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MoonLite High Resolution Stepper Motor
MoonLite's high resolution stepper motor option comes in three configurations.
Stepper motor only or stand alone for $190.00 (customer provides controller)
Stepper motor with MoonLite Mini V2 Controller for $440.00 (mini V2 controller by itself is $250.00)
Stepper motor with MoonLite Dual Port DRO Display Focus Controller for $685.00 (controller by itself is
$495.00)
MoonLite's high resolution stepper motor options use a premium, low backlash Hurst stepper motor. This provides very
fine .00016" resolution (full step) and accurate position repeatability required for today's high end imaging systems. The
stepper motor can also be ran in half step mode providing .00008" resolution, but it is recommended to run in full step
mode with most ASCOM software. The high resolution stepper motor is offered on all single rate focuser configurations.
It has such a fine variable rate that the reduction unit is not needed, so it is not offered on dual rate focusers. Adding a
stepper motor gives the CS and CF focusers a 7 lb. lifting capacity. Large format focusers such as the CRL, CSL, and
CFL are rated at 8 lb. vertical lifting capacity. Our small CR focuser has a 6 lb. load rating once installed. The stepper
motor option features an adjustable slip clutch system so the focuser can be used manually or operated on motor at the
same time. The stepper motor's 9-pin DBA connector is compatible with other stepper motor controllers such as ROBO
focus, as well as MoonLite's controllers. A controller of some type must be used; the stepper motor cannot be directly
connected to a PC.
The amount of slip can be adjusted on the slip clutch by adjusting the
tightness of the slip clutch ring. For manual knob operation of the focuser,
turn the silver knurled ring loose. For motor operation of the focuser,
tighten the silver knurled ring. To adjust the knurled rings tension, it helps
to hold the manual knob still with your right hand and turn the clutch ring
with your left hand. Holding the manual knob in place will keep the shaft
from turning, allowing the clutch ring to tighten/loosen the clutch Note:
No damage will be done if the focuser motor continues to run past the
mechanical stops of the drawtubes travel. Even if the clutch is tight, it will
simply slip when the travel runs out.
In most cases, the stepper motor option is picked at the time of focuser purchase; however, we do offer a user installed
High Resolution Stepper Motor Kit for existing MoonLite focusers. The kit comes with different mounting brackets to fit
different MoonLite focuser models. Please see our web site for additional kit information showing the different brackets
available for different model MoonLite focusers.
The high resolution stepper motor only or stand alone option
is for customers that already have a ROBO focus controller or
other brand controller and do not need a stepper motor
controller. The stepper motor's DB9 connector pin out is
100% compatible with the ROBO focus controller.
The high resolution stepper motor with MoonLite Mini V2
controller uses an ASCOM compliant stepper motor
controller from MoonLite. The "Mini V2" controller works
with all ASCOM based software packages such as Focus
Max, CCDSoft, MaximDL, etc. It features a built in temp
sensor and also comes with a remote temp probe. We include
a USB cable and 12 volt AC adapter that has all the different
plug configurations (US, Europe, UK, and Australia);
however, most customers will simply use 12-volt power off
their mount. This mini V2 controller is designed to be used
remotely by a PC, or by the up /down buttons and speed
control knob on the controller. It has all the functions of our

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Summary of Contents for Moonlight High Resolution Stepper Motor

  • Page 1 .00008” resolution, but it is recommended to run in full step mode with most ASCOM software. The high resolution stepper motor is offered on all single rate focuser configurations.
  • Page 2 The high resolution stepper motor with MoonLite’s Dual Port DRO Display Focus Controller can operate 2 high resolution stepper motors at the same time. Motor port #1 is for our existing high resolution stepper motor for focusing. Motor Port #2 is for our soon to be released rotating flange system. This new controller will be able to provide a complete 2 axis automated setup.
  • Page 3 Advanced Menu Operation for the Dual Port DRO display controller Press any key when prompted after unit is turned on. Setup Menu Structure: Contrast Adjustment: Used to adjust the LCD contrast. Red Brightness: The brightness of the RED LED backlight. Green Brightness: The brightness of the GREEN LED backlight.
  • Page 4 Get the Motor 1 speed, valid options are “02, 04, 08, 10, 20” “FF” if half step is set, otherwise “00” “01” if the motor is moving, otherwise “00” The current RED Led Backlight value, Unsigned Hexadecimal Code for current firmware version SPxxxx Set the Current Motor 1 Position, Unsigned Hexadecimal SNxxxx...
  • Page 5 Both Mini V2 controllers and the Dual port DRO display controller work with all ASCOM based software packages such as Focus Max, CCDSoft, MaxumDL, Sequence Generator Pro, Equinox Pro, and so on. MoonLite offers both 32 and 64 bit drivers. We also offer 2 simple non ASCOM programs for customers not running a full blown ASCOM automated system (a simple automated control app to run the focuser).
  • Page 6 Please see the download section of our web site for all drivers and software downloads. http://www.focuser.com/downloads.shtml For controlling the focuser with your current imaging software, we personally like Focus Max and it is free to download at the following website. http://users.bsdwebsolutions.com/~larryweber/ (Sample screen shot of Focus Max) Computer Connection Operation...
  • Page 7 and the focus controller. Windows will state that it has found new hardware and needs to install drivers. When prompted, select “Have Disk” and select the directory where the files were unzipped. The installer should then complete the software installation. Please make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest version of ASCOM http://ascom-standards.org/ Please download our most current ASCOM driver from our website.
  • Page 8 unsigned hex number. Set the current position where YYYY is a four-digit unsigned hex number. Activate temperature compensation focusing. Disable temperature compensation focusing. Temperature calibration offset, XX is a two-digit signed hex number, in half degree increments. Example 1: :PO02# offset of +1°C Example 2: :POFB# offset of -2.5°C DB9 cable pin out and Stepper motor winding pin out.
  • Page 9 it adjusted so the focuser can hold the heaviest load presented without slipping and requiring no additional force. This will give the focuser the best feel and still provide the vertical lifting capacity required. To adjust the lifting capacity, turn the aluminum thumbscrew located between the two setscrews on the bottom of the focuser clockwise (CW) to increase load capacity.
  • Page 10 Motor Trouble Shooting guide The amount of slip can be adjusted on the slip clutch by adjusting the tightness of the slip clutch ring. For manual knob operation of the focuser, turn the silver knurled ring loose. For motor operation of the focuser, tighten the silver knurled ring.
  • Page 11 MoonLite Telescope Accessories, 755 Preserve Road, Danville PA 17821, 570-437-2232 www.focuser.com Rev 09/13...