Auto focuser...suggestions please

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Kerry C. United States of America
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Auto focuser...suggestions please

#1

Post by Kerry C. »


I am ready to add to my imaging train and up next on the wish list is auto focusing. I have done limited researching and watched a few videos. I suspect there will be a variety of opinions as to different brands, which is actually what I am looking for.
So would you mind giving me your suggestions with what you use, what you like or dislike about it, the approximate cost?
It will be attached to my TS Optics 102mm refractor scope. It has a 2.5 R&P focuser. At this time I am using APT for my imaging software.
Thanks in advance,
Kerry

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
Mount; Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
Cameras; ZWO ASI 2600MC Pro, QHY5iii462C, ZWO ASI224MC, Canon 600D DSLR T3i.
Guide scope; ZWO 60280 f/4.6
Guide camera; ASI290mm mini
Filters; Optolong L-eXtreme 2”, Optolong L-Pro 2”, QHYCCD IR/CUT, QHYCCD IR850
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Gordon United States of America
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Re: Auto focuser...suggestions please

#2

Post by Gordon »


I built my own for a couple of different scopes. At one point the author offered a 'prebuilt' version, so I bought his. https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduin ... erpro2diy/. For the most part they work well, but it does take some figuring out.

I recently purchased a ZWO EAF which I'm waiting on delivery https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-eaf It appears to be a pretty complete package and simple to connect to and attach to the focuser. I will post more once I get it.
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.

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Juno16 United States of America
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Re: Auto focuser...suggestions please

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Post by Juno16 »


Hi Kerry,

I have only owned one focus motor, the ASI EAF. Works great and won't break the bank!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), Orion 50mm Guide Scope, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
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Kerry C. United States of America
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Re: Auto focuser...suggestions please

#4

Post by Kerry C. »


Thanks Gordon and Jim for the recommendation. My wife gave me the go ahead to get a focuser. I will order the ZWO EAF as soon as they get them back in stock, which all the retailers say will be in April. I’m actually going to get 2 of them, one for my refractor and another for my 8”SCT that I am setting up for lunar and planetary imaging.
Kerry

Scopes; William Optics GT 81mm Triplet, TS Optics APO 102mm f/7refractor, Cestron Nexstar 8SE, Gskyer 80mm x 400mm refractor
Mount; Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro
Cameras; ZWO ASI 2600MC Pro, QHY5iii462C, ZWO ASI224MC, Canon 600D DSLR T3i.
Guide scope; ZWO 60280 f/4.6
Guide camera; ASI290mm mini
Filters; Optolong L-eXtreme 2”, Optolong L-Pro 2”, QHYCCD IR/CUT, QHYCCD IR850
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Graeme1858 Great Britain
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Re: Auto focuser...suggestions please

#5

Post by Graeme1858 »


My SCT has the Celestron motorised focuser fitted. It works a treat with fine precision. There is some backlash but that's not a problem if you take it into account. It works well with a Bahtinov mask through the handset or the CPWI software and with the NINA autofocus tool. Even if you don't use NINA I would recommend having it running in the background, connected to your focuser just for the autofocus tool if you're imaging.

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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UkDave Great Britain
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Re: Auto focuser...suggestions please

#6

Post by UkDave »


Highly recommend Deepskydad autofocus units , I have three units the original little stars unit an AF 1 , and an AF2 which has the option to add temperature sensor and hand controller, the latest version is AF3 many mounting options available and Pavle has a few options for it being used with Williams Redcat and the askar lens , never had any problems and Pavle excellent in communication if he hasn’t got the adapter to fit your scope he can design and print to suit .

https://shop.deepskydad.com/

Regards Dave
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