From: "gaffney.mark" <markgaffney@mac.com>

Date: February 10, 2008 10:26:28 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Focusing

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Milton Aupperle <milton@...> wrote:

Hi Mark;

On 10-Feb-08, at 8:40 PM, gaffney.mark wrote:

--- In Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com, Milton Aupperle <milton@> wrote:

My problem is that I`m not using a lap-top near the telescope when  

focusing and the

process can be quite a pain ( walking backwards and forwards from  

scope to computer to

consult changes in focus). I was looking for anything which would  

make it easier- short of

taking the computer outside on a table or something. Even without  

computer control a

remote with long cable to a motor outside might be the only  

solution. I gather the other

platform for the Lacey controller is called CCDSoft. Mark.

That's a different problem then. What would be cheap for manual focus  

is a

Shoe String Astronomy USB Focus Motor Controller (FCUSB)

http://www.store.shoestringastronomy.com/products_fc.htm

which is said to work with several focusers (JMI Motofocus, Moonlite  

DC motorized focusers, Orion AccuFocus, Meade 1209, and Televue  

Focusmate)

and then use this software for manual focus

http://www.stark-labs.com./SSFocus.html

control. I'll lay bets you can hook multiple cables together between  

the focuser and the USB device that will be long enough for you to  

focus remotely.

HTH..

Milton J. Aupperle

President

ASC - Aupperle Services and Contracting

Mac Software (Drivers, Components and Application) Specialist

#1005 - 815 14th Avenue. S.W.

Calgary Alberta T2R0N5

1-(403)-229-9456

milton@...

www.outcastsoft.com

Thanks Milton, I`ll get around to all this when I`m more solvent! I have 2x 25 foot cables  

already for the GPUSB device and a connector- It`ll just be a matter of getting some more 

of the same description. Mark.