Celestron Focus Motor Control

[Gogleddgazer]

Hi Folks,

I wonder if anyone can advise.  I have a Celestron focus motor for SCT that for the most part is controlled via computer as part of an imaging set up.  However, on occassions I want to do visual only work, but don't want to be tied to a laptop/PC interface.  I know that the focus motor can be driven using a Celestron handset via celestron mounts, but I have neither - my mount is a Skywatcher.  Is anyone aware of an alternate focus motor controller (like Hitecasto perhaps or the ZWO one) that will succsessfully drive the Celestron focusser directly?  I can't be the first to have run into this problem, but there seems a paucity of information about how to do this.  Thanks in anticipation

J

[knobby]

I'm sure there is a thread on this on cloudy nights somewhere, didn't look easy though !

If I can dig it out I'll link to it later when at home.

[knobby]

https://youtu.be/nE7Btpe4wFI?si=JEBtmG4DgKgU2629

[LandyJon]

The focus motor from Starlight Instruments can be disengaged allowing manual control.

https://www.starlightinstruments.com/product/hsm-handy-stepper-motor-with-manual-focus-over-ride/

[Gogleddgazer]

Thanks for the replies chaps, the first 2 suggestions I had already discovered while researching how to get to a solution that would work with my existing equipment, while the third is but one of many options I could pursue by purchasing an alternative focus motor setup.

Cheers

J