Focusing the Guide Camera
Plan to spend a few minutes getting the guide camera focus correct the first time you use the
camera. After achieving good focus with the guide camera you should rarely, if ever, have to
adjust the guide camera focus again, even if you remove the guide camera and put it back on
the WSG at a later time.
Focusing the guide camera is straightforward, although the required steps may be a bit
different than you’re used to. There are a couple different ways to handle focusing the guide
camera. We have found the steps below to work best for most people.
Note:
Always start by focusing the image on the camera’s main sensor using your
telescope focuser and standard focusing method. Only after your primary
imaging camera is focused should you attempt to focus the guide camera.
Loosen the Focus Ring Set Screw by inserting a 0.050” Allen wrench (included with QSI 500
Series cameras) into the set screw through the small opening near the top of the cover.
Rotate the Focus Ring to the left or right to change the focus of the guide camera.
Note:
The guide camera Focus Ring is threaded with 32 threads per inch
(tpi). This allows very precise and stable focusing. When trying to achieve
rough focus, rotate the Focus Ring at least one full turn and possibly more.
One full turn will change the focus by only 1/32” (0.031”) or 0.8mm.
Rotate the Focus Ring clockwise to reduce the guide camera focus distance
Rotate counter-clockwise to increase the guide camera focus distance.
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