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. Dec 19, 2019 this optec tcf s 2 motorized focuser was used in my remote observatory attached to a 14 celestron and sbig st8xe ccd camera. With the tcfs focuser, programmers can communicate directly with the focusers controller located in the hand control via any serial port. Commander and ascom driver software is available any time by download directly from our website. The pushbuttons and 4digit dro are simulated in software using the. So, i went back to optec ascom driver and unchecked the use temper device for temperature input.
The tcfs focuser was the first telescope focuser to offer. Transitioning to these integrated focusers from a tcfs or tcfs3 is incredibly easy. Optec temp comp focuser auto focus main sequence software. It also comes with the original cd with software but you can download the latest from optecs website. Optec home astronomy catalog tcf focusers software control. The software interface plus the total domination of my imaging kit by a hopeless tangle of redundant cords leaves me wishing i had spent my money elsewhere. Utilizing a bestfit linear model to correct for temperature. Rather than simply adding a rotator onto the end of a focuser drawtube, gemini was designed from inception with a rotating drawtube providing superior strength. Back in 1999 optec s gerald persha designed and introduced the first alldigital motorized telescope focuser. Software is very well thought of and is packed with anything you would ever need. About two months ago i acquired a used optec tcfs focuser for the telescope in the north dome.
Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser description page. With the width of a typical 114 eyepiece, the tcfleo provides a unique focusing solution for the celestron edgehd and other telescopes with limited flangeto focus distances. Robtics telescoopwinkel met showroom en webshop optec tcfs temperatuur gecontroleerde focuser. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser mechanically, the. Mechanically, the tcf s is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Optec has created integrated variants of our main line of focusers. This readout can be read on the provided hand control, or remotely with suitable optional control software. Using optec s serialusb communications cable, users can easily connect the focuslynx controller to any modern pc even when no db9 serial port is available. Focus is the single most critical factor in astronomical imaging and the tcfs family of focusers are supported by most telescope and camera control software packages.
Updated 10sep2008 to correct the installer it now registers this drivers focuser as well as its telescope, no changes to driver itself. The original tcfs focuser has enjoyed overwhelming success with these new. Product image depicts a optec tcfs focuser for illustration purposes. The only thing that saves a partial score is the focuser itself. I will handle paypal, shipping with tracking number. The focuser does connect, but the display is exactly the same as in using ascom driver. Whether focuser backlash compensation is better set in the focuser software or in sgp has to be tested. Is there any software that can control the meade focuser that can be accessed by voyager, prism et al for automated focusing. Optec s implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film. Mechanically, the tcfs is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 33 microns 0. Connection problem with a tcf s focuser 2 messages hi all, i am trying to use an old model tcf s focuser. 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 s s3 control box.
Note that the actual ascom driver is identical for both 32bit and 64bit. The original tcf s focuser has enjoyed overwhelming success with these new. Optec engineers have developed a completely new concept for combining telescope focus and camera rotation functions into a single robust, yet compact package. One of the single greatest detriments to taking truly outstanding astronomical images is the focus shift due to. 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. Company seven optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser. Ive used it with the sky x but it is compatible with other imaging software as well. The most important advantage of the tcfs is its ability to compensate for the focal shift of the telescope due to temperature change. Other telescope mounts can be made custom in our shop. The photo shows a top view of the selector with two different ccd cameras, a single channel ssp photometer, and a separate tcfs focuser and eyepiece. Focusing, typically the bain of remote observatories, was made seamless. I purchased a optec tcfs focuser to do autofocusing with sgp on apr 22, 2020, at 11.
This unit, while bulky, does what it is suppesed to do. Unique to the tcf s focuser, an electronic controller system monitors the telescope s tube temperature and compensates the focus accordingly. The tcfs can be used by itself or with a pc for automatic focus with some of the popular camera control software. Unique to the tcfs focuser, an electronic controller system monitors the telescopes tube temperature and compensates the focus accordingly. Robtics optec tcfs temperatuur gecontroleerde focuser. Tcf lynx series, temperature compensating 2 and 3 crayford focuser including separate oncable temperature sensorideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging of film astrophotographyprovides excellent resolution and ample focus. 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. I rarely needed to focus the system as the temperature compensation worked so well. Optec temperature comensating focuser model tcfs baader. Ascom compliant focuser 2 tcfs for sharplock focuslock. I will cover shipping conus and paypal fees for the above asking price. The original tcfs temperature compensating focuser is still available with many. Cat5e cable for focuslynx to tcflynx connection, and 6ft. Updated 10sep2008 to correct the installer it now registers this driver s focuser as well as its telescope, no changes to driver itself.
The tcfs focuser can easily handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 pounds. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser cloud break. I have noticed i can see current position information on the ascom driver but i am able to command the focuser. Trouble reading temperature from optec tcfs3i sequence. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser, serial version. The tcf s focuser can easily handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 pounds. Connection problem with a tcfs focuser 2 messages hi all, i am trying to use an old model tcfs focuser. This kit is used for mounting the ifw and tcfs control boxes to the telescope plate of software bisques. Therefore focuser backlash compensation has to be adjusted correctly before you determine the temperature dependence of the focus position of your scope. With the every increasing 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.
Jeff, you said in email when you look in the control panel with focuser connected, you see temperature displayed. The tcfsi focuser can easily handle cameras and instrument packages weighing up to 10 pounds. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser 2 inch format. More information and technical details of the products we are offering in the optec motorfocuser program can be found on our product pages software control panels for the optec tcfs. Optec s implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film astrophotography. Optecs implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film astrophotography. Following the long tradition of the tcfs temperature compensating focuser, optecs tcflynx features a robust 2inch crayfordstyle design for smooth focus. 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 simple ascii protocol is easily programmed and has been implemented in many popular imaging and camera control software packages.
This optec tcfs 2 motorized focuser was used in my remote observatory attached to a 14 celestron and sbig st8xe ccd camera. Optec tcfs3 3 id temperature control focuser camera. Optec temperature compensating focuser tcf s the temperature compensating focuser by optec. It uses the same cables, temperature probe and the new remote keypad. Tcflynx focuser with focuslynx control system includes 2inch crayford style focuser, focuslynx controller, 20inch long temperature probe, 12vdc power supply, 7ft. Optec 2 tcf s temperature compensating focuser, serial version with rs232 capability mfr.
Back in 1999 optecs gerald persha designed and introduced the first. Optec 2 tcfs temperature compensating focuser 17670. Optec engineers have developed a new, low profile, yet extremely robust 3inch focuser for telescope installations where back focus is at a premium. I think sgp does a good job in focuser backlash compensation. Optec tcfs motorized focuser 2 apm telescopes englisch. Tcfs temperature compensating focuser company seven. Back in 1999 optecs gerald persha designed and introduced the first alldigital motorized telescope focuser. 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 seamlessly to the computerbased integrated controls. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser, serial. Documentation, control software and drivers for all optec tcf focuser models. Optec 2 tcfs temperature compensated motorized focuser.
Customer service and knowledge of the product is yet another. The tcfsi can be used with a pc for automatic focus with some of the popular camera control software. This focuser is only intended for large scope with massive mounts. Optech usa optec 2 tcfs temperature compensating focuser. Optec tcfs3 3 inch temperature compensating focuser. Tcfs temperature compensating focuser, serial version wrs232 at anacortes telescope. Click on the button corresponding to your model below. Model tcfs and tcfs3 temperature compensating focuser. One of the single greatest detriments to taking truly outstanding astronomical images is the focus shift due to changing thermal conditions. Mechanically, the tcfs is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Optec model tcfs3i, 3 integrated temperature compensating. Optec 2 tcfs temperature compensated motorized focuser cn. Tcf lynx focuser with focuslynx control system includes 2inch crayford style focuser, focuslynx controller, 20inch long temperature probe, 12vdc power supply, 7ft.
Thank you for installing the tcfs focuser control program. Optec model tcfsi, 2 integrated temperature compensating. When you call optec, you will be speaking directly to someone who was involved with the design or directly to the mechanical engineer. Optec tcf s temperature compensating focuser mechanically, the tcf s is a robus t crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Innovations foresight was founded in 2005 to design, make and sell unique and innovative high quality products for astronomy. Using optecs serialusb communications cable, users can easily connect the focuslynx controller to any modern pc even when no db9 serial port is available. I am selling my optec tcfs focuser with temp sensor, handcontrollers, serial cable with usb, extra adapters. The tcfs has worked flawlessly imaging with a mewlon 300 for years in cold and warm temps under a dome never outside. All other features of the tcfs3 are similar to the tcfs. This 5 pound focuser has all the same features of the tcfs but is just bigger and stronger. Tcfs focuser is a standalone windows program designed for testing, setting parameters, and operating the optec tcfs line of temperature compensating focusers. Optec tcfs temperature compensating focuser camera. Following the long tradition of the tcf s temperature compensating focuser, optec s tcf lynx features a robust 2inch crayfordstyle design for smooth focus. The focuser is designed to compensate for the changing focus position of the telescope as a function of temperature tcf temperature compensating focuser.
Mechanically, the optec tcfsi is a robust crayford style motorized focuser with high repeatability, no play and nearly zero backlash of only 0. Optec 2 tcfs temperature compensating focuser 17670 adorama. I recently purchased from a fellow cner, unfortunately i must let it go as i have some bills to take care. Optecs implementation is ideal for applications which require exact focus such as ccd imaging or film. It is also compatible with the current optec control software tcfs.
Optec 2 tcfs temperature compensating focuser, serial version with rs232 capability mfr. It can be controlled precisely over its range of 7000 2. Optec model tcfs3, 3 temperature compensating focuser. With the tcfs focuser, programmers can communicate directly with the focuser s controller located in the hand control via any serial port. The updated model is faster and offers greater versatility in the same compact, yet solid, focuser design. Cat5e cable for focuslynx to tcf lynx connection, and 6ft. The latest version of this program will communicate with and control all revisions of the following focuser models. Optec model tcfs, 2 temperature compensating focuser. The tcfs focuser was the first telescope focuser to offer serial port control and ushered in an era of telescope accessory automation.
Link to download ascom driver is at the bottom of this page. Optec supplies a windows based control program for complete operation of the. The serialusb cable includes an rj12 plug on the controller end and terminates in a usb converter on the pc end. 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. Calibrating the optec tcfs temperature coefficient for a.