• Robo-Focus [temp comp] stepper motor, Item RFM: $99
• Mounting hardware kit for MicroGlider, Item #MTH1: $89
• Purchase TI's electronic [motor driver] hardware and software separately

AUTO-FOCUS Options for MicroGliders

Autofocus Specifications & Features:

• All Robo-Focus stepper motor 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 below)

• Step angle = 0.1 degree per step (3600 steps per revolution)

• *Step/travel movement (MicroGlider): 0.0000069" (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 Planet Earth has this extreme ratio of reduction. And it's not overkill. Its simply necessary for perfect focus everytime.

Purchase the following autofocus upgrade items to convert your existing or new MicroGlide focuser to autofocus operation. If you already have TI's stepper motor (our RFM below), order the MTH1 with your MicroGlider. Illustrated mounting instructions are included with the MTH1 installation kit.

• Item RFM, Robo-Focus stepper motor: $99

• Item MTH1, Mounting hardware kit for MicroGlider, includes double-ended spanner wrench for easy installation: $89

NOTE: MicroGliders, purchased with the autofocus option, have the above MTH1 hardware kit pre-installed and ready to use. Just slip the stepper motor on the MicroGlider and lock down the thumb screw. Installation time is about 2 seconds, give or take a second. Less to remove.

When you purchase your MicroGlide focuser, and the above options, you will also need the following TI hardware package and one of the software packages below.

• TI's stepper motor hardware interface package (purchase separately from TI).......$275 (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's 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 MicroGlide focuser.

• TI = Technical Innovations, Inc. web site.

• DL = Diffraction Limited web site.

• SB = Software Bisque web site.

• FA = FocusAide web site.

EXAMPLE PURCHASE:

Epsilon or Omicron focuser ($649) + Robo-Focus Stepper Motor from VSI (RFM, $99) + Motor Mounting Hardware Kit from VSI (MTH1, $89) + TI Electonics Hardware Package from Technical Innovations, Inc. ($295) + FREE FocusAide Trial Software from VSI ($0)

= $1132 (complete MGF autofocus system)

NOTE: NO WIRING NECESSARY. Simply plug the TI electronics hardware interface into the DB9 jack (pictured above right), pre-installed on the Glider's Robo-Focus stepper motor, and you're operational.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOLLOW:

VSI has made arrangements for you, the customer, to purchase various components (i.e. interface hardware & software, etc.) directly from individual dealers/manufacturers noted above. This linked effort will provide you with a complete auto-focus package for Gliders. You can purchase the Epsilon MGF1 or Omicron MGF2, equipped with a Robo-Focus stepper motor and VSI mounting hardware, or you can upgrade your existing Epsilon or Omicron by simply purchasing the above after-market components.