Celestron S-55F Instruction Manual

1 For your convenience: the HELP button brings up this Instruction Manual. You can: • Put cursor on page number in Table of Contents; click to go t

10 RoboFocus Electrical The RoboFocus control box has five electrical connections. First, on the left end of the box: • “+12V” — 12VDC (positive)

11 scope at a star, then close the port (while leaving the program running). Switch to the focuser control program, open the COM connection, thus c

12 3. Operation of RoboFocus Introduction The operation of the RoboFocus begins with a brief initial check in which you will assure that the direc

13 • If you want to retrain, you can do so at any time. However, the usual problem is that you removed or turned off the RoboFocus and then manuall

14 and calibration are selected in the temperature compensation screen. Note that Celsius and Fahrenheit cannot be selected until temperature calibra

15 IN/OUT. On the left is a box into which you can type your intended relative motion, e.g., 50 steps. Now you can click IN or OUT and the focuser

16 Get/Set Position. If you enter a Zero in the field (or hit refresh), RoboFocus will respond with the current position. You can always send a pos

17 longer travel without resetting the position count. If you find that you need a finer focus adjustment, simply decrease the number of microsteps

18 • Remote Power channels on/off • Duty cycle of stepping motor when at rest (power consumption) • Step Rate of motor when running (motor speed),

19 To operate the remote power module remotely, simply click on the appropriate button in the RFCP. The color will show that the channel is on. W

2 Table of Contents RoboFocus™...

20 Trouble Shooting Guide Problem Cause Cure RFCP will not connect to controller Error in Connections Use of Improper or faulty connecting cables

21 4. Temperature Compensation Introduction This button on the main control screen brings up the temperature compensation function of RoboFocus.

22 Note: temperature is measured using the built in temperature sensor in the RoboFocus controller. The temperature readings are in raw temperature c

23 • You may reorganize the data by date/time, temperature, or position by clicking on the column headings or select an option from the “sort order”

24 • Select when/how often the temperature compensation is to be done. You can operate manually anytime by pressing the MANUAL button whenever you

25 • The internal temperature of the controller is increased if the duty cycle is set above zero or if the controller is placed with the sensor towa

26 5. Focusing Strategies Introduction There are as many focusing strategies (almost) as there are astronomers. Regardless of the method you use,

27 the focus out 0.001 inch. Remember that a move of 5 steps (using the RFCP) at a step size setting of 4 corresponds to a move of 20 microsteps. T

28 Before you can effectively autofocus, you must have set up the RoboFocus properly. These are some good starting points to use. The user will usua

29 RFCP will be faster! When you are near best focus, adjust the exposure and star choice to get about 10,000 counts. Write down the focuser positi

3 1. Introduction Introduction The RoboFocus is a remote focus driver to be installed on your existing focus mechanism. RoboFocus provides digita

30 do the initial training, and then follow the instructions. Note that FocusMax allows you to choose your star and to control many other properties

31 ASCOM and Scripting The RoboFocus control program is available with full ASCOM scripting interface. We are unable to provide training or exampl

32 Appendix 1 Software Commands Although not discussed above, the processor includes coding to allow one or both ends of the focuser travel to i

33 FO?XXXXXZ. Commands RoboFocus to move outward by ?XXXXX steps then sends current position. Note actual limit is 65K (one digit is spare). FS?XX

34 Appendix 2 Schematic Diagram RoboFocus Stepper Colors DB9 HURST(standard) NIPPON PF 1 coil A BLK YEL 2 coil A WHI ORG 3 coil B

35 Appendix 3 Serial Cables DO NOT use commercial telephone cables and extensions. In telephone service, the practice is to flip the wires from e

36 Appendix 4 Serial Ports and Cables Introduction In the following discussion, we use DEVICE to stand for either Digital Dome Works, Dome Wizard,

37 Parallel Cable Options As noted, some CCD cameras require parallel cables. Standard lengths are 10-25 feet. However, you can make or purchase

38 Serial Port Expansion Cards Modern PCs are supplied with two serial ports; one is a 9-pin male and the other a 25-pin female. Typically they ar

39 of IRQ slots. In the scenario, some operating systems other than Windows have the advantage because many can “share” IRQ slots among serial ports

4 Meanwhile, the RFCP has told the controller to consider that it will take some number (e.g., four) microsteps to make one step or count that the RF

40 in the telescope control software). If you now establish connection, you will prove that the control program and the device are both operating co

41 Appendix 5 ASCOM Scripting The RoboFocus Control Program exposes an ActiveX interface and can be invoked with syntax similar to this VBScript e

42 getMaxTravel() As Integer Returns the value of the Maximum Travel field on the Configuration screen, or returns –1 if not connected. getKeepMainO

43 returns the Steps value after the action is complete, or –1 if RoboFocus is offline. If the command was successful, the returned value will equal

44 actOpenComm() As Boolean Opens the Comm Port (if it’s currently closed.) Returns the status of the comm port after the action is completed. actC

45 Appendix 6 Parts List PART DESCRIPTION # RoboFocus Unit Module with processor 1 Power Supply 12V 0.8A positive w 5.5/2.1 plug 1 Instructi

5 2. RoboFocus Installation RoboFocus Software The RoboFocus control program (RFCP) is provided on a CD with other software from Technical Innovat

6 In both versions, under heavy load the sprocket can slip on the inner sleeve, thus acting as a clutch. If you wish to lock them together, put a dr

7

8 Install the motor base with the timing belt reasonably tight. Once installed, you can change the tension by adjusting the mounting screws on th

9 about ten minutes. When complete, adjust the bearing tensions so that the focus tube will hold about 5lb without slipping. NGF-S. • Use 3/32 al