Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0
Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016
Thank you for choosing Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0.
Introduction
The evolution of technology in astronomy requires a system which will assist the focusing of
the telescope with great accuracy. Fast optics and modern camera devices require automatic
focusing in every small period of time as temperature can affect focal length and modify the
optimal focus position.
Pegasus
D
ual
M
otor
F
ocus
C
ontroller (
DMFC
) has been developed to meet these
requirements. Designed in high quality with modern electronics it can provide digital precise
control of compatible motor focusers from a PC or from manual operation.
DMFC is suitable for visual astronomers and astro-photographers. Its unique design can
support two modes. It can drive DC motors, by its Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control
or unipolar stepper motors for absolute position focusing. By the slide of one switch on the
left side of the controller, the mode can be instantly changed from ‘stepper’ to ‘dc’ motor.
The controller can be operated by PC by its USB2 connectivity. Moreover, a manual operation
by utilizing the digital encoder on the top of the controller emulates the knob of your focuser.
Turn the knob as it was your telescope focuser. If you press it, the steps of the motor will be
reduced by 1/10.
There is a standard 2.1mm center positive DC power connection which powers on the
controller.
A dual color light emitted diode (Green / Red) is fitted on the top of the unit. Each color
indicates a mode and the led can be turned on or off by its software during an observing
session.
Motor output is fully compatible with “Robofocus
©
”
pin out. A cable converter (serial to
mono jack) can be used for simple DC pulse motors.
An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. The digital
probe of length 1.5m is supplied. The probe can be placed near the focuser so the exact
temperature of the focuser / environment can be seen through the supplied software or
ASCOM driver.
Controller supports absolute focusing and it stores the exact focuser position so it can be
retrieved in the next observing session. Moreover, it can store max speed of the stepper motor
to comply with motor specification.
The controller can be operated by the standalone DMFC software. (Available for Windows
OS). It is also fully compatible with ASCOM 6.
Controller firmware supports reprogramming via the USB 2.0 connection using upgrade
software, for future upgrades which may become available.
The controller has its own software drivers, applications, allowing full functionality to be quickly
and effectively.
