What kind of power adapter can I use?
We recommend 12V DC power adapter, as the units are fine tuned to this specific voltage. However, autofocuser will work up to 14V. Socket
specification: tip positive, 5.5mm x 2.1mm. Should you not have 12V adapter at hand, the units
should also work in range from 12V-14V without issues. Current output of the power adapter should be
1A minimum, but can be more (it will not damage the autofocuser).
When I connect the autofocuser to computer, Windows does not recognize it. What can I do?
pre 2020 (mini USB port version): You probably need to install the CH340 driver for Arduino compatible boards to provide USB connectivity. You can download it
here or from
authors website.
2020 update (micro USB port version): if you are using Windows 10, the driver will self install. If you are using Windows 7, please install
32 or
64 bit driver.
Should you experience any problems with detection, try:
- different USB cable
- direct connection (without USB hub)
- using USB 2.0 port (instead of 3.0)
How can I upgrade focuser firmware?
Please refer to the firmware upgrade
instructions.
How can I use the autofocuser on Linux/Mac OS/BSD
You can connect with AF3 INDI driver in KStars. IMPORTANT: you have to change the baud rate from 9600 to 115200 in order to connect successfully!
Focuser is recognized by Windows and virtual COM port is created. What now?
Next step is installation of ASCOM driver, so you can use the focuser with any of the automation
programes, like
SGPro.
You can download the ASCOM driver
here. You also need to install
ASCOM platform.
I successfully installed new version of ASCOM driver, but now focuser will not connect. How can I fix it?
First check if you chose the correct COM port. If that does not work - ASCOM driver is developed for
specific version of autofocuser firmware (specified in the readme file). We recommend you to always
use latest firmware and latest ASCOM driver.
What ASCOM settings should I use?
We recommend you the following ASCOM settings for AF3 RedCat:
What SGPro settings should I use?
Settings
Backlash compensation
By our experience, backlash compensation between 30 and 40 "IN" should suffice. Its best to test with Bahtinov mask to get the optimal setting for your RedCat.
I have changed the ASCOM settings but they have no effect, what can I do?
That happens if you change the settings while connected to the focuser. In order for ASCOM settings
to have effect, you have to first disconnect from the autofocuser, change the settings and connect
again.
Can I control the focuser manually?
AF3 comes with multiple ways of manual control, so you can focus with bahtinov mask or use it for visual observation without touching the focuser with your hands.
AF3 Control Panel
AF3 Control panel can be used for firmware upgrade or as manual control application. Once connected, you can move the motor in a variety of ways: fixed number of steps, 90/180 degrees, specific absolute position, continuous motion,...
Hand Controller
-
Connection - connect it to audio jack port on the autofocuser unit.
-
Interface - 2 buttons, + and -.
-
Single press - with a single press, the motor moves for a 100 steps in either direction. The amount of movement depends on the current step mode (read below)
-
Continuous movement - you can move the motor continuously by pressing and holding + or - button.
-
Step mode - by clicking both buttons at the same time, you can decrease step size & speed. If you want to reset to full speed, press and hold both buttons for 2s.
What about temperature compensation?
AF3 comes with an option of temperature sensor. Once connected to the audio jack port, AF3 provides ASCOM/INDI with the temperature reading neccessary for the temperature compensation mode.
SGPro temperature compensation tutorial
-
In ASCOM settings, check "Temperature compensation" checkbox
-
Once connected to the AF3, you will be able to configure how often SGPro autofocuses in relation to the temperature change
-
After every finished frame, SGPro will check if refocus is neccessary. For example autofocus will be triggered, once the current frame is finished in this example (temperature differance from last autofocus is larger than 0.5 degree):
-
After autofocus procedure is finished, timestamp and temperature of last autofocus are updated.
When focuser is turning, it causes vibration. What can I do about it?
Some amount of vibration is normal with stepper motors, included in our focusers. If you are using full step or half step mode, try to change it to 1/4 or 1/8 in ASCOM driver properties and increasing number of steps per change in SGP.
SGPro autofocus graph spike on right is causing smart focus to move away from in-focus position instead of towards. How can I fix this?
This can happen if you have any play in the focuser drawtube. Please check Settle buffer in ASCOM settings section.