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Computer driven focusser for Skywatcher Pro 150?

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Old 07-21-2008, 10:52 PM
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Default Computer driven focusser for Skywatcher Pro 150?

I have a Skywatcher Pro 150 MAK sitting on a LXD75 mount controlled by an Autostar 497. In the eye piece is a NexImage LPI with a 2x barlow.

All this is connected upto a laptop running Starry Night Pro and seems to be working nicely.

What I'm after now is a way to control the focus from the laptop as well so I can sit indoors and control the laptop fom my desktop in my study.

Has anybody got any ideas where or how to control the focus from a computer on this scope
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Old 07-21-2008, 10:52 PM
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Ahhh I think I came across something called Robo Focus some time ago, try the words "robo focus" on Google to see if that is what you are looking for.
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Old 07-21-2008, 10:53 PM
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I've experimented with an old RA drive motor, attached to a the Crayford-style focuser of my Skywatcher ED100 (removed the focuser's knob, and attached the drive's rubber coupler on to the shaft) then a lo-o-o-o-ong extension wire added on to the handset controller.

So that I could tweak the focus, while indoors looking at the computer screen not exactly controlled BY the computer, but I could control it while sitting AT the computer.

Not sure whether you could couple such a contraption to a Mak focuser though. Is the focus knob removable, with a thinner metal shaft underneath
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