Moonlite DC + FCUSB = Focuspal settings?

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borix
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Moonlite DC + FCUSB = Focuspal settings?

Post by borix » Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:42 am

Hello,
I recently got a FCUSB controller to be used with my DC motorized Moonlite focuser. When I use focuspal everything works fairly well however I have noticed that when I set the 'Motor Speed' and 'Pulse Time' too low then the motor does not move at all or it moves but without much power.

This seems to happen when I set the speed below 110 or time below 50.

The FCUSB only delivers 5 Volts maximum and the Moonlite motor is 12 Volts so I think this causes these issues.

My questions to other users of this combination:
what are your experiences?
and what settings do you like best?

dpanderson
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Re: Moonlite DC + FCUSB = Focuspal settings?

Post by dpanderson » Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:15 am

Yes, it is because the Moonlite motor is 12V and the voltage available from the USB port is only 5V.
Doug Anderson
Shoestring Astronomy
http://www.ShoestringAstronomy.com

borix
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Re: Moonlite DC + FCUSB = Focuspal settings?

Post by borix » Wed Sep 23, 2009 3:40 am

Thank you for the confirmation.

Do you (or someone else) recommend any minimum values for the speed and time sliders?

dpanderson
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Re: Moonlite DC + FCUSB = Focuspal settings?

Post by dpanderson » Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:30 am

Sorry, I have never used the Moonlite focuser myself. The best thing would be to just experiment and see what works best for your system. As the payload on the focuser changes, the settings may have to change also.
Doug Anderson
Shoestring Astronomy
http://www.ShoestringAstronomy.com

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