VSI's M3A/B, M4A/B and M5A/B MasterGlide focusers INCLUDE the above stepper motor and mounting hardware already installed on the focuser (as pictured above). Purchase the above items ONLY if you are upgrading your existing MasterGlide or [discontinued] Monster focuser. M1s and M2s are not upgradeable to motor control unless they are returned to VSI for additional refits (prior authorization is required).
When you purchase your "A" or "B" model focusers you will also need the following TI electronics hardware package and one of the software packages below. These items must be purchased separately from the sources below.
TI's stepper motor hardware interface package (purchase separately from TI).......$295 (order the $395 TI package without the stepper motor for $295 from TI's web site)
DL's MaxIm DL/CCD Software (purchase separately from DL).....$399, Upgrade $100
SB's CCDSoft Software (purchase separately from SB)..................$349, Upgrade $99
FocusAide Software (purchase separately from FA)......................FREE trial version (downloadable from FocusAide trial link).
Click-on the following convenience links to review/purchase the above hardware and software products for the M3A, M4A or M5A.
TI = Technical Innovations, Inc. web site.
DL = Diffraction Limited web site.
SB = Software Bisque web site.
FA = FocusAide web site.
EXAMPLE PURCHASE:
M3Autofocus w/mounted stepper motor ($795) + TI Electronics Hardware package ($295) + FREE FocusAide trial software ($0)
= $1090 (complete M3Autofocus system)
NOTE: NO WIRING NECESSARY. Simply plug the TI hardware interface into the DB9 plug (pictured below) pre-installed on the Glider's stepper motor and you're operational.
Purchase the following UPGRADE items (assembled items pictured at right) to convert your existing MasterGlide focuser (M3, M4 or M5 only) to autofocus.
Item RFM, Robo-Focus stepper motor upgrade .............................................$99
Item MTH, Mounting hardware upgrade for M3, M4 or M5 ..........................$69
VSI's M3A, M4A and M5A MasterGlide focusers include the above items already installed (as pictured below).
All Robo-Focus stepper motors offer temperature compensation
Hurst 12vdc permanent magnet stepping motor, type ABS
Solid brass vibration dampening motor arm assembly
DB9 interface pre-installed on stepper motor (as pictured at right)
Metal spur gear reduction of 2.5:1 (motor shaft to Crayford drive shaft)
Step angle = 0.1 degree per step (3600 steps per revolution)
*Step/travel movement (MasterGlide): 0.000052" (inches of actual travel per step)
Maximum step rate (p/s): 200 steps/sec (at stepper motor shaft)
Output RPM at 200 steps/sec = 3.3 rpm (at stepper motor shaft)
Available torque at 200 steps/sec = 140 oz-in (at stepper motor shaft)
Gear train backlash: 0.001" or 12 steps (zero using software backlash compensation)
Winding resistance: 100 ohms
Power input requirement: 3.5 watts
Motor weight: 11.5 oz.
*No other autofocuser on the market (except our MicroGlider) has this extreme ratio of reduction.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW:
VSI has made arrangements for you, the customer, to purchase the various components (i.e. interface hardware & software, etc.) directly from the individual dealers/manufacturers noted above. This linked effort will provide you with a complete auto-focus package for Gliders. You can purchase the M3A, M4A or M5A, equipped with a Robo-Focus stepper motor and VSI mounting hardware, or you can upgrade your existing M3, M4 or M5 by simply purchasing the above after-market components. Thirdly, this simple upgrade will allow current Glider (and most discontinued Monster focuser) owners to easily switch control motors between VSI's DC servo motor (w/nFOCUS hand paddle) and TI's Robo-Focus stepper motor system in a matter of seconds. First time Glider customers can also purchase both motor packages (M3B, M4B or M5B, the B is for Both motor packages). You can then operate your motorized Glider locally using the nFOCUS hand paddle, or remotely using TI's Robo-Focus interface by taking just a few seconds [literally] to exchange motor arm assemblies. This is accomplished by simply removing one thumb screw (no tools involved), sliding out the existing motor arm (with motor attached), inserting the other arm, and replacing the thumb screw.
Why would you want both motor focusing systems? Stepper motors "step" in very small increments, especially when they are gear reduced. They are a definite NO-NO for any type of tracking system, still they are used for this purpose because, I assume, we are still simply fascinated with this ultra precise technology, but celestial tracking is another story for another time. You would use your stepping motor positioning system for imaging only, because this digital function is analogous [subtle pun here] to your digital CCD camera's environment (digital begets digital), and use your analog DC servo motor system for visual observing using the more functional, faster and more efficient manual nFOCUS hand paddle control because we, as human beings, are simply analog in nature.
Both Glider [DC servo & stepper] motor mounting hardware systems allow for functional and simple "turn of a thumb screw" engage/disengage of the motor shaft from the focusing shaft (a VSI exclusive) to operate your Glider either by motor or manually by turning the focusing knobs. All Glider motors are connected to the focusing shaft via positive acting, zero backlash, Delrin spur gear trains; no "hard-wired" motors, no dysfunctional friction clutches, no backlash inherent cog pulleys, no "flip-flop" [gravity sensitive] SCT mechanisms, and no "slip & slide" rubber band drives.
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