: I want to show you a DIY three level dimmable red head torch. I noticed that it is no easy to find red flashlights suitable for the serious visual observer. The commercial options lags in a homogeneous illumination and/or are too bright. The only commercial models that I think have the necessary quality are these made by Rigel Systems, but they are hand models and I want for a head model. I tested the red head torch from Orion but, simply, it is too bright even in its low intensity mode... So I design and made a DIY red head torch. It have 3 modes, which use 1 LED (mode "alone in the dark"), 2 LEDs (mode "astroparty") and 3 LEDs (mode "astrophotography"). Each mode can be regulated in intensity. It is based in PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), so it is very energy efficient. It use 2 AAA batteries, suitable for many tens (may hundreds) of observational nights. I documented the project and you can follow the instructions here https://gitlab.com/m...rch#quick-start for make your own red head torch. If you make one, please tell my any feedback, specially if the light intensity of each mode is the adequate for you. Main documentation at https://gitlab.com/m...ateredheadtorch Video showing the red head torch here: https://drive.google...iew?usp=sharing Regards and clear skies.

Thank for you answer.... Here some pictures of my implementation. By the moment, I'm using ans old version of ardufocus, with a 8HS15-0604S motor and a A4988 driver. The motor shaft has a 16 tooth gear and the focuser shaft has a 48 tooth gear. One of my requirements was easy adaptation to different OTAs, and easy mount/unmount for use the OTA both in "manual" as "automate" modes.... Here is my ardufocus focuser both in a SW 120/600 and maksutov 127 OTAs. Cheers!!

I'm working in my own hardware implementation (alternative PCB and gear design) using an old version of the firmware. I'm using the moonlite driver under INDI... My questions are: 1- Most recent firmware version is compatible with old cabling (for an alone motor)? 2- Most recent firmware version is compatible with moonlite protocol? I mean: The last firmware version will works with moonlite INDI driver?? Thanks a lot for your work, Joao...