Skywatcher Auto Focuser - any users here ?

[LondonNeil]

I've been thinking.... these are so simple yet £55...a competent tinkerer could diy better for less and started some searching

First a stepper motor (slow and high torque)

https://www.skysmotor.co.uk/goods-2208-Nema-17-Stepper-Motor-17HS15-1504S-X1-45Ncm-12V-15A-4-Wires-with-1m-Cable-and-Connector.html

A flex coupling like this (although not this size)

https://www.skysmotor.co.uk/goods-1721-8mm-10mm-Flexible-Shaft-Coupling-ST-FC09-18x25mm.html

One or two of these bits of bracketry and you dont even need to mess with sheet metal

https://www.skysmotor.co.uk/goods-2556-Nema17-Alloy-Steel-Bracket-Bracket-for-Planetary-Geared-Motor.html

A controller from ebay, I won't link One as my knowledge is thin on drivers/ I'd need to research... but they seem to be just a few quid. 

A box and battery

Total likely half the skywatcher one and I suspect it would be much better. 

BUT THEN!  I came across this from astro oasis

https://www.astroasis.com/en/focuser/44.html

 

It looks so much better!  It should be your say,  it's many times the price .... welll it is on FLO but.....

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006103603360.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&albagn=888888&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&albcp=19108228023&albag=&trgt=&crea=en1005006103603360&netw=x&device=m&albpg=&albpd=en1005006103603360&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwvKtBhDrARIsAJj-kThMyE15mNz6fOqFa_mM1rVaaSRrhGBRvuWFXK-GtSYXX0V8_iUrj_UaAm0NEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&aff_fcid=b516b6150ed949fba7865af42aef50d1-1706892191134-04234-UneMJZVf&aff_fsk=UneMJZVf&aff_platform=aaf&sk=UneMJZVf&aff_trace_key=b516b6150ed949fba7865af42aef50d1-1706892191134-04234-UneMJZVf&terminal_id=e57ea8d76ffc4a66aadfa15dff6bbebc&afSmartRedirect=y

Now like many Ali express adverts it's baffling as to what you actually get.. . But I think you get mostly everything in the v power bundle for £25

I might try