Focuser |
The supplied Vixen R200SS manual focuser has now been motorised with the addition of a unit called USB_Focus. With its external 12v power supply, this French product is more than capable of handling the combined weight of the camera and filter wheel.
The motor replaces the focuser's fast focussing knob and is held in place by a bracket mounted to the underside of the focuser. An extension serial cable leads to the control unit which is mounted on the side of the pier. A temperature sensor probe is plugged into the top of the control unit. The USB_Focus control unit is connected to the observatory laptop via a supplied cable. Movement of the focuser can now be controlled by using the supplied software which allows automatic adjustments to be made based on changes in temperature.
Update: The focuser has been removed for the time being. It was found that flexure of the mounting bracket was causing unacceptable backlash resulting in inconsistent focuser settings when approached from inward and outward movement.
|
|