Auto focuser question

[Andrew INT]

Some years ago I replaced the rack and pinion focuser on my Skywatcher 200P for an Antares duel speed crayford focuser. 

I am now looking to fit an auto focuser to the set-up to be controlled via the laptop rather than a hand controller. However, I'm not sure what the right kit is. Is there one? The kits I have seen all appear to be for specific focusers...and I cant find the right one. 

Thanks for any help. 

Andrew

[andrew s]

Andrew, Robofocus can be fitted to most focusers and I have used one for many years with no problems. See here http://www.robofocus.com/home.htm.

Regards Andrew s

[Andrew INT]

 

2 hours ago, andrew s said:

Andrew, Robofocus can be fitted to most focusers and I have used one for many years with no problems. See here http://www.robofocus.com/home.htm.

Regards Andrew s

Thanks Andrew S.

Do the motors just grip onto the focusing wheel, or does the focuser need to be partly disasembled?

[andrew s]

Sorry I don't know. I would contact Technical Innovations (who make Robofocus) and ask them for advice on how to attach to your specific focuser.

Regards Andrew

[Andrew INT]

Thanks for the info.

I've looked at robofocus kits- they look good. I am guessing that it would need to be shipped in and incur import tax. I've also looked at JMI motofocus, but they are dc motors rather than stepper.

Has anyone here had any experience with the altair astro kits?   http://www.altairastro.com/Pegasus-USB-Dual-Motor-Focus-Steppers-DC-Servo.html ?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[ChrisLX200]

It's fairly simply to make your own - and if you use this project ( https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/?source=navbar ) as the basis you get the drivers and operating code already complete. It is far cheaper than a commercial autofocuser kit too. Two of my scopes run DIY focusers use this design, a third I had previously fitted with a SharpSky kit: (http://www.sharpsky.net/) which also works well but of course cost me more.

ChrisH