Rigel Systems has introduced a new high-torque 12V DC stepper motor focuser kit for Celestron SCT telescopes, driven by a nFOCUS motor controller providing the greatest possible auto-focusing accuracy.
Designed for astronomers who want affordable high precision fine focusing for visual and astro-imaging, the nFOCUS Focusing Motor controller is fully ASCOM compliant with absolute positioning and will work with popular focus control programs. It can be operated for temperature compensation with the included temperature sensor.
There are several options to use the controller. The controller itself offers integrated two speed push buttons with independent manual speed control for standalone operation. The built in WiFi functionality provides full focusing control from Android or Apple phones and tablets using the nFOCUS app or a web browser. The position is synchronized whether changed by PC, WiFi, app, web browser or integrated push buttons.
Rigel’s stepper motor has 0.1-degree step size and easily lifts 8.0 pounds (3.6 kilograms). The stepper can be quickly detached for manual focusing. The nFOCUS Focusing Motor controller fits in the palm of your hand and provides two directions at two speeds using advanced logic control and voltage regulated output.
Low speed is by adjustable pulse-width modulated (PWM) drive, providing full-voltage torque for reliable low speed operation. The length of the pulse of current to the motor can be adjusted shorter or longer, to produce from a 1-degree to 3-degree rotation of the focuser knob per step. nFOCUS also allows for the selection of the length of the pauses between pulses. The focuser steps, then pauses, allowing the user to check the discrete changes in the focus before nFOCUS steps to the next focus position.
Simply press the second button down while holding the first button down and the digital logic control switches to high speed drive, to get to focus quickly. The wide ranges of variability with the nFOCUS make it a snap to reach perfect focus.
The system avoids the problems with some focus motor controllers which adjust voltage to adjust speed, and thereby don’t have the power needed to turn the motor over at low speed. The nFOCUS pushes the motor with a full 12-volt, short duration pulse to overcome stiction at low speed operation, providing plenty of power. It works to focus change step- by-step till it’s just right, eliminating coasting past then back past then past again.
Tailored to Celestron focusers for ease of attachment, each kit contains all the parts needed for each particular focuser. The standard Celestron kit fits all 6, 8, 9.25, 11, 14 inch telescopes made since 2006. Kits are also available for older scopes available as semi-custom kits at no extra charge.
Users can also purchase an affordable bracket and gear kit for a different SCT and move the focus motor or add bracket and motor and just swap the controller between them.
The included temperature sensor has its own dedicated port. It offers 0.5 degree C resolution per measurement and can be customized by firmware upgrade to 0.1 degree C.
Rigel Systems also offers off-the-shelf stepper motor kits configured for Explore Scientific, GSO Classic, Tele Vue, Feather Touch, Celestron, UO Dual-Speed 2-inch/3-inch Focusers, and GSO LF 2-inch/3-inch Focusers. Rigel can also custom build a kit to your specific application.
The complete kit is priced at $269.90US. You can learn more here.
Also new from Rigel Systems is nSTEP and STEPPER Motor Kits for camera lenses and telescope focus rings.
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