DIY Electric-less Focuser

[JKB]

Just thought I would share a couple of pics of Electric Focuser. The idea is from HERE and is so simple and cheap but very effective.

2 cheap servos from Amazon, bit of wire and I made a mount out of 1mm aluminium which is fixed at one end. The wheel from servo runs directly onto the focuser at present but I might consider gearing later depending on how successful it is.

Enjoy

[synapse]

Looks like a brilliant idea. May have to look at making one of these at some point soon.

[steviet]

looks like a great idea - might give this a go.

notice that there are different types of servo available on amazon - whihc ones did you go for?

cheers

[GrantEb]

That is a brilliant idea. I like!

[JKB]

As for servos I got THESE They are full size Top Line £5 each.

The mounting was the hardest part to conceive but actually ended up quite simple. Attached at the top and the bottom rests against the tube (but because its alloy it springs back a little to put the servo wheel in contact with focuser)

Used it properly the other night and made focusing on Saturn a doddle with no wobble from touching mount.

[RogerTheDodger]

Seeing this inspired me to make something, one raid of the junk box later, here is DodgerFocus made from an old Lego Robotics motor with a silicone rubber drive to the low speed knob on the dual focuser... works a treat and can't wait to try it for real

One day I'll tidy it up

[Steep]

That looks like a good evening project, got some servos on order to give it a try myself thanks

[JKB]

Roger,

Ingenius use of some Lego. mmm gets me thinking what else astronomically speaking could be done with Lego?

Good luck to the rest of you having a go and post some piccies

Cheers

[Coco]

Roger,

Ingenius use of some Lego. mmm gets me thinking what else astronomically speaking could be done with Lego?

Good luck to the rest of you having a go and post some piccies

Cheers

collimate a polar scope or lazer collimator, its been done on here before

[sbooder]

Seeing this inspired me to make something, one raid of the junk box later, here is DodgerFocus made from an old Lego Robotics motor with a silicone rubber drive to the low speed knob on the dual focuser... works a treat and can't wait to try it for real

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One day I'll tidy it up

Is that a PC tower blank from the back of the component section I spy as the bracket?

[leenewtoastro]

Is that a PC tower blank from the back of the component section I spy as the bracket?

were you a famous action figure in a previous life? circa 78-84 clicky

[carpman]

great idea

off to rummage throw my rc kit i must have some servo's ( i know i aint using my good 1s at nearly £70 each lol)

[RogerTheDodger]

Is that a PC tower blank from the back of the component section I spy as the bracket?

Heh, well spotted, it is indeed a PCI blanking plate it was just the right length and stiffness, and the L bit at the top end helps keep the motor squared.

[sbooder]

Heh, well spotted, it is indeed a PCI blanking plate it was just the right length and stiffness, and the L bit at the top end helps keep the motor squared.

I used about 4 of these when I built my moth trap. They are very useful things, I never throw them away.

[Demonperformer]

They are very useful things, I never throw them away.

The moths or the traps?

[Coco]

what about these motors... 15 rpm gear boxed?

I'm tempted what do you think?

12V DC 15 RPM High Torque Gear Box Electric Motor items - Get great deals on items on eBay UK!

[Demon Barber]

Hi All what about these motors?motionco_ DC Gear Motors 12 Volt _Planetary Gearboxes_Buy Online They seem very neat,

ATB

Mike

[leenewtoastro]

^both interesting.

Doger were you driving the lego motor with a motor? how has it been up to now?

[Trull]

Its well worth seeking out robotics parts shops - they do nice motors with funky turned aluminium wheels and mounting brackets. Active Robots - DC Gear Head Motor - Mounting Brackets - UK

[RogerTheDodger]

^both interesting.

Doger were you driving the lego motor with a motor? how has it been up to now?

Not sure I follow the question Lee, that lego block is a motor/gearbox... and it works great

[leenewtoastro]

Not sure I follow the question Lee, that lego block is a motor/gearbox... and it works great

are you powering the lego motor with a motor

[RogerTheDodger]

no, a couple of AA batteries and a DPDT switch.

[Geoffteeth]

Hi, great thread thank you. I made myself this setup tonight, I was wondering if on yours you have any issues when trying to adjust the servos very slowly? I have a lag and unless I turn the motor sharply it doesn't always move the other. Can you offer any advice?