Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

Guide to making an Auto Focuser


Abernus

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

Some of you may remember me a while back saying I was going to have a go at making an auto focuser. Well I have finally done it, well it got built a while ago but my 4 month old son decided he was more important and took most of my time :)

I took a lot of pictures during the build as pictures speak better than words. I wasn't sure how many pics I an upload here so I created a page detailing how to build it.

DIY Focuser

Hope this can be of some use to someone.

Enjoy:hello2:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

XLNT !

May I ask why you kept the pcb from the servo ?

I got rid altogether and wired the batteries-pot-DPDT-phono socket then cable to the servo,-phono-servo

I use 2x AA's

Works very well as is tho but clearly you know your stuff ( unlike myself) and if I can improve it I'd like to

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is no reason to keep the board, I was just too lazy to desolder the motor. Also I wanted the phono connector seperate to the servo. This way when unplugging and plugging in you are not putting strain on the mont the servo sits on.

For the batteries I found with 9V I had greater range on the pot before the voltage dropped off. See the following link for a pot calculator a tthe bottom of the page Potentiometer greater range on the pot means finer adjustment.

I don't know about knowing my stuff it's been over 13 years since I was a sparky :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I know how to attatch it to the scope and for linking the servo to the focus knob well....... I did wonder if a tractor tred from lego would work. Something to experiment with this weekend. Once I have it figured out I will update the web page, and include pics.

As for the 9V battery being too fast, it could be because I am using all the gears to slow the servo down as well as the pot. I did connect it to the motor direct but yes it was too fast.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I have finally had time to get back to this one and look at the mount issue. I didn't want to drill any holes in the OTA, so was looking at other way to mount it. Good news is I have done it

Head on over to the guide and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the pics and write up.

It works a treat :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's an excellent really well presented 'how-to'. I used the same approach last year but I'm too ashamed to display my terrible soldering to the world. I ended up using using some sticky pads to mount the servo to the back of a 127mm SW Mak. Unfortunately I haven't worked out how to connect the two together - things either slip or bind. For the voltage I'm using 4 x 1.5 AA which work OK. Thumbs up for a first rate guide

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.