The FocusCube 3 electronic focus controller from Pegasus Astro offers fast, reliable, and precise focusing of a telescope. Software analyzes the field of view and works in conjunction with the motors within the focuser to give fast, sharp focus.
Highlights of the Pegasus Astro FocusCube 3 include:
– Fast and Precise Focusing: Swift and accurate focusing for modern telescopes and cameras.
– Automated Focusing with Temperature Compensation: Maintains optimal focus by automatically adjusting for temperature changes.
– High Torque Motor: Can lift up to 6 kg even when pointing at zenith.
– Low Backlash: Minimized play for precise focus v-curve points.
– Universal Bracket: Fits various focusers (4mm to 8mm couplers included).
– Digital Temperature Sensor: Monitors ambient temperature changes.
– USB-C Connectivity: Single cable for power and data.
– Wi-Fi Enabled: Hotspot and wireless 2.4GHz client support.
– Web Browser Access: Control via web browser on any device, making it OS-independent.
– ASCOM Alpaca Support: Seamless integration with popular software.
– Firmware Upgradability: Future-proof with software updates.
– Optional External Hand Controller: Ideal for visual observers who prefer manual control.
The FocusCube 3 offers a versatile universal bracket that features custom-made holes and rails, designed to ensure seamless integration with any telescope system. It offers a high-resolution stepper motor coupled with a robust gearbox, with plenty of torque that can lift and support telescope equipment weighing up to 6 kg, even when pointing at the zenith. The design ensures backlash has been minimized to achieve very low values.
The package features a selection of five motor couplers, each featuring a different bore size. This allows for the ability to precisely match the coupler to a telescope focuser’s shaft, ensuring a secure and snug fit. With options ranging from 4mm to 8mm couplers, users have the flexibility to integrate the FocusCube 3 with a wide range of telescope setups.
Functionality includes streamlined convenience with a single USB-C cable for both power and data, reducing complexity in a telescope setup. Additionally, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for the ability to control and monitor focus remotely from a smart device. It can be operated simultaneously with USB or Wi-Fi, providing flexibility and ease of use.
The FocusCube 3 offers Alpaca native support and a convenient web interface for easy smart device control of your device. ASCOM Alpaca offers platform independence, modern web standards, streamlined installation, remote control capabilities, extensibility, and open-source options. This ensures superior compatibility and user-friendly performance, making it an excellent choice for advanced astronomy applications.
The FocusCube 3 comes equipped with an integrated web server that seamlessly communicates with Alpaca clients natively. This integration enhances the user experience by providing easy access to telescope focus control through ASCOM Alpaca but also monitoring from any device with a web browser such as a smart device.
Users can connect to the FocusCube hotspot for instant access to the focuser’s control. Upon connecting to the FocusCube hotspot, the focuser control is automatically available for immediate use. Users can also access it from any web browser by simply typing “focuscube3.local” in the address bar. This feature is operating system-independent and functions seamlessly alongside USB control and the EZY hand controller plug-in, providing flexibility and convenience for users across various setups.
The FocusCube 3 features an external digital temperature sensor input on the focuser’s side and it comes with a digital temperature sensor. This sensor can be placed near the focuser, providing the ability to monitor the exact temperature of both the focuser and the surrounding environment in real-time through the included software or ASCOM driver.
The device features an expansion RJ12 port situated at the rear of the enclosure, designed to accommodate the EZY-Focus Hand Controller for manual focus control. This optional accessory allows users to enhance their setup with precise manual focusing capabilities.
The hand controller offers a rotary knob that simulates the knob of your focuser. Rotate the digital knob and easily focus as with a traditional focuser knob. Precision can be achieved when you press the knob inside and speed is reduced to 1:10 just like the fine focus knob of a focuser Click it again to switch to coarse focus.
Two additional buttons “<< and >>” facilitate moving the focuser in or out by the exact and preconfigured step count you have set in the EZY Focus menu. Every time you press the button an audible beep confirms the motor movement.
A 1.3-inch, 128 x 64 pixel organic LED screen is used for the device which will ensure that night vision will be unaffected. The LED is placed in the front of the device, providing the additional functionality of using the controller as an astronomical map red light. The LED’s brightness can be configured from the device menu.
You can learn more about the Pegasus Astro FocusCube 3 here.
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