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PlaneWave IRF90 Troubleshooting

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Troubleshooting the IRF90

Mechanically Bound:

First, remove the Focuser Motor Cover from the IRF90 body (3 screws). Inside you will see the back end

of the focuser motor, and a gear that drives the focuser assembly.

With the IRF90 plugged in and powered up, try moving the focuser back and forth. This is most easily

accomplished using the portable hand controller, which plugs into the "HC" port on the Electronic

Focusing Accessory (EFA) box. If a hand controller is not available, the focuser can also be moved from a

PC via software.

While moving the focuser back and forth, look for any movement in the gear located next to the focuser

motor. If it moves even a small amount, this indicates that the electrical connections are working and

the problem is most likely mechanical.

If it is too difficult to see motion in the gear, you can also try removing the black plastic cover from the

back of the motor. This cover is held in place with two clips. Again, try to move the motor. You should

see the glass encoder disk rotate a bit.

If you do not see any movement, then the problem is more likely electrical rather than mechanical.

Page 1 Troubleshooting the IRF90 Mechanically Bound: First, remove the Focuser Motor Cover from the IRF90 body (3 screws). Inside you will see the back end of the focuser motor, and a gear that drives the focuser assembly. With the IRF90 plugged in and powered up, try moving the focuser back and forth. This is most easily accomplished using the portable hand controller, which plugs into the “HC”...
Page 2 Next, remove the IRF90 from the telescope. Normally it will be attached using three screws. Flip the IRF90 over to look at the back end. There is a baffle tube that can be unscrewed and removed. Firmly press your fingers against the inside wall of this tube and try to twist the tube in the counter- clockwise direction.
Page 3 Run-away Focus or Rotation on IRF90: If you are experiencing inconsistent communication with your IRF90 where the focuser or rotator becomes unresponsive and runs-away when sent a move command, there may be a connector loose that requires tightening. To check this connection please perform the following: 1.