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Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0
Thank you for choosing Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0.
Introduction
The evolution of technology in astronomy requires a system which will assist the focusing of
the telescope with great accuracy. Fast optics and modern camera devices require automatic
focusing in every small period of time as temperature can affect focal length and modify the
optimal focus position.
Pegasus Dual Motor Focus Controller (DMFC) has been developed to meet these
requirements. Designed in high quality with modern electronics it can provide digital precise
control of compatible motor focusers from a PC or from manual operation.
DMFC is suitable for visual astronomers and astro-photographers. Its unique design can
support two modes. It can drive DC motors, by its Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control
or unipolar stepper motors for absolute position focusing. By the slide of one switch on the
left side of the controller, the mode can be instantly changed from 'stepper' to 'dc' motor.
The controller can be operated by PC by its USB2 connectivity. Moreover, a manual operation
by utilizing the digital encoder on the top of the controller emulates the knob of your focuser.
Turn the knob as it was your telescope focuser. If you press it, the steps of the motor will be
reduced by 1/10.
There is a standard 2.1mm center positive DC power connection which powers on the
controller.
A dual color light emitted diode (Green / Red) is fitted on the top of the unit. Each color
indicates a mode and the led can be turned on or off by its software during an observing
session.
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Motor output is fully compatible with "Robofocus
pin out. A cable converter (serial to
mono jack) can be used for simple DC pulse motors.
An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. The digital
probe of length 1.5m is supplied. The probe can be placed near the focuser so the exact
temperature of the focuser / environment can be seen through the supplied software or
ASCOM driver.
Controller supports absolute focusing and it stores the exact focuser position so it can be
retrieved in the next observing session. Moreover, it can store max speed of the stepper motor
to comply with motor specification.
The controller can be operated by the standalone DMFC software. (Available for Windows
OS). It is also fully compatible with ASCOM 6.
Controller firmware supports reprogramming via the USB 2.0 connection using upgrade
software, for future upgrades which may become available.
The controller has its own software drivers, applications, allowing full functionality to be quickly
and effectively.
Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016

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Summary of Contents for Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller

  • Page 1 Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0 Thank you for choosing Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0. Introduction The evolution of technology in astronomy requires a system which will assist the focusing of the telescope with great accuracy. Fast optics and modern camera devices require automatic focusing in every small period of time as temperature can affect focal length and modify the optimal focus position.
  • Page 2 Do not allow solvents or chemicals to come into contact with the device • Store controller indoor in a dry room when not in use • Do not touch the internal components as they may get hot when in use • Controller Design Overview Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 3: Motor Connector

    Unipolar Stepper Motors utilize first four (4) pins of D Sub 9 female connector • Simple DC Motors utilize first two (2) pins of D Sub 9 female connector. Dusty cycle • pulse width modulation (PWM) controls the motor. Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 4 COIL 1- PIN 3 COIL 2+ PIN 4 COIL 2- PIN 5 - 9 NO CONNECTION FOCUSER CONNECTION IN DC MODE PIN 1 POWER + PIN 2 POWER - PIN 3 - 9 NO CONNECTION Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 5 Keep in mind you have to connect the temperature probe before you power on the controller. If you connect it later the probe will not report temperature reading. You will need to recycle power to make the probe work. Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 6 Press one more time the knob and you will enable the encoder again. Emergency Stop: When you click top knob, controller will cancel every motor rotation. This is useful when you need to stop the motor instantly. Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 7: Technical Specifications

    USB Connectivity USB 2.0 Type B plug Thermal Sensor Resolution 9-bit Celsius temperature measurements Power Input Connector 2.1mm Centre Positive Socket Motor Connector D Sub 9 female connector Dimensions 115mm x 60mm x 30 mm Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 8: Troubleshooting Guide

    Software installation Latest software and drivers release can be found at Pegasus Support site: http://pegasusastro.com/support Please download and install the following: ASCOM6 Driver for DMFC • Standalone DMFC Application • USB Drivers for DMFC • Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 9 Standalone DMFC Application Standalone application does not require ASCOM drivers and it can configure and operate the Dual Motor Focus Controller. In order to connect from the supplied software to the controller, you need to first configure the serial port Click on “Settings”...
  • Page 10 Click “Device”. A drop down list of discovered DMFC controller will appear. Choose • the Dual Motor Focus Controller and click “OK” Press “Connect” button • Application will connect to the controller and the “Connected” status will appear on •...
  • Page 11 Custom Rates You can easily set and save custom names and step / pulse values in the following section of “Setup” page. Click “OK” and your settings will appear in the main application. 11 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 12 Use these buttons only if you need to fast move in or out the focuser In every motor movement, final position (when motor stops) is saved in controller’s memory. This will ensure next time you power on the controller, last saved position will be retrieved from its memory. 12 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 13 Click the temperature and a graph which displays temperature over time will appear You can easily view when was the last focus temperature so you can know exactly if it is time to refocus. 13 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 14: Reverse Direction

    Move to settings and type the numeric limit in the “Max Position” section you need to enforce. Click the “On” check button When you try to exceed this limit the controller will deny to increase steps and it will notify you that the limit was about to exceed. 14 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 15 A red knob will appear on the status bar or the software (check following image) Press the knob one more time to enable the encoder functionality Firmware and Software Version Connect to controller and click the “informational” button on the taskbar of the main application. 15 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...
  • Page 16 In this window you can verify the firmware version of the controller including the version of the standalone application. Keep in mind that software supports new feature combined with the latest firmware release. Please check http://pegasusastro.com/support for latest firmware & software updates of “Dual Motor Focus Controller”. 16 Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016...

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