Redcat / SpaceCat focuser

[jif001]

Here is a simple focus arrangement for a Red/SpaceCat based on a Skywatcher auto focuser.  I bought the focuser from AliExpress for £38 because there was no stock here. The tax man and post office added £11 to that on arrival a month later so it cost £49 in the end. FLO currently (Jan 2021) has a few in stock for £45. I also bought a belt and pulley for a few quid from Amazon, plus a 5m RJ10 to RJ10 cable. Overall it probably cost about £70. if anyone is interested I’ll make the stl available but it’s a simple design to copy.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/skywatcher-auto-focuser.html

 

Edited January 19, 2021 by jif001
Typo

[Red Chilli]

Great idea.  How it work,manually or with some software on PC?

[jif001]

Manually, using the controller that comes with the motor (just 2 buttons and a speed dial) and a 5m RJ10 cable. With a bahtinov mask and live view on the laptop screen, focusing is a lot easier than going back and forth making small adjustments! 

[CCD-Freak]

I use the Orion focus motors with a FCUSB control box controlled with Astro Art or the FCUSB focus app and a Bahtinov mask works nicely.

 

John
CCD-Freak
WD5IKX

 

Edited January 29, 2021 by CCD-Freak

[Merlin66]

John,

Great set-up. I use the same arrangement but use the belt drive on the 10:1 knob for even finer focus control.

 

[CCD-Freak]

1 hour ago, Merlin66 said:

John,

Great set-up. I use the same arrangement but use the belt drive on the 10:1 knob for even finer focus control.

 

I used to do that but the fine focus knob has enough "sponginess" I found I get better repeatability when using the coarse knob.  If not trying to do auto focusing there is no problem using the fine focus knob.  Just my personal preference.  😀

 

John
CCD-Freak
WD5IKX

[Merlin66]

OK.

I find for solar imaging the 10:1 works well for me - I now have similar set-up on all my scopes.