Hi,

I have an old Meade LXD75 System with a SC8" tube, a #1209 zero shift microfocuser and a #909 "adapter". All connected together with a #497 Autostar hand control.

I was able to computerize the entire System with Cartes du Ciel in the past with good results for basic slewing and tracking but focusing was made manually using the hand box provided with the focuser or even with the #497 hand Controller using the #507 serial cable attached to the aux port of the #497.

I was successful also using Stellarmate with same physical configuration and LX200 Classic and Autostar INDI drivers. Well, more or less, as the focuser shows some erratic behaviour.

But now I have updated my mount to a new AZEQ6-Pro from skywatcher.

Could be great if I would be able to keep using this focuser, but the problem is that the driver is "embedded" in LX200 mount driver and I am not able to figure out how to use it separately.

I've tried to add a focuser custom driver using the original LX200 driver as focuser, but doesn't work.

Do you think that would be possible to modify that driver to take the focuser driver apart and make it work in "standalone" mode so that it can be used with a different mount than the LXD75?

I'm pretty sure that would be possible but I don't know how to do it.

Physical connection should be: USB to serial adapter-#507 cable-aux port in #909 adapter-focuser (through the jack port). Does This make sense?

Thanks in advance. Any help will be really welcome.

Paco L.

Hi,
I have used that focuser too, and you do realise it’s just a DC motor, and so it can be used with many different controllers, I have used with the Hitecasto and Pegasus controllers, so I suggest you use one of those drivers, my choice would be the Pegasus DMF driver as that works fine, DMF stands for dual motor focus as it will control both stepper and DC motors...give it a try.....

Thanks AstroNerd!

I already have a Pegasus PPB and I am very happy with their products so, of course that I will try the DMFC. According Pegasus webpage, sounds great!

Paco L.

Yes I ha e the UPB too, it’s superb, but the focus controller on that is just for steppers, so give the DMF driver a go, you may have to change a setting from stepper to DC Motor, but apart from that it should work ok...I used an actual DMF controller with my 1209 for a couple of years....so don’t see what the INdI driver won’t work for you..
let me know how you get on...

Thanks one more time!

I've ordered my DMFC v3 to a local dealer but it seems that this will take several weeks to deliver... As this device can operate both DC and stepper motors, nothing makes me think that will not work properly.

On the other hand, I am considering some mods to the focuser to install a stepper instead the original DC, use the DMFC to operate a stepper to build a flats panel... things like that..

I'll keep you posted with my tests..

Regards

Paco L.

HI,

My DMFC arrived on friday and I have now time to test it... but unfortunately don't work as expected (by the moment...)

1209 runs when I operate the DMFC knob, but nothing happens when connected to my RPI/SMATE system...

I don't find any issue as device manager logs shows that all is right... but motor don't run...

Any help would be welcome

Is there a setting in the INdI driver to switch from stepper to DC drive, as that may be wrong..?
I have use this motor with this controller so I know it works...

yes.. there is a button to make this and I have set it to DC motor. In fact, as said, focuser respond to knob movement in the device but not with INDI driver commands... strange...

I will try to pre-configure the device from windows software prior to connect it to SMate...

Maybe the version of the device? I have 3.2 as per the info provided by Pegasus...

I'll keep you posted.

Paco L.

Hello,
Did you ever mod the meade focuser to a stepper Motor..?

nop... focuser remains as originally manufactured...