Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller

Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller

Enjoy fast, reliable, and accurate telescope focusing with the combination of this Dual Motor Focus Controller from Pegasus Astro and a stepper or DC motor. The result of decade of experience in astrophotography and telescope focusing concepts, the Dual Motor Focus assists in providing the focusing precision necessary to keep up with current technologies in the field of astronomy. Because temperature affects focal length as well as ideal focus position, today's fast optics and camera devices require automatic focusing in small increments of time. With the development of the Pegasus Dual Motor Focus Controller (DMFC), these requirements are satisfied.

Dual Mode
The Dual Motor Focus Controller can support either of the following two motor types:

• High Resolution Stepper motors (unipolar and bipolar) for absolute position focusing.

• DC motors with their Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control.

Controller software allows the user to switch between stepper and dc motor modes instantly with just one mouse click and then saved to the controller's EEPROM memory.

Manual and PC Operation
USB 2.0 connectivity enables this controller to be operated via a PC. The digital encoder located on the side of the controller replicates your focuser's knob for manual operation. Pressing this digital encoder lowers the speed of the motor to 1:10.

Dual Color Indicator
This Dual Motor Focus Controller is equipped with a dual green and yellow light emitting diode (LED) on its side. LED colors indicate speed and can be turned on or off during observing sessions using the controller's software. In addition, keeping the LED pressed disables the knob.

Robofocus Compatible Connector Pin Out
Motor output is fully compatible with the Robofocus pinout. Output can drive most of the motors on the market.

Temperature Probe
Located near the motor connector is an external digital temperature sensor input. This input accepts the included one (1) meter long digital probe that can be placed near the focuser so that the precise temperature of the focuser/environment can be determined through the provided software or ASCOM driver.

Backlash Compensation
Even though the Pegasus motor has minimal backlash, the Dual Motor Focus Controller still features backlash compensation for use with other systems. This is supported via the controller's interior firmware.

Firmware Upgrade Support
Controller firmware supports re-programming for forthcoming upgrades via the USB 2.0 connection and upgrade software. Pegasus Astro is constantly adding new features to both the firmware and the software based on customer feedback.

Pegasus Dual Motor Focus Controller Technical Specifications

• Supplied Voltage: 12V DC (Accepts 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 amps (1 amp 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: 2.1 mm center positive socket
• Motor Connector: RJ45
• Dimensions: 66 mm (2.6") x 66 mm (2.6") x 28 mm (1.1")

Pegasus Stepper Motor Specifications

• Step Angle (Degrees): 7.5/120 = 0.0625

• Gear Ratio: 1:120

• Phases: 4

• Voltage: 12

• Current: 0.27 A

• Pull-in Rate (PPS): 400

• Pull-in Torque (N.cm): 60 (100 pps)

Please Note: Pegasus Astro states that their Unity software suite currently does not work with Windows machines equipped with the Snapdragon line of CPUs.