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The MicroTouch Autofocuser is designed to work with Feathertouch Focusers from
Starlight Instruments. It allows automatic focusing with CCD and DSLR cameras.
Included is FocusMax software to automatically focus the telescope for imaging. Manual
focus is also possible using the hand controller. The hand control features an LCD screen
for displaying a digital readout of focus position as well as information used for
programming the temperature compensation feature.
The MicroTouch Autofocuser is compatible with Feathertouch Crayford focusers,
Feathertouch SCT MicroFocusers, and Feathertouch MicroFocusers for Takahashi and
TeleVue refractors.
Instruments 2.5", 3.0" and 3.5" focusers. Motors are also available for non-Feathertouch
focusers on Sky-Watcher, Stellarvue and Takahashi refractors.
Included Parts
Hand Control
Focus Motor
Focuser Gear
Motor Connector Cables
USB Cable
12-Volt Power Cord (AC or DC, user selected)
Hex-Head Wrenches
MicroTouch & FocusMax Software
Hand control, motor, cables
Optional larger focus motors allow use with the Starlight
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Summary of Contents for MicroTouch Autofocuser
- Page 1 The MicroTouch Autofocuser is designed to work with Feathertouch Focusers from Starlight Instruments. It allows automatic focusing with CCD and DSLR cameras. Included is FocusMax software to automatically focus the telescope for imaging. Manual focus is also possible using the hand controller. The hand control features an LCD screen for displaying a digital readout of focus position as well as information used for programming the temperature compensation feature.
- Page 2 Installing the Focus Motor The following directions are illustrated using a Feathertouch SCT MicroFocuser, but the instructions are identical for any Feathertouch focuser. Begin by removing both the brass fine focus and black standard focus knobs from the focuser. Use the included medium size hex-head wrench to remove the knobs. Install the small brass gear onto the focus shaft.
- Page 3 Use the included RJ11 cable to connect the motor to the hand control. Using the MicroTouch Autofocuser Manually You can use the MicroTouch focuser to focus the telescope visually by using the IN and OUT buttons. This is also how you will approximately focus the telescope when using a...
- Page 4 Temp Comp This activates the Temperature Compensation feature of the MicroTouch Autofocuser. Press SET to turn this feature on. In order for the Temperature Compensation feature to work, it must learn how to compensate for changes based on the optical system being used.
- Page 5 Wireless This turns the wireless communications on or off. The default for the MicroTouch Autofocuser is OFF. If the autofocuser is upgraded to the wireless version, the mode must be changed to ON. Motor Rev This reverses the direction of the motor.
- Page 6 ASCOMPlatformXX.exe file. This will take a couple minutes to install. Next, install FocusMax by running the FocusMax(3.8.0.20)setup.exe file. Now we need to install the hardware drivers for the MicroTouch unit. Go into the MicroTouch USB Driver folder. There are two driver installers, depending on whether you have a 64-bit or 32-bit operating system.
- Page 7 When you first connect, you should be on the Movement tab and will see the current position of the MicroTouch displayed in red numbers. You can move the focuser motor in or out by pressing the up and down arrow buttons.
- Page 8 During this period you can otherwise use the MicroTouch as normal. Once the temperature has dropped by a few degrees, refocus the telescope and uncheck Learn. This will take a second snapshot of...
- Page 9 Coefficient to apply it, but this normally isn't necessary.) Once trained, you can click the Snapshot button to get the current info from the MicroTouch unit. You can then click Comp Immediate to update the position based on the current temperature.
- Page 10 Normally the Min and Max Values are set to 0 and 60000, respectively. This is the full range of the MicroTouch digital steps (but not necessarily the physical range, depending on the focuser). If your focuser has less physical range, you can limit the Min and Max Values to keep the focuser from traveling too far.
- Page 11 Speed Delay has a default of 0.3 seconds. When you press the In or Out buttons either in the MicroTouch Controller application or on the hand controller unit, this is the delay before the motor ramps up too full speed. This allows you to easily make smaller steps by giving the button short pushes, without the motor wanting to immediately go running off at full speed.
- Page 12 Program button in the Update MicroTouch Firmware window, then you can release the red buttons. You should see the programming happening. After a few seconds, the program will complete. If you close the Update MicroTouch Firmware window and select the Diagnostics tab, you should see the newest firmware version number displayed.
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