Build A Motorized Focuser

A homemade motorized focuser can be used on telescopes.

Focusing a telescoping could be frustrating. You need to constantly turn the main focus knob therefore the star or planet that you are searching at remains visible for over a couple of minutes. Because the planets and stars move, you cannot remain centered on the celestial body for very lengthy before you need to refocus the instrument. Adding a motorized focuser in your telescope will eliminate the requirement for you to definitely get out there and refocus the unit. You may make changes remotely, while still searching in the designated star or planet.

Instructions

1. Drill holes within the draw tube therefore it can bolt towards the base plate. Focused on the bottom plate and mark the bolt holes having a pencil. Drill corresponding holes with the base plate. Thread the holes around the draw tube so that you can permanently bolt the bottom plate towards the draw tube.

2. Cut an opening in the heart of the bottom plate exactly the same size because the motor shaft. Cut a notch from the base plate exactly the same size because the retaining key. Slide the bottom plate around the finish from the motor shaft, arranging the notch using the notch within the motor shaft. Place the important thing to make certain it obtains the bottom plate and draw tube towards the motor. Contain the entire set up around the motor shaft by placing easy ring.

3. Drill holes within the brackets that correspond using the motor supports. Relaxation the set up within the side from the telescope, sliding the draw tube within the rack and pinion focusing knob. Mark holes around the telescope and brackets therefore the holes align with one another. Tap the holes within the telescope and mount the motorized set up towards the telescope.

4. Connect the telephone plug or jack towards the motor by hooking up the control wires together. Place the telephone wire within the plug and go to the rear of your pc. Load the focusing software to the pc. Cut the telephone wire near to in which the wire connects towards the motor and make contact with plug. Splice the program electronics box between your cut phone wires and mount this area towards the base plate.

5. Reboot the pc and shoot some images in the telescope. Make sure that these images are focused. Turn the telescope to a different celestial body and refocus the instrument while using focusing software.