autofocusers

[CedricTheBrave]

what will I need to purchase if I was to look an a motorised focuser so that I can control it via the laptop?

and are they mega money?

my fingers make the scope wobble and getting up and down from the laptop is doing my back in

[emadmoussa]

Hitec Astro Focus Controller

[long_arms]

Hello

I bought the skywatcher autofocuser as I was finding the vibrations when fine focusing annoying. Not sure if it fits the 200p-DS but surely it will?

It was extremely easy to fit on my 200p and has made a big difference.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/misc/skywatcher-auto-focuser.html

Then if you get the HItecAstro DC Focus you can control the autofocuser with the laptop. I would love to get this one day soon.

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-dc-focus-controller.html

Hope that helps

Dan

[emadmoussa]

You still need the Skywatcher Auto focuser as well

It sells at about £45

The focus controller (through laptop) is about £69

[CedricTheBrave]

Cool thanks for the replies

will have to start saving again

[emadmoussa]

Ouch!!! You've just missed a great deal...I sold a brand new focuser with the Hitec Astro controller for almost half price ... Maybe you should place a ''wanted'' ad on ABS - I'm sure you'll find a focuser for under £30.

By the way, if you're mainly worrying about the vibration you cause when touching the focuser, then just get the SW auto focuser. It has a handset and you don't have to touch the telescope. Not to mention that you can get an extension R11 cable which will allow you to control the focuser from, say, 5 meters away. I did this before getting the hitec astro.

Good luck!!

[CedricTheBrave]

good call Emadmoussa thanks, shame I missed out on the deal

[m37]

Another vote for the Skywatcher motorised focuser. Absolutely couldn't do without it. SO easy to use, battery lasts ages, and level of fine control is awesome on the slowest speed.

Careful with your choice of extension cable though, it's not an RJ11 but an RJ9. Same pin configuration and placement but the body of the RJ11 plug does not fit. I should know, I bought one thinking it was the right thing!!!

I got a 10 metre RJ11 (RJ9 cables don't seem to come in that length, or at least not where I looked!) and sanded the plug down with some 120 grit paper. It fits a treat.

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/189204-skywatcher-auto-focuser-cable-mod/

I too was going to get the hitecastro PC focus controller but TBH I've found the supplied hand controller to be pretty much perfect. Once you get a longer cable that is. Hooking it up to the PC now seems a bit unnecessary. Bet I still buy one though

Chris

[emadmoussa]

Another vote for the Skywatcher motorised focuser. Absolutely couldn't do without it. SO easy to use, battery lasts ages, and level of fine control is awesome on the slowest speed.

Careful with your choice of extension cable though, it's not an RJ11 but an RJ9. Same pin configuration and placement but the body of the RJ11 plug does not fit. I should know, I bought one thinking it was the right thing!!!

I got a 10 metre RJ11 (RJ9 cables don't seem to come in that length, or at least not where I looked!) and sanded the plug down with some 120 grit paper. It fits a treat.

http://stargazerslou...user-cable-mod/

I too was going to get the hitecastro PC focus controller but TBH I've found the supplied hand controller to be pretty much perfect. Once you get a longer cable that is. Hooking it up to the PC now seems a bit unnecessary. Bet I still buy one though

Chris

True ... CORRECTION!! RJ9 it is.