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DIY telescope remote and autofocus project

 

 

This project began as a reproduction of a remote focus motor published on the internet by Brian Sumpter(thank you!)  (here).  A 'gutted' servo controlled by a DPDT switch to reverse polarity (and hence direction) with a potentiometer to adjust the speed.  That was quickly followed by modifications like a PWM supply and an H-bridge for better speed control in both directions. This worked great but lacked 2 important desires....

    1) an interface that matches the movement of a focus knob

    2) autofocus

Both of these have been achieved (see Pictures and Videos page) in a very easy to build, inexpensive design, by utilizing a Pololu Maestro 6 channel servo control board coupled to a stepper motor via an H-bridge.  Movement is accomplished by turning a rotary encoder.  Autofocus by 'homebrew' C# code.  The mount, made from aluminum stock purchased at a local hardware store, is attached via the finder scope bracket.

 

The lastest version now uses and Arduino Uno control board, a pololu A4983 stepper driver and a much larger 6volt stepper motor.  It still functions as a stand-alone unit for visual use, and can be controlled via a modified version of the home built C# autofocus code. 

 

The software has been significantly updated to utilize a method that eliminates the need for backlash compenstation(adapted from the FocusMax paper here)

 

Note the flexible motor shaft coupling in the picture....

*******  If you just want to try it out with your Arduino setup  *****

 

I have also added a bare bones version of the Arduino focuser (here: Arduino Focuser 2) that does not use a keypad, LDC or rotary encoder and will work with any ASCOM compliment software.  

Also check out Sound Alert a simple program that sends an email when your computer makes an alert sound.  Designed to be used with PHD and send a text message via email for lost guide star. 

 

 

Inside the Box....

Original version with manual focus via rotary encoder, keypad, LCD display and dual stepper drivers for Orion filterwheel modification.  

 

   

  

 ourminnetrista.org