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Motorised Focusser

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  • 26-01-2005 8:58am
    #1
    Geoffw
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭


    Has anyone come across an accessory that will allow one to control the focus wheel on a telescope without touching it to avoid shake at higher magnifications? I read somewhere of someone MAKING one with a little battery powered motor, and presumable gearing etc - but I am not that practical. He had a little two button pad wired to the device strapped to the boddy of the scope.

    It would also be helpful when using a webcam to focus without having to jump from computer to telescope and back.

    I have a Celestron NexStar 114GT.

    Geoff


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    #2
    Tea drinker
    Registered Users Posts: 2,817 ✭✭✭Tea drinker


    Yeah, i heard you can make them from model car stuff.
    You might want to think about that, this site seems to have what
    you want, but it ain't cheap:

    http://www.jimsmobile.com/list_search.htm

    If you find something cheap and cheerful let me know, have a similar
    problem myself.

    Martin


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    #3
    Geoffw
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭Geoffw


    Tea drinker wrote:
    Yeah, i heard you can make them from model car stuff.
    You might want to think about that, this site seems to have what
    you want, but it ain't cheap: http://www.jimsmobile.com/list_search.htm

    If you find something cheap and cheerful let me know, have a similar
    problem myself.
    hi Martin

    You are right they are not cheap, and neither do they do one for my particular scope (NexStar 114GT), but I have found a good description of how to make one on
    Refreshing Views - go to Articles and scroll down for which I have started to assemble the parts. For the servo motor I've opted for a Sail Winch, which I have adapted to rotate a full 360 degrees plus in either direction, which I bought off Ebay - see Sail Winch Servo It will be controlled by a switch (Maplins) and a pack of 4 1.5v batteries.

    The major problem I have not yet tackled is linking it to the focus control on the telescope. I am reluctant to start drilling holes in my scope etc.

    I'll let you know, here, how I get on.

    Geoff


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