Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

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Hikescdnrckys
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Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#1

Post by Hikescdnrckys »


Hi everyone.

I have a Celestron Evo 9.25 for which I have replaced the standard focuser with the Feathertouch. Love the Feathertouch but I am starting to get into AP in the winter months. I am looking for an autofocuser that will allow me to focus via wifi or Bluetooth from my laptop in my den to my scope outside on my balcony about 5 ft away. I also would like to be able to remove the focuser or do a manual focus when I bring my scope out for public outreach sessions.

Research shows the Rigel Systems focuser may fit the bill. Do they make one to attach to the Feathertouch and does anyone have any experience using it?

Thanks.
Celestron Evolution 9.25 (affectionately called Clara)
Edmund Scientific Astroscan (Kristin - 25 yrs old and still truckin!)
iOptron SkyGuider with ADM Pier-Zeq Extension (cause I am gettin' old)
Canon t6i Unmodded DSLR
ZWO ASI224MC Camera

Enjoying the dark skies in Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ont.
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JayTee United States of America
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Re: Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#2

Post by JayTee »


I have the same setup as you, only with the C11. So I'm following this thread with interest. My understanding at this point is that the Rigel System does work with a Feathertouch. Whether the Celestron autofocuser works with a Feathertouch that is unknown to me at this time.

Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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Hikescdnrckys
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Re: Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#3

Post by Hikescdnrckys »


Hi JayTee.

From what I have seen in other forums, the Celestron Autofocuser does not work with the Feathertouch, you would have to replace the Feathertouch with the standard focuser, a step back as far as I am concerned. I did receive an EMAIL from the vendor who stated yes, Rigel Systems does work with the Feathertouch and they do a stepper motor for UT as well. Just waiting to hear back on what model is required as their website doesn't make it clear.
Celestron Evolution 9.25 (affectionately called Clara)
Edmund Scientific Astroscan (Kristin - 25 yrs old and still truckin!)
iOptron SkyGuider with ADM Pier-Zeq Extension (cause I am gettin' old)
Canon t6i Unmodded DSLR
ZWO ASI224MC Camera

Enjoying the dark skies in Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ont.
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Graeme1858 Great Britain
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Re: Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#4

Post by Graeme1858 »


I've got a Celestron electronic focuser on my 9.25 SCT. It works brilliantly for AP from the Celestron CPWI mount control software. But it is not good at all, once fitted, for visual work because whilst there is a control utility from Celestron, it's pretty much impossible to operate it from a pc/laptop whilst looking through an eyepiece!

It can be controlled from a usb or directly from the mount accessory port. I don't know anything about the Rigel system.

HTH, good luck.

Regards

Graeme
______________________________________________
Celestron 9.25 f10 SCT, f6.3FR, CGX mount.
ASI1600MM Pro, ASI294MC Pro, ASI224MC
ZWO EFW, ZWO OAG, ASI220MM Mini.
APM 11x70 ED APO Binoculars.

https://www.averywayobservatory.co.uk/
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Re: Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#5

Post by JayTee »


Hi Graeme,

Did you put the auto focuser over the stock focusing knob that was on your C9.25? If so, that still doesn't answer our question of will it fit over the Feathertouch focuser add-on accessory. But your info does help with more knowledge about the Celestron product. Thank you.

Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°

Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."

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pixelsaurus New Zealand
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Re: Autofocuser for Celestron Evo with Feathertouch

#6

Post by pixelsaurus »


Any advances on this topic?
I have a Celestron 8 HD Edge and am looking at getting the Celestron Focus Motor. As I intend shoving the scope onto an iOptron mount, I will lose the ability to focus using the Celestron handset and I don't want to use my lappy or mobile fone either. I'm just after a good old fashioned manual type hand controller on a cable that will do the business. The other reason for a manual dongle is that my wife, mates, etc can focus for themselves. I see nFocus does have a manual controller but I have yet to establish whether it will control the Celestron focus motor or whether I need the nFocus motor unit.

Belay that.
I have figured out that I can get an nFocus unit that does manual focus, wi-fi, and pc control. And the motor is included. Even with freight, it will still be cheaper to get it from the USA than trying to source stuff locally.

https://www.rigelsys.com/analogmotor_wifi.html
Mike

Rokinon 135mm f/2 lens, Tamron 90mm f/2.5 SP lens
NcStar 20x70 binoculars
iOptron CEM26 Goto EQ Mount, iOptron SkyGuider Pro
iOptron miniGuidescope + QHY5P Guide camera
Pentax K500, Pentax K70, Pentax K1, QHY183C
NexStar Evolution 8 HD Telescope with StarSense, Wedge for NexStar Evolution and SE 6/8
Umbrella, gumboots.
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