DIY PC control for Skywatcher Autofocuser

[Beyond_Vision]

Nice project, BTW a standard PC USB port should be able to deliver 500mA. An unpowered hub will be 500mA divided by number of ports. A powered hub will be down to the limit of the PSU divided by the number of ports plus any limitation on the contact rating of the USB connector.

Regards

Kevin

[yesyes]

Thanks for clearing that up.. ;-)

would be a nice feature in Yoddha's APT to control your focuser and make it a real auto focus ... ;-)

[gary1968]

I'm deffo interested Glider, put me down for one if you decide to go ahead....

Gary

[themos]

Nice project. I will suggest getting away from VB and trying C#, programming is more future-proof. Also, once you have basic motor control it's not that hard writing an ASCOM Focuser driver. That enables you to hook into auto-focusing programs out there (like Bahtinov based autofocus Niels Noordhoek’s weblog ). I made my own motor focuser from spare parts and used an Arduino MiniPro board for motor control and USB support. I'm not quite sure what you're using at the end of the USB cable. My ASCOM Focuser driver can be found in

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sgl_observatory_automation/files/Iffley%20/

Feel free to reuse any of it. What's the oscilloscope you used?

[beamish]

A nice little project that Glider, I would be interested in plans or finished product if you get rouind to it m8.

Gary

Snapsy !!

Looks like a very interesting DIY project !

[Glider]

I could have used either VB or C# but the development PC that was already turned on at the time was the one with VB on it!

I've been in contact with someone about writing an ASCOM driver, it's just a question of how many people would be interested in having one.

Agilent 200MHz DSO.

[Starblazer]

I would definately be interested, Especially if it auto-focuses, fits moonlight focuser & works seemlessly with Yoddha's APT haha.

Cracking project mate

[TopHouse]

I have to say that the word "autofocuser" as used by the various companies who manufacture these is a bit misleading, it gives the impression that you just push a button and it actually brings your image to focus.

[Starblazer]

Glider, did you ever get round to seeing how many would be interested in one of these?

I am still very interested, if you are planning to go ahead

[beamish]

Take a butcher's

[Gina]

I'm thinking of adding motor drive for focussing, particularly later on when I get a better scope for imaging. I've made a motor drive for my current mount - EQ2. I have experience in interfacing to computers so I could add computer control.

[Glider]

Thanks, we have done it since the last post in this thread and finished the design. We also have the ASCOM driver now. Sharpcap integrates it all.

[inksmithy]

Nicely done!

[Exi]

hello @ all,

i found this verry good DIY project!

But i am not sure that i understand all parts of this project.

I have a Meade 1209 Zero-Shift Focuser and i want to use it with a "Autofocuser" software on a PC.

So i have some questions.

Does this project support a 1209 Focuser (i think a DC-Motor)?

Can i build this interface for myself?

Can i get the plan, shematics or other Infos that helps me to build the interface?

Gives it a Kit (with all parts)?

Or a assembled Interface?

Thanks for help!

Best Regards

Exi

sorry for my bad english

[Psychobilly]

I forgot this was under development and bought the SW Motor Focuser and Hitec USB Focus controller instead whilst they were on offer .....

Billy....

[starship trooper]

If this out as been sorted to buy I would e really interested its just what I am looking for .

Nice workwork. Dazz

[DrRobin]

Hi Glider,

Did you ever finish your USB auto focuser with ASCOM driver? Is it available to buy or did you publish the design anywhere?

[hallmat]

i know this is cheeky but can i have the pcb lay out so i can make it work on my telescope so it can control the actual telescope rather than the focuser?

many thanks

[Glider]

Yes, I finished it, and the Ascom driver. It is available to buy.

It is intergrated into Sharpcap and works great.

It also works with Bahtinov Grabber and is especially good when using a gamepad in the dark.

I've pm'd you.

[Zakalwe]

Yes, I finished it, and the Ascom driver. It is available to buy.

Where from, please?

[Glider]

PM'd you.

[Zakalwe]

And replied, thanks

[hallmat]

thank you

[russellhq]

Hi Glider, is the USB focuser still available? I have a skywatcher 'auto' focuser that I would like to be able to control from my laptop and your solution seems ideal!

[bluesman81]

Ref auto focusing, I had an electrician friend of mine make me up a box to control my aw focusser from my laptop. I wrote some vc++ components which measure the dia of the star and focus on the smallest measurement. Works ok for me...

If anyone is interested, I can post a link to the code...