Transitioning to these integrated focusers from a tcfs or tcfs3 is incredibly easy. Back in 1999 optecs gerald persha designed and introduced the first alldigital motorized telescope focuser. It is not appropriate to compare the robo focus to the optec at this time since they are quite different. Includes tcflsi focuser, temperature sensor probe with 20 cable, 12vdc power supply with cord, and 6ft. Optec s roots are founded strongly in astronomical research instrumentation with products such as the ssp line of solidstate photometers, photomultiplier tube and ccd photometers, the patented tcf temperature compensated focuser and the recent addition of the pyxis 3inch, a high precision camera field rotator for large telesopes. Featuring a closedloop design with external hand control box and builtin temperature compensation, that very first tcf temperature compensating focuser continues to operate every clear night at the optec observatory. Optec s implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film astrophotography. Using optecs serialusb communications cable, users can easily connect the focuslynx. If a usbtoserial converter is needed to interface to an optec instrument, it is necessary to confirm that the converter is compatible with the optec control software. The optec tcfs is a short throw crayford focuser much like the jmi focuser, but much stronger. The tcfs focuser can easily handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 pounds. The optec tcf leo has a typical eyepiece width of 114 eyepiece and therefore is an excellent focusing option for telescopes with limited flangetofocus distances such as the celestron edgehd series. Optec tcfsi 2 set up guide for beginners auto focus.
This help document provides instructions for installing and using the tcfs commander and ascom. The tcfs commander program has been designed for use with the optec tcfs series temperature compensating focusers including the tcfs, tcfsi, tcfs3, and tcfs3i models. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser camera. The solution is a temperature probe built into the tcf series focusers and this is a combination of optecs time tested and proven tcf focuser with the focuslynx controller hub. This package includes the tcfsi focuser, temperature sensor probe with 20 cable,12vdc power supply with cord, and 6ft.
Using ttl level electronics, a programmer can control the focuser from any pc. Briefly i was able to connect to com 4 but this disappeared. The reverse direction was checked in the optec ascom driver. Exact focus can be found by optimizing a stellar centriods diameter. These are some of the best and strongest imaging focusers available.
Optecs implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film. The most important advantage of the tcfs is its ability to compensate for the focal shift of the telescope due to temperature change. Optec tcf leo lowprofile temperature compensating focuser opt. Mechanically, the tcf s is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Once i fixed that in my setup ive never had any other issues with the rotator.
Optec is a design and manufacturing firm specializing in electrooptical products used in astronomy, atmospheric science and microscopy. Unlike their predecessors, these focusers feature an integrated control board that allows direct connection between computer and focuser, thus eliminating the necessity of the external tcfss3 control box. Optec tcfleo 3inch low profile focuser optec has created a powerful 3 low profile focuser with excellent backfocus for installing on telescope. Optec model tcfs, 2 temperature compensating focuser. This 5 pound focuser has all the same features of the tcfs but is just bigger and stronger. Optec model tcfsi integrated temperature compensating. As a full 3inch focuser, the tcfleo drawtube accepts any of our optec3000 adapters developed for the tcfs3 and tcflynx3 heavy duty focusers. Visual users will appreciate the focuslynx hand controller with finefocus rotary knob for notouch operation of the telescope focus. Im selling an optec tcf leo low profile focuser in excellent, like new condition. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser cloud break.
Configured for use with focus lynx control hub as second focuser. It uses the same cables, temperature probe, but focuser control is now accomplished via direct serial connection between the focuser and computer. Back in 1999 optec s gerald persha designed and introduced the first alldigital motorized telescope focuser. The simple ascii protocol is easily programmed and has been implemented in many popular imaging and camera control software packages. The solution is a temperature probe built into the tcf series focusers and this is a combination of optec s time tested and proven tcf focuser with the focuslynx controller hub. Optec tcfleo low profile focuser 19740 optec manufacturers. Optec s implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film. However, i purchased an optec sagitta oag and am having trouble connecting to it. Introducing the optec quicksync focus motor for feathertouch focusers. Feb 14, 20 introducing the optec quicksync focus motor for feathertouch focusers.
Mechanically, the optec tcfsi is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. The focuser comes with the temperature probe and ethernet cable. At the end of an observing session, the tcf focuser remembers the last temperature and position. Installation of the optec gemini rotating focuser on a planewave cdk20 with sbig stx16803 fw7 aox imaging setup. It is an excellent unit with a good pc control panel. Following the long tradition of the tcf s temperature compensating focuser, optec s tcf lynx features a robust 2inch crayfordstyle design for smooth focus. Optec model tcfsi integrated temperature compensating focuser. The tcfs focuser was the first telescope focuser to offer. One of the single greatest detriments to taking truly outstanding astronomical images is the focus shift due to changing thermal conditions. I have owned focuslynx focuser boss hubs before and have never encountered issues. The optec tcfs is a short throw crayford focuser much.
I believe it was not in sgp but in the optec pyxis ascom driver configuration files. Optecs implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film astrophotography. I have also been working on software control panels for the optec tcfs. The tcfs and tcfs3 focuser can handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 and 20 pounds respectively. Link to download ascom driver is at the bottom of this page. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser, serial version. Im selling an optec tcfleo low profile focuser in excellent, like new condition. While the control box that comes standard with every tcfs focuser is a.
Additionally, since the external control scheme of the tcfss3 is replicated in the computer control software, new users of optec focusers will have no more. The updated model is faster and offers greater versatility in the same compact, yet solid, focuser design. Tcfs motorized focuser 2 temperature compensated focusing with high precision mechanically, the tcfs is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Ive never used automated focus routines before so any pearls of wisdom you an hand out would be helpful. Following the long tradition of the tcfs temperature compensating focuser, optecs tcflynx features a robust 2inch crayfordstyle design for smooth focus. Optec tcf leo lowprofile temperature compensating focuser. Now focus control, along with serial goto telescope mounts and imaging cameras could be controlled by a host of software packages. Dec 26, 2015 hi, has anybody got an idiots guide to getting started in sgp with an optec focuser my scope is 770 focal length refractor coupled with an atik one kit. This focuser has a temperature probe and is ascom compatible. This focuser is only intended for large scope with massive mounts. Included with the focuser is the temperature probe, serial to usb cable and power supply. With the width of a typical 114 eyepiece, the tcfleo provides a unique focusing solution for the celestron edgehd. Unlike their predecessors, these focusers feature an integrated control board that allows direct connection between computer and focuser, thus eliminating the necessity of the external tcf ss3 control box. Tcfs focuser is a standalone windows program designed for testing, setting parameters, and operating the optec tcfs line of temperature compensating focusers.
Thus, the user can record a curve of the temperatureinduced focus drift, save and this is automatically retrieved during a slow exposure and the focus drift is. Click on the button corresponding to your model below. It is also compatible with the current optec control software tcfs. Hi, has anybody got an idiots guide to getting started in sgp with an optec focuser my scope is 770 focal length refractor coupled with an atik one kit. The optional precision centering adapter allows any large 2inch diagonal or eyepiece to be added behind the focuser. The digital nature of the tcf allows opportunities for truly intelligent focusing. Requires return of tcf hand controller to optec for retrofit. I am selling my optec tcfs focuser with temp sensor, handcontrollers, serial cable with usb, extra adapters. In addition, the focuser will come with three adapters needed to use the focuser on a takahashi e180 these would be an additional cost if buying new from optec. Optec tcfsi 2inch focuser cn classifieds cloudy nights. For a non software controlled focusing the optec hand controller is.
Documentation, control software and drivers for all optec tcf focuser models. Mechanically, the tcfs is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Note that some of the optec control programs and drivers are available in two. Updated 10sep2008 to correct the installer it now registers this drivers focuser as well as its telescope, no changes to driver itself. Older tcf s drivers and software can now be found here. Unique to the tcf s tcf s3 focuser, an electronic controller system monitors the telescopes tube temperature and compensates the focus accordingly. All other features of the tcfs3i are similar to the tcfs. With the width of a typical 114 eyepiece, the tcf leo provides a unique focusing solution for the celestron edgehd and other telescopes with limited flangetofocus distances. With the tcf s focuser, programmers can communicate directly with the focuser s controller located in the hand control via any serial port.
Following the long tradition of the tcf s digital focuser, optec s tcf lynx features a robust 2inch crayfordstyle design for smooth focus. I purchased this hoping to automate the task of flats with sg pro software. The tcf s and tcf s3 focuser can handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 and 20 pounds respectively. Optec home astronomy catalog tcf focusers software control. The tcfsi from optec is a temperature compensating 2 focuser with integrated control circuit.
Thank you for installing the tcfs focuser control program. Optec gemini rotating focuser installation youtube. Coupled with the optec focuslynx controller, quicksync offers a simple outofthebox solution for both manual and. Optec tcf leo 3inch low profile focuser optec has created a powerful 3 low profile focuser with excellent backfocus for installing on telescope. Optec has created integrated variants of our main line of focusers. With the everincreasing size of ccd cameras and associated instruments, the need for a precision digital focuser that can take the weight and is compatible with most of the camera control software available is now met. I will cover shipping conus and paypal fees for the above asking price. The optec tcfs focusers can be connected to a wide variety of telescopes using two standard circular dovetail mounts. The focusing and temperature compensation controls are displayed within optecs computer control software as a virtual control box, allowing any tcfss3 owner familiar with the external control box to transition. Ascom compliant focuser 2 tcfs for sharplock focuslock. I successfuly used this unit via its ascom driver with sequence generator pro to automate the focusing operarations on my astrophotography setup.
I have downloaded the software and drivers but cant connect to any of the com ports that are listed in the dropdown menu. Mechanically, the tcfs is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 33 microns 0. Optecs roots are founded strongly in astronomical research instrumentation with products such as the ssp line of solidstate photometers, photomultiplier tube and ccd photometers, the patented tcf temperature compensated focuser and the recent addition of the pyxis 3inch, a high precision camera field rotator for large telesopes. With the width of a typical 114 eyepiece, the tcfleo provides a unique focusing solution for the celestron edgehd and other telescopes with limited flangetofocus distances. Tcf s motorized focuser 2 temperature compensated focusing with high precision mechanically, the tcf s is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. The updated model is faster and offers greater versitility in the same compact, yet solid, focuser design. Apr 06, 2017 the reverse direction was checked in the optec ascom driver. Optec model tcfs3, 3 temperature compensating focuser. Unique to the tcfstcfs3 focuser, an electronic controller system monitors the telescopes tube temperature and compensates the focus accordingly. Optec model tcfs3i, 3 integrated temperature compensating. The paramount me mounting and wiring kit is designed to reduce the number of cables required to operate the optec tcfs focuser, ifw filter wheel, and pyxis field rotator with the software bisque paramount me robotic telescope mount. The tcfs can be used by itself or with a pc for automatic focus with some of the popular camera control software. This focuser was recently checked out by optec to ensure proper.
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