TheSkySearchers

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.

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

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.

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

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

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