MicroGlide Omicron Focuser
(motorized autofocus capable). An ultra-sensitive 2" primary focuser
for refractors, etc. without existing primary focus, as pictured at right.
A patented Van Slyke Drive mechanism moves the tube in and out like no other
focusing mechanism before it. The MicroGlides offer ultra-smooth and
tactile-sensitive [micrometer head] control for micro-focusing applications.
No other focuser on Planet Earth provides this type of unparalleled and
sophisticated focusing operation. Optional autofocus control offers the finest
step-to-tube movement ratio available. More than a factor of 10 better than
any other focuser on the market (one motor step = 0.0000069" of actual
tube travel). Order optional Docking Adapters and Drawtubes as described
below. Pictured at right (less optional drawtube) is what you receive when
you purchase the MGF2.
Item MGF2: $649
Docking Adapters,
required to dock Omicron focuser to your scope. Optional docking adapters
are available for all popular scopes on the market. They are listed at the
DOCKING ADAPTERS link above right. If you don't find your specific docking
adapter, call VSI and we'll custom machine one for you. Interchangeable docking
adapters provide the use of multiple scopes utilizing one Omicron focuser.
Pictured at right is a representation of what you receive when you purchase
a specific docking adapter for your telescope.
Select your DOCKING ADAPTERS from link above right
Drawtubes (2.25"OD x
2"ID), required for Omicron focuser. Optional drawtubes are available
in 2" and 6" lengths, one for SCTs and one for non-SCTs. In other words,
the short 2" drawtube can be used on SCTs, however the EPSILON is
recommended because you don't need a drawtube on an SCT with primary focus.
The non-SCT 6" long drawtube is used when you want to dock an Omicron to
[say] a refractor as a primary focuser, etc. There is also a special threaded
drawtube specifically for the SBIG STL11000 CCD camera that replaces the
standard drawtubes. This application provides the necessary 2" internal clear
aperture reguired for the STL's large chip. Different length drawtubes
can be custom machined. Pictured at right is a representation of what you
receive when you purchase a drawtube for your Omicron focuser.
Select your DRAWTUBES from link above right
Robo-Focus stepper
motor, required if you want to autofocus [computer control] your MicroGlide
focuser. You must order the electronics hardware package from Technical
Innovations (TI). See AUTOFOCUS link above right for more info and direct
link to TI. All Robo-Focus gear reduced stepper motor control offers temperature
compensation. TI stepper motor includes wired and mounted DB9 plug. Pictured
at right is a representation of what you receive when you purchase this item.
Item RFM: $99
Mounting hardware kit (not shown), required if you want to mount the above Robo-Focus motor to the MicroGlide focuser. This mounting hardware kit and motor are pre-installed on the MicroGlide focuser when you order the focuser, motor and mounting kit at the same time. Not pictured, see AUTOFOCUS link above right for pictures and info.
Item MTH1: $89
*IMPORTANT NOTES follow:
MGF1 Epsilon focusers are designed to be SECONDARY focusers, and do not require drawtubes, but do require a docking adapter. They do not include built-in drawtube capability and have standard 2" ID moving tubes that accept your 2" format barrel nose eyepieces and accessories.
MGF2 Omicron focusers are designed to be PRIMARY focusers . They require optional moving tubes, with a 2.25" inside diameter, that do not accept your standard 2" format eyepieces and accessories, and require the use of our optional 2" format drawtubes, offered separately at the DRAWTUBES link. This functional design offers near-zero profile, full drawtube insertion into the Omicron's moving tube. This unique drawtube option provides your Omicron with more back focus range (up to 12" with custom drawtube) than any other commercial focuser available today, while also providing a selective choice of back focus travel, depending on which drawtube you choose. Drawtubes, Docking Rings & Spinners sold separately.
MGFC??s are designed to be 2.7" COUPLING focusers mainly for hi-end APO refractors, and need no other drawtube, docking adapter or accessory to operate. Depending on which model you choose, your co-focuser will have built-in male and female threads for an AstroPhysics, Takahashi or Meade refractor. They are not interchangeable between the three scope thread formats and are dedicated to the scope format you choose. They have an oversize 2.25" clear aperture, so the largest CCD chips will not be vignetted by passage of your scope's light cone through the co-focuser to get to your CCD camera. The major advantage is to add autofocus capability to your scope without fussing around with "Mickey Mouse" modifications to your existing scope's focuser via aftermarket universal mounting kits that really don't properly fit any scope.
MicroGlide Omicron focusers and Sidewinders,
equipped with autofocus, create the ultimate dream imaging train for professional
and amateur astronomers alike (see picture at right). Although the imaging
train pictured at right is configured to support the large-chip SBIG STL,
it is shown without the CCD camera for clarification. However, all you would
need to do, to complete this imaging train, is screw on the STL camera, autofocus
the CCD camera (utilizing the stepper motor mounted to the Omicron, see picture,
far left), push/pull parfocus all your side ports, and begin imaging.
Why try to "Mickey Mouse" your scope's existing focuser with an aftermarket autofocus system, just to find out that the step to tube movement ratio is too coarse? Simply couple an Omicron to the output of a Sidewinder and you achieve the finest autofocus ratio, by a factor of 10, available anywhere. Use the MicroGlide 2, with our new SBIG STL 2.156"-24tpi insert tube adapter (Item #AMGST, pictured upper left, also see DRAWTUBES link above) and you achieve a full 2" internal clear aperture (SBIG recommends a minimum of 1.95" for their STL). To facilitate docking your MGF2 to the rear camera port of the Sidewinder, we have created a new double flanged port ring (Item #MCR2729, pictured lower left, also see DOCKING ADAPTERS link above). This port ring also saves the cost of a second threaded port ring, and decreases profile by about a half-inch compared to using two threaded port rings. Although this Sidewinder/Omicron combination has been optimized for the new chips, that are too large for the existing 2" format, you could also use the Epsilon with the Sidewinder to utilize any smaller chip size CCD camera on the market. You are only limited by your imagination.
With the 3" profile of the Sidewinder
and the 2" profile of the Omicron, you have a 5" overall profile, which is
short enough to work with any SCT or extended backfocus refractor, like the
Takahashi TOA series. Note that all the side ports have been parfocused to
match the extended 2" profile of the Omicron. We used a VSI 2" to 2" Drawtube
(item #AD22S) to extend the Sidewinder's top port
to achieve parfocus, but you can just as easily use your existing 2" diagonal
to consume profile, as pictured at left in the Sidewinder's bottom port.
Also note that the side pick-off port has been extended with a 1.25" diagonal
to achieve parfocus with your imaging CCD camera. With the diagonal installed,
you even achieve a more comfortable guiding position. Enjoy the possibilities,
because we all know that it's just as much about the cool gear, as it is
about the imaging. It doesn't get more outrageous than this!
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