Simple homebrew electric focuser for newt

[jnp]

This is a variation on Gina's focuser idea of using the Maplin multi-speed gearbox motor. Whilst that works a treat on the low speed ratio Crayford, it didn't work on the rack & pinion focuser on my 8" Newtonian.

This a simple idea for newtonians. The motor is held in place using hoseclips that run through slots in the perspex sheet. The perspex sheet is mounted using two of the focuser screw holes (needed to use slightly longer 4mm bolts).

Already had the perspex sheet, hose clips, volume control and toothed belt (OK that was lucky;)). The small lighweight 12V 10RPM motor was £8 from fleabay.

Might add a PWM controller project to my to-do list, but for now, just connecting the wires to a 1.5v AAA battery seems to give me the manual control I need.

Thanks for looking

John

[JamesF]

Nicely done. Just watch out if you offer a look to anyone with a long straggly beard

James

[Cubemaster]

Very neat! Well done.. I've already copied Gina's geared model but now think I might make a combo of both

Cheers

Dave

[Gina]

I like that Nice job Glad my ideas are useful.

[astromerlin]

Nicely done. Just watch out if you offer a look to anyone with a long straggly beard

James

Too Late....

Now all need is a home brew way of preventing focuser slop for those SW r&p focusers.

[jnp]

Found a two way switch last nigh and bodged a little circuit to be able to switch back & forth. No need to manually handle batteries.

Gave this a quick test yesterday. It works fine, no slop visible at 200x.

The Celestron R&P is the same as your SW, if you get the adjustement right you dont get much slop.