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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 <strong>Astronomy</strong> TECHNOLOGY TODAY
THE RIGEL SYSTEMS USB NSTEP AND ASTROSYSTEMS COLLIMATION TOOLS hands free. I used Sequence Generator Pro, and also tried it with Maxim DL. The basic premise is simple: Select and slew to a star, and the camera will start a series of exposures. Between the exposures, the focuser will move, changing the full width at half maximum value for the star. After several exposures, the software can predict a good focus point and move the focuser accordingly. This creates a “V Curve” that ends with a perfectly focused star. Don’t trust it? Put a Bahtinov mask on the tube and be amazed. Still not impressed? How about the ability to have the focuser compensate for variations due to temperature changes? As the optical tube cools, the focal point of most scopes will shift slightly. This happens in a predictable manner, so attaching the optional temperature probe and taking a couple of measurements allows the software to reposition the focuser automatically in concert with temperature fluctuations. Outstanding! I can’t stress how significant these two additions have been for my improving my imaging. Furthermore, it’s important to realize that they were both necessary to getting the most out of my gear. Collimation and focus are the two aspects of the scope setup that you can completely control. One without the other will simply leave you wanting more. Image 3 - Shown is the Rigel Systems USB-nSTEP focus-motor system with handset. The handset allows the system to be operated independently of a PC or with full automated focus control via a PC. GALLERY RiLA 400 RiLA: RICCARDI LARGE ASTROGRAPHS Officina Stellare presents the RiLA Series Designed by Massimo Riccardi. A full range of superb high speed astrographs available in the following models: 300mm f/3.8 field 60mm – 400mm f/3.75 field 75mm and f/5.25 field 105mm – 500mm f/3.8 field 90mm and f/5 field 105mm – 600mm f/3.8 field 90mm and f/5 field 105mm– 800mm f/5 field 105mm. RMS spot size depending on the model, visit our website to discover! www.officinastellare.com SPEED AND POWER THAT’S RiLA ! OS Flagship Dealers in USA: www.bisque.com - www.nmsouthernskies.com - www.optcorp.com - www.telescopes.net <strong>Astronomy</strong> TECHNOLOGY TODAY 65
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ASTRONOMY TECHNOLOGY TODAY Your Com
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Contents Cover Story: Pages 29-34 T
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