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Optional Motor Focus

MoonLite makes 4 different configurations of motor focus options. A DC motor option with simple hand controller, or one of our High Res Stepper Motor options. The DC servo drive motor option uses a Rigel systems hand controller for $150. It is recommended for Visual use. The High resolution Stepper motor options come in 3 different configurations. A stand alone version that is robo focus compatible $190 (customer provides controller), A High Res Stepper Motor with our mini MoonLite controller for $385, and a High Res Stepper motor with our MoonLite 2-speed DRO display controller for $685. Our stepper motor controllers are ASCOM compliant and connect to a PC for automated focusing and have Temp compensation built in. Note: all motor options (once installed) give MoonLite's CS, CF focusers an 8 lb lifting capacity. It gives our large format CSL and CFL model focusers an 12 lb vertical lifting capacity, and on our small CR focuser a 6 lb load rating.

DC Servo drive Motor Focus
$150.00

No jiggle motor focus option-- Give your scope a super fine focus ability with our DC servo drive motor focus option for only $150
MoonLite's DC servo motor focus system uses a DC gear head style motor with a very fine gear box providing extreme fine focus ability and strong torque. The motor assembly is the inline type and normally replaces the right hand knob on the focuser. The motor housing is polished aluminum with a 1/8" mini jack on the end. A 6 foot long cable is provided with a battery operated hand controller. The "Rigel" brand hand controller can vary the speed from very slow to very fast in a linier way or in a pulse width modulated mode. The fine movement ability makes the focuser ideal for Visual use or manual imaging use. Please note-- The manual focus knob Can be used if the controller is unplugged from the motor, however a small amount of drag will be felt when operating the manual knob.

The motor focus option can be picked "using the pull down menu" at the time when ordering a focuser. It is not an "after the purchase user installed item". If you already have a MoonLite focuser we can install the option for you at no additional charge, however it requires you ship the focuser to us for the installation. Please contact us for scheduling the upgrade on your existing focuser. The DC motor focus is offered as an option only on single rate focusers, due to the motor gear box assembly replacing the dual rate assembly. We can provide a DC motor install kit to customers that are mechanically inclined and do not mind disassembling the focuser.



Controller operating instructions:


MoonLite High Resolution Stepper Motor Option
Starting at $190.00

The High Res stepper motor option comes in 3 configurations.

All MoonLite's High Resolution stepper motor options use a premium, low backlash Hurst stepper motor. This provides very fine .00008" resolution and accurate position repeatability required for today's high end imaging systems. It comes as an option on all single rate model focusers (SCT, Refractor, and Newtonian). It has such a fine variable rate that the reduction unit is not needed, so it is not offered on dual rate focusers. It also features a rotatable 2 part motor bracket, so it can be orientated into any position then locked in place, plus it can be mounted on the left or the right side. Note: The Stepper Motor option must be picked at the time of purchase, as it is not a user-installed item. If you already have a MoonLite focuser, we can install the option for you at no additional charge. It requires you ship the focuser to us for the installation. Please contact us for scheduling the upgrade on your existing focuser. Please note: The manual focus knob is inoperable once the stepper motor is installed. It is a non-clutched direct drive system so there is no risk of slipping. The stepper motor's 9 pin DBA connector is also compatible with other stepper motor controllers such as the Robo focus controller, James Lacey Brand, and the Cercis brand controller.

The High Res stepper motor option-stand alone configuration

is $190 and is for customers that may already have a robo focus controller or just doesn't need another stepper motor controller.

The stepper motor can be rotated to any orientation on all focuser models

The High Res Stepper motor with MoonLite Mini Controller


option uses an ASCOM compliant stepper motor controller from MoonLite $385. The controller works with all ASCOM based software packages out there today such as Focus Max, CCDSoft, MaximDL, etc. The Focus Controller has built in temperature compensation and runs on 12 Volts DC. We include an AC adapter that has all the different plug configurations (US, Europe, UK, and Australia); however, most customers will simply use 12-volt power off their mount. This mini controller is designed to be used remotely by a PC only. It has all of the functions of our larger Display controller below, except it does not have any buttons or display and has a USB port only to save cost. A USB cable is included with the controller.

Our ASCOM driver and installation instructions can be downloaded here: Moonlite Focuser Setup.zip and Moonlite setup sources.zip


The High Res Stepper motor with MoonLite 2-speed DRO Display Controller


option uses an ASCOM compliant stepper motor controller from MoonLite $685. The controller works with all ASCOM based software packages out there today such as Focus Max, CCDSoft, MaximDL, etc. The Focus Controller has built in temperature compensation and runs on a wide range of voltages - from 8-24 Volts DC. We include an AC adapter that has all the different plug configurations (US, Europe, UK, and Australia); however, most customers will simply use 12-volt power off their mount. Both USB and RS-232 Serial connections to your PC are supported and the unit will auto sense your connection. Both USB and Serial cables are included with the controller. The 2-speed controller works great for manual operation of the focuser even without a PC. One set of buttons is fast while the other set is slow. The DRO display shows the exact step count position on the controller's display that matches the position count shown in all ASCOM imaging software packages. This makes the controller work just like a PC with the same exact accuracy but in a stand-alone mode if needed. Please note: MoonLite's controller has the electronics built in to support MoonLite's rotating flange option that will be released soon. We have also included a socket in the controller to support Blue Tooth Wireless connectivity that we expect to release later this year. This is a high end controller that works best for both PC and manual operation.

Our ASCOM driver and installation instructions can be downloaded here: Moonlite Focuser Setup.zip and Moonlite setup sources.zip


Focus Max application shown running with the stepper motor controller.
To order the stepper motor option and controller, please use the pull down menu when selecting any single speed focuser.

For an online tutorial in setting up FocusMax click here.

Another great resource is the FocusMax User Group.

M31 image captured with a WO90 Megrez equipped with a MoonLite CF Focuser, High Res Stepper Motor, and MoonLite Mini Controller. Focus achieved with Focus Max

MoonLite is proud to have teamed with GeekShed Observatory

The following photos where sent in to us by customers using our High resolution stepper motor equipped MoonLite focusers.

M51

Veil

M57

NGC2244

NGC2244 - Couldn't have done it without MoonLite! A total 8hrs of exposure, and the focus was dead-on in every sub.
Paul, in ME

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