The new Optec Hercules Rotating Focuser is a camera rotator that also focuses, streamlining two crucial components for astrophotographers. It seamlessly integrates with a telescope setup offering a compact design, advanced features, and precise focus control.
Slightly smaller and compact than its big brother, the Gemini focusing rotator, it provides the same high-level ability to combine camera field rotation with telescope focus. With a large 3-inch clear aperture and a travel distance of approximately 0.35 inches (equivalent to about 9mm), the Hercules ensures optimal flexibility for achieving the perfect focus while maintaining a sleek profile, with a thickness of less than 2 inches.
Hercules provides a full 3-inch clear aperture and 0.35” (about 9mm) of travel while maintaining a thickness less than 2-inches. Optec’s ASCOM and Alpaca drivers facilitate traditional guide-star acquisition as well as Alt-Az de-rotation, image orientation and composition in addition to the traditional guide-star acquisition capability. Hercules is available in a standard version as well as Takahashi Epsilon E130, E160 and E180 kits.
The Optec Hercules Rotating Focuser Specifications include:
– Clear aperture: 76.2mm
– Height: 8.17″ (208mm)
– Width: 7.48″ (190mm)
– Thickness: 1.81″ to 2.16″ (46.0 to 54.9mm)
– At midpoint: 1.99″ (50.5mm)
– Weight: 3.5lb (1.6 kg)
– Telescope side interface: OPTEC-3600 receiver
– Camera side interface: OPTEC-3000 3-inch receiver
– Total focuser travel: 0.350″ (8.89mm)
– Total focuser steps: 112,000 steps
– Total focuser resolution: 0.079 micron/step
– Total rotator steps: 168,000 steps
– rotator resolution: 7.7 arc seconds / step
– Rotation Speed: variable, ~ 3 degrees/second
– Electronics circuit board: Internal
– Communications: USB-C and Ethernet
– Temperature Probe: 3.5mm socket
– Power socket: 2.5 x 5.5mm
– Power draw: 1.25A max, 0.6A while moving, 0.4A holding
– Input voltage: 12VDC
– Input connector: 2.5×5.5mm barrel plug, center pin positive
– Software compatibility: ASCOM and Alpaca
– Capabilities: Focus, Guide star acquisition, field composition, Alt-Az De-rotation
– De-Rotation: Compatible with Planewave L-mounts, TheSky X, Maxim D/L, N.I.N.A.
– Configurable: Any fully configured mount with ASCOM driver.
You can learn more about the Optec Hercules Rotating Focuser here.
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