Electric focuser

[iwannabswiss]

While my wife was at a wedding rehearsal I found myself needing something to do before I join them for dinner and since I have been getting into astrophotography but didn't have time to spend learning the Arduino system I decided to run to Radio Shack and gathered all the parts to create a electric focuser. It's not an original idea, I know, but thought I would share how I created it. I with an idea similar to this guy, http://emediadesigns.com/emediadesigns.com/focuser/ but made a little change in the design. First instead of using a momentary DPDT switch, I decided to use just a DPDT switch for direction and a single momentary switch. I mounted each on opposite sides which gave me easier control with one hand. Secondly i used O rings to provide the grip. Besides trials I haven't had a chance to try it but I hope that in the next day or two the weather will still be clear so I can have a go. For something that cost me about $60 US I'm very pleased with the end result.

[saac]

Looking good, you will notice the difference when using it.  Just out of interest what type of motor did you use?

[Bizibilder]

Looks like a little servo - those make very good focussers - You will find it very useful indeed!  I like your switching idea too, making it "single handed" is a good idea.

[iwannabswiss]

Thanks. Yes I used a standard servo. I was amazed during my trial how well it moved without shaking anything. I can't wait though to already build a whole home system with an Arduino.

[SW130p]

I made mine the same way but mounted the servo differently. I put the servo with the flat plate against the focuser knob with a thin piece of foam between to act as a clutch. You still can manually turn the focuser if needed as it just slides between the foam. The handset has limited movement but you just do rough adjustment with the knob then fine tune with the servo.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[iwannabswiss]

Nice idea as well