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LACERTA FMC
User Manual
v1.1.xx
Thank you very much for choosing our product!
The LACERTA FMC is an ASCOM compatible focusmotor controller for the MFOC
motor with position and temperature feedback. It is an alternative to the standalone
Handbox with display and buttons. Precision is 1µm and lifting power 5kg.
Key features of the full package:
- completely encapsuled gear and powerful stepper motor driving and holding >5kg
- temperature probe (approx. 180cm)
- max. positions definable (min = 0)
- backlash compensation
- Goto function (filter offset positions via Ascom compatible software)
- 250000 steps, reproducibility 0,001mm (if focuser allows for)
- ASCOM driver compatible to most software (FocusMax, MaximDL, APT, ...)
- free download of new firmware
- manual focussing possible
LACERTA FMC
1
2022
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Summary of Contents for Lacerta FMC
- Page 1 Thank you very much for choosing our product! The LACERTA FMC is an ASCOM compatible focusmotor controller for the MFOC motor with position and temperature feedback. It is an alternative to the standalone Handbox with display and buttons. Precision is 1µm and lifting power 5kg.
- Page 2 2,5mm stereo socket (from MGEN's camera port, in the absence of a compatible program, FMC does not handle it.) 3,5mm stereo socket (to DSLR, in the absence of a compatible program, FMC does not handle it.) Right side: RJ45 (from handbox)
- Page 3 Connection to the focuser: The Lacerta FMC is compatible to a growing number of focusers. For some focusers you will need an extra adapter ring (please refer to the MFOC website or ask), but it will fit all Lacerta and Skywatcher focusers (except the older simple R&P found on Achromates).
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Page 4: Installation
Installing the FTDI USB driver: Connect LACERTA FMC to PC and your power supply using accessory cables. Turn on the device. The Operating System recognizes the device and it’s looking for a suitable driver. If it does not find the driver automatically, the screenshots below help you to successful install the driver after opening the Device Manager. - Page 5 LACERTA FMC 2022...
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- Page 7 LACERTA FMC 2022...
- Page 8 Installing the ASCOM driver: LACERTA FMC 2022...
- Page 9 If an older Ascom driver was already installed, it must be deleted first. After the deletion is complete, run the Ascom Profile Explorer. If Motorfocus is visible in the list that appears, right-click on it and delete it using the delete key: Only then start the installation: LACERTA FMC 2022...
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- Page 11 If the port was chosen previously, the device can be connected by pressing the OK button. For device parameters press the properties button. The serial port of LACERTA FMC can be selected in the COM port drop-down menu. When the connection is created, parameters are loaded from Eeprom. After parameter modification click the „Save to device”...
- Page 12 Use the "Save Preset" button to save the contents of the list, then select "Save to device" to load the data into the FMC. Click on the "New" button to create a new list.
- Page 13 Backlash: Its value should be 0 if the compensation is to be used from a PC program. If we still want the FMC to perform backlash compensation, enter the desired value here. The FMC performs backlash compensation using the uncounted step method: for every change of direction, it takes the step...
- Page 14 1000mA. Current Hold (mA): The value of the holding current is in milliamperes. In the case of the FMC, this value can be increased to 1000mA, but in practice, we should not use a holding current higher than necessary, in order to avoid undue heating of the controller.
- Page 15 We also start the FMC_PC program, and after connecting, the "Switch Upgrade Mode!" button, after confirmation in the pop-up window, in the case of FMC, you can see that the upgrade mode has been entered by the flashing of the Power led. In the new pop-up window that appears, select the NO button, then Disconnect! You can then start the upload via the Firmware Updater.
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Page 16: Troubleshooting
When the process is complete, the device is restarting and the display shows the new version number. Troubleshooting: If you encounter problems with your FMC, please refer first to the following advices, before you contact your dealer. It may help to regain full functionality. - the focuser moves out when pressing IN:... - Page 17 Check the USB driver installation. Sometimes it is needed to run the installer with administrator rights (right-click on setup.exe and "install as administrator") - the temperature is not displayed: Check if the temperature probe is plugged in properly. We wish you clear skies and great success using Lacerta FMC! LACERTA FMC 2022...