iOPTRON - Astronomy Technology Today

THE RIGEL SYSTEMS USB NSTEP AND ASTROSYSTEMS COLLIMATION TOOLS
dredths of a millimeter is all that separates
good focus from bad. As it turns out, even
with a decent stock focuser, it was difficult
to accurately put the camera sensor at the
focal plane.
Researching my options, it seemed
that I could replace the focuser and hope a
custom solution would be more precise.
This would surely eliminate any problems
with the hardware, but it wouldn’t remove
the most significant source of focus error:
me! The best option seemed to be a motorized
focuser. I found many motor and
focuser combinations that would work,
but all were quite expensive. Then I discovered
the USB nSTEP from Rigel
Systems.
Rigel Systems offers a plethora of
astro-solutions, and one of its coolest
product lines is centered around providing
focus motors and control systems. These
can be outfitted on nearly any focuser out
there, and to the great benefit of my wallet,
this includes stock focusers.
I ordered the USB nSTEP stepper
motor system with hand controller for my
stock GSO Crayford, and eagerly anticipated
its arrival. When the package
arrived, it did not disappoint. The kit
included the focus motor, control handset,
installation kit and all necessary
cables. Installation was simple with the
provided instructions, and before long I
was driving the drawtube remotely with a
handset.
I found that the ability to precisely
dictate my focuser position, without the
need to actually touch the focuser, was
invaluable for achieving good focus.
Whether viewing or imaging, it made
every aspect of focusing more enjoyable.
No more settling time after disturbing the
scope, and no more stretching to reach the
focus knobs while still being able to see
the computer screen. Best of all, with this
motor installed, there wasn’t a need to
lock the focus knob. In the past, my
biggest gripe had been the focus shift that
resulted from the mere act of locking the
focus tube down, but those days were
over.
With the USB nSTEP installed and
running, my images were immediately
better. Not just better, they were great.
Stars were pinpoints, and I was finally satisfied
with my imaging setup. This would
have been a great ending, but then I’d be
missing the coolest part. The focus controller
connects to a computer for full
software control!
The included ASCOM-compliant
software will control the focuser, allow
you to set presets for different filter
options, and even compensate for focuser
backlash. That in itself is a brilliant addition,
as the stock focusers are especially
notorious for backlash. If the focuser
knows the amount, it will adjust the steps
accordingly. Now, if this thing would only
focus itself. Oh wait, it will!
With the right software, and there are
several options, focusing can truly be
64 Astronomy TECHNOLOGY TODAY