Auto focus on Sky Watcher Evostar 80 ED Pro

[MarvinZ]

Hope I am in right place

I am considering an auto focuser for the above scope and have been looking at the ZWO Electronic Automatic Focuser https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-accessories/zwo-electronic-automatic-focuser-eaf.html

Does anyone have experience of using this? is it compatible with the scope?

or are there any more suitable alternatives.

 

Thank you

[Merlin66]

Peter,

I use the SW/ Orion electronic motor on all my solar imaging ED80's.

I drive the 10:1 focuser knob with a XML timing belt - gives very fine control.

 

[tooth_dr]

The deepskydad AF3 with bracket is also a decent option for the ED80.

https://deepskydad.com/autofocuser3

I use the same focuser as Merlin above connected directly to the focuser shaft as I don’t have the 10:1 focuser.

 

Edited September 13, 2020 by tooth_dr

[steviebee]

Hi Merlin66. l like your set up. l have just purchased the SW ED80 PRO and was going to fit the SW autofocuser to it. lt has the 10-1 focuser. Have you a list of the parts you used please so l can go down this route. TIA.

 

Steve.

[Merlin66]

I used a 6mm wide x 30 tooth wheel (bore 6mm to match the motor) and a matching 100 tooth XML belt.

The bracket was the original plus some spacers to get a reasonable belt alignment with the 10:1 knob and good tension (not too tight).

(Additional "refinement" - I sawed the boss from the toothed wheel and drilled tapped an M4 grub screw in the toothed section. This gives a neater look.)

 

[steviebee]

Thank you that's my next project now