Wyvern Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 That's what I said when I was putting my astrophotography rig together.So after a quick search around, it seemed the the MyFocuserProV2 was by far the most complete of the DIY solutions out there.I'm not going to reinvent the wheel here and write a full instruction manual as there are already some very thorough resources out there for building your own which I'll list below.You can find the source code for this project here https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/files/ARDUINO%20FIRMWARE/astro_obrads on youtube has done a great video on how to build and test the focuser.I used the 8825 stepper driver controller for this and it worked fairly seamlessly, the only slight issue was that when initially powered up, the controller can get very hot if the potentiometer is incorrectly set. This is covered in the video however I would recommend tuning it aniclockwise all the way.The stepper was a standard NEMA17 but with a 27:1 gearbox similar to the one belowhttps://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/27-1-Planetary-Gearbox-Nema-17-Stepper-Motor-L-48mm-1-68A-4-Wires-3D-Printer-/392161066191?hash=item5b4e9efccfThe sourceforge link also contains the ascom drivers and an ascom driver tester. I'd recommend testing using the driver tester. You may need tick the Reverse direction check box is the in command moves the focuser out.There is an extended settings menu where you can configure backlash and step size and more.I machined a mount from some aluminium flat bar (I think alternatives to this are available but I had it laying around)This is it mounted on the scope.Hope this post was useful to someone, any questions let me know. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyvern Posted October 1, 2020 Author Share Posted October 1, 2020 Could a mod kindly change my title to say autofocus. Apparently I can’t proof read. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkAR Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 Nice job, looks very professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carastro Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Posted by: @Wyvern Could a mod kindly change my title to say autofocus. Apparently I can’t proof read. ? ? ? ? ? ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisWright Posted October 2, 2020 Share Posted October 2, 2020 Excellent guide @Wyvern , might strat looking at requirements this weekend I I have a rudimentary HitecAstro DC focusser currently. Will also look into the topic rename for you. Cannot find the way to do it currently! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisWright Posted October 3, 2020 Share Posted October 3, 2020 Ordered all the parts for this which will hopefully arrive tomorrow.Also changed the title for you @Wyvern 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted October 8, 2020 Share Posted October 8, 2020 I found a TekkyDave one worked well with the tiny geared stepper and very simple to use, but now my imaging rig is too heavy on the scope I want to use it with. A shame as it is so compact.I will probably move it to a smaller scope and fit a NEMA17 for imaging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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