A homemade motorized focuser is used on telescopes.
Focusing a telescoping can be frustrating. You have to continually turn the focus knob so the star or planet that you're looking at remains visible for more than a few minutes. Since the stars and planets move, you can't remain focused on the celestial body for very long before you have to refocus the instrument. Adding a motorized focuser on your telescope will eliminate the need for you to go out and refocus the device. You can make adjustments remotely, while still looking at the designated star or planet.
Instructions
1. Drill holes in the draw tube so it can bolt to the base plate. Set on the base plate and mark the bolt holes with a pencil. Drill corresponding holes through the base plate. Thread the holes on the draw tube so you can permanently bolt the base plate to the draw tube.
2. Cut a hole in the center of the base plate the same size as the motor shaft. Cut a notch out of the base plate the same size as the retaining key. Slide the base plate on the end of the motor shaft, lining up the notch with the notch in the motor shaft. Insert the key to make sure it secures the base plate and draw tube to the motor. Hold the entire assembly on the motor shaft by inserting a snap ring.
3. Drill holes in the brackets that correspond with the motor mounting brackets. Rest the assembly over the side of the telescope, sliding the draw tube over the rack and pinion focusing knob. Mark holes on the telescope and brackets so the holes align with each other. Tap the holes in the telescope and mount the motorized assembly to the telescope.
4. Connect the phone plug or jack to the motor by connecting the control wires together. Insert the phone wire in the plug and run to the back of your computer. Load the focusing software to the computer. Cut the phone wire close to where the wire connects to the motor and phone plug. Splice the software electronics box between the cut phone wires and mount the box to the base plate.
5. Reboot the computer and shoot some images from the telescope. Ensure that these images are focused. Turn the telescope to another celestial body and refocus the instrument using the focusing software.
Tags: base plate, draw tube, motor shaft, base plate draw, base plate same, bolt base
