Overview
Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller v3
Focus fast, reliable and accurate your telescope using a stepper or DC motor and our controller.
Version3: Same features, more powerful motor outputs, in a very compact size!
Hint: You can get the controller as a set with our or
Dual Motor Focus brings a decade of experience in astrophotography and telescope focusing concepts. 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.
Quick Glance
- Unipolar Stepper Motors
- Bipolar Stepper Motors
- DC Motors
- Manual Focus via Digital Knob
- Temperature Sensor included
- Backlash Compensation
- Focuser Support - Universal / Most Crayford, Rack n Pinion Focusers
- SCT Support - Motor Focus SCT Kit is required
- USB2 Connectivity
- Standalone Program
- Upgradable Firmware
- ASCOM Compliant
- INDI Compliant
Description
Hint: Read a
Dual mode
The Dual Motor Focus Controller supports two kind of motor types.
- High Resolution Stepper motors (unipolar and bipolar) for absolute position focusing.
- DC motors by its Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control.
Controller can switch motor mode from its software, Mode can be instantly changed (with one mouse click) from ‘stepper’ to ‘dc’ motor and saved in controller’s EEPROM memory.
Manual and PC operation.
The controller can be operated by PC using its USB2 connectivity. A manual operation by utilising the digital encoder on the side of the controller simulates the knob of your real focuser. Turn the knob as it is the knob of your telescope’s focuser. If you press it, speed of the motor will be reduced to 1:10.
Dual Colour Indicator
A dual colour light emitted diode (Green / Yellow) is fitted on the side of the unit. Each colour indicates speed and the led can be turned on or off by its software during an observing session. Keep it pressed to disable the knob.
Robofocus compatible connector pin out
Motor output is fully compatible with “Robofocus ©” pin out. Output can drive most of the motors in the market. Take a look in our F.A.Q tab.
Temperature Probe
An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. A digital probe of one (1) meter length 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 (probe always included in package)
Backlash Compensation
Controller can compensate the backlash you might encounter in your system. Although our motor has very low backlash other setups might need this feature. Backlash compensation is supported from a function inside controller’s firmware.
ASCOM compliant
The controller is fully compatible with latest ASCOM 6 and can easily be controlled from a computer.
INDI (Open Astronomy Instrumentation) compliant
Pegasus DMFC driver is included with libindi >= 1.5.1
Official Indi Driver :
Standalone program support
The controller can be operated by the standalone DMFC software. (Only available for Windows OS)
Firmware upgrade support
Controller firmware supports re-programming via the USB 2.0 connection using upgrade software, for future upgrades which may become available. We constantly receive feedback from our customers and keep updating the firmware and software with new features.
Two Years warranty
Warranty covers the controller device including the temperature sensor.
(The photos bellow show the older model with the DB9 connector)
Specifications
In the Box
| Dual Motor Focus Controller |  |
| Temperature Sensor | |
| USB type B Cable (1.8m) | |
| Cigarette Lighter Adapter | |
| Stepper Motor Cable |
|
Technical Specifications
| Supply Voltage | 12Volt DC (Can accept 5V for 5V motors) |
| Motor Compatibility | DC motor – adjustable frequency PWM Unipolar stepper motors Bipolar stepper motors |
| Motor Output | DC motor, max 1 Amp Unipolar / stepper motors, max 2.0 Amps (1.0 Amps per phase)Continuous output current per channel: 1 A Peak output current per channel: 3 A Continuous paralleled output current: 2 A |
| 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 | RJ45 |
| Dimensions | 66mm x 66mm x 28 mm |
Pegasus Stepper Motor
| Step Angle (Deg) | 7.5 / 120 = 0.0625 |
| Gear Ratio | 1:120 |
| Phases | 4 |
| Voltage | 12 |
| Current (A) | 0.27 |
| Pull-in Rate (PPS) | 400 |
| Pull-in Torque (N.cm) | 60 (100pps) |
Documentation and Software
- L shaped Metal Bracket Drawing
- Please visit Download page for Software
- Stepper RJ45 to DB9 Cable Pinout
- Rigel Motor Pinout Diagram
- Serial Command Table
F.A.Q.
Q: In which focuser does it fit?
A: We have installed our universal L shaped metal adapter to the following focusers:
- Orion Optics UK default focuser
- GSO (RC focuser)
- Takahashi (FSQ85, FSQ106)
- Moonlite (2”, 2.5”)
- Baader (Steel track)
- Synta Focuser Refractors
- Skywatcher Dual Speed 2″ Crayford
- Altair Astro (2”, 2.5”, 3”)
- Starlight (2”, 2.5”, 3”)
Q: What kind of stepper motors does it support?
A: Bipolar and Unipolar Motors. Can deliver 1Amp per coil. 2Amps in total.
Q: Does it support Robofocus Motors?
A: Yes, You will need a RJ45 to DB9 Cable.
Q: Does it support Moonlite Motors?
A:Yes, You will need a RJ45 to DB9 Cable.
Q: Does it support Starlight Stepper HSM20, 30, 35
A: Yes, controller fully supports these motors. You need a special cable as the pinout is different. Contact us for more details.
Q: Does it support Lakeside Motors?
A:Yes, You will need a RJ45 to DB9 Cable.
Q: Does it support Rigel Stepper Motors?
A: Yes, but you need a custom RJ12 to DB9 cable. Contact us for details to order one or check the Rigel pinout pdf in our support page
Q: Does it support Rigel DC Motors?
A. Yes, you need a Cable for DC pulse motors.
Q: Does it support Meade zero image shift focuser?
A: Yes, Meade zero image shift focuser has a DC motor. You will need a custom “mini Stereo -> DB9” cable. Contact us for details to order one
Q: Does it support JMI Motofocus?
A: Yes, Motofocus is a DC motor. DMFC fully supports these types of motors. You have to include in your order the “Cable for DC pulse motors”
Q: Does it support 5V Stepper motors?
A: Yes, but you have to provide a 5-6V DC power supply to Pegasus DMFC controller (instead of 12V DC).
Q: Does it support Starlight Micro Touch Focus Motors?
A: Yes, Starlight motors are 5V motors. You need to do two things:
- Supply a 5V DC power to Pegasus DMFC (instead of 12V DC)
- Get a custom RJ12 -> DB9 cable to connect your motor. Contact us for details, We can provide one.
Q: Is Pegasus Stepper Motor efficient / strong enough to move the focuser under heavy load?
A: Absolutely. Its gearbox has a low backlash, high resolution (gearbox reduction is 1:120) so its torque is very high. We guarantee that you will never have a problem with that, period. Motor can move focuser with high weight imaging equipment when telescope points directly to zenith.
Q: I would like to use up to 6 meters of cable from my motor to the controller. Can I do that?
A. Yes, motor works perfectly fine.
Q: What about the motor coupler you provide. Only one size?
A:Coupler has 3 screws and can attach any shaft from 4mm to 8mm. These 3 screws ensure that you will securely lock (on axis) different shaft diameter.
Q: Where should I place the temperature sensor?
Q: Does it support ASCOM?
Q: Does it work with Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) / MaximDL or TheSkyX?
A. Of course! It will work with any program that supports ASCOM v6.
Q: Does it support TheSky X2?
Q: Does it support Indi?
A comparison between “Dual Motor Focus Controller” and “FocusCube”
Focusers
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Returns will be accepted for up to 10 days of Customer’s receipt or tracking number on unworn items. You, as a Customer, are obliged to inform us via email before you return the item.
Otherwise, standard shipping charges apply. Check out our delivery Terms & Conditions for more details.
