Q-Focuser

QFocuser comes in two versions: Standard Version and Precision Version.

The Standard version is designed to be installed on the side of the standard adjustment axis of the telescope focusing mechanism. This is the same with most focusers available in the market. The High precision version is installed on the other side — the precise adjustment axis of the telescope focusing mechanism.

QFocuser (Standard Version)

QFocuser (High Precision Version)

Most electric focusers use a motor and reducing gears and once installed on the telescope manual focusing is not possible. However, the High Precision QFocuser is equipped with a non-reducing motor, allowing it to be manually adjusted even after installation on the telescope, without the need for a power connection or a clutch switch.

Another advantage of QFocuser High Precision Version is that it allows the entire system to achieve almost zero backlash. Backlash calculations involve the entire focusing system, including the focus motor mount, not just the electronic focuser itself. Backlash will exist if there are mechanical gears in the focusing system. Since the High precision QFocuser uses a non-reducing motor (i.e., no mechanical reduction gears) the added backlash from the motor is almost zero. Then, if a good focusing mount is used, the entire focusing system will operate with almost zero backlash. According to our test in NINA, with the backlash set to 0 in the Autofocus settings, the autofocus process runs smoothly.

QFocuser features several holes on its bottom and side, providing a variety of fixing methods. Unlike mounting plates with fixed holes, QFocuser adopts a flexible structure where the fixed holes position and mounting plate height can be freely adjusted to achieve the best compatibility with your telescope.

QFocuser can be powered in two ways: TypeC-5V and 12V DC. Tbe USB 5V power is enough in most cases. Both the standard version and precision version support an external temperature sensor (included) for users who require temperature monitoring.

Additionally, a manual controller will be available as an optional accessory in the near future. This item allows direct operation of the electronic focuser without the need to connect it to a computer or touch the focuser.

Currently, QFocuser supports both Windows (with ASCOM drivers) and Linux systems. In the ASCOM driver, we have integrated basic functions such as move, custom current position, limit switches, torque maintenance, and temperature display, etc. It can also be controlled through other third-party software.

What’s in the box (Standard Ver)

What’s in the box (High Precision Ver)

1. Remove the precise/coarse adjustment knobs from the focuser mount of your telescope, and install the coupler to the focusing bearing.
2. Install the long mounting plate on the focuser body and fix it with screws.3. Connect the motor shaft of the electronic focuser to the telescope’s focusing bearing through the coupler.4. Adjust the installation height and secure it tightly with small mounting plates and screws.

Product Driver Operating Environment:

Computer System: Windows 7 and later versions

Software Version: ASCOM platform version 6.5 and above

Third-party Software Support: Supports N.I.N.A., MaxDL, and other third-party software that supports the ASCOM platform.

Product Connection and Use (Using ASCOM driver version 6.5 and NINA 2.2 as examples):

1. Remove the fine-tuning knob of the astronomical telescope’s focusing mount. Use couplers to connect the motor shaft of the electronic focuser to the focusing shaft of the telescope. Use the mounting plate to connect the body of the electronic focuser to the body of the telescope securely.
2. Download and install drivers and software:

a. Download and install the ASCOM platform (version 6.5 or above) on your computer. Official download link: https://www.ascom-standards.org/

b. Install the ASCOM driver for the electronic focuser. Note: Do not connect the electric focuser to the computer during the driver installation.  https://www.qhyccd.com/file/repository/publish/ascom/QFOCUS-ASCOM-Platform6-V23.08.16.16.exe

c. Download and install the third-party software, using NINA as an example here. Official download link: https://nighttime-imaging.eu/

d. Download and install the system driver for the electronic focuser: USB_Virtual_Com_Port_Driver. Official download link: https://www.qhyccd.com/file/repository/publish/qfoc/USB_Virtual_Com_Port_Driver_v2.0.2.2673.rar

3. Connect the electronic focuser to the computer using a USB-C cable.

4. Open NINA and select “Equipment”-“Focuser”-“QFocuser-Ascom”

5. Click the button

to start the basic operations and parameter setup for the electronic focuser.

The ASCOM control interface of the QFocuser includes some basic control options. Most of these functions can also be operated within third-party software. If the third-party software you use does not support some of these features, you can operate them in the ASCOM control interface. The following is based on the ASCOM control interface:

a. Connect: Click “Auto,” and the system will automatically detect the COM port occupied by the QFocuser and display it in green to indicate successful recognition. If automatic recognition fails, you can invoke the computer’s device manager to view the COM port where the QFocuser is located and manually select it from the drop-down menu.

b. Language: Select English or Chinese in the upper right.

c. Move: Enter a number in the box as the number of steps to move at once. The left arrow indicates moving X steps in one direction, and the right arrow indicates moving X steps in the opposite direction. Check “Revert,” and the rotation direction of the electric adjustment axis will be opposite to the default direction. Check “High Speed,” and the electric adjustment will move at a faster speed.

d. Current Position: The position coordinate of the electric adjustment currently recorded by the system.

e. Custom Position: Change the current position coordinate to any number greater than or equal to 0. For convenience, if the current position of the telescope focus tube is at its limit, we recommend changing the position to 0; if it is near the focus point, we recommend changing it to a larger number, like 2000, to facilitate software autofocus. This position will also become the center position for the Limit function.

f. Limit: Limits before and after the custom position. For example, entering “500” in the limit number column means the focuser’s movement range will be restricted to ± 500 steps from the custom position, and it won’t move beyond this. This setting primarily prevents the electronic focuser from turning too far and damaging the telescope’s focusing structure in some cases.

g. Keep Force: If checked, the electronic focuser motor will remain powered even when stationary. This is for situations where the electronic focuser has a large load, and the motor might rotate backward when not powered or to maintain mechanical temperature in cold environments.

h. Out Sensor: Only check this option when an external temperature sensor is connected. The current ambient temperature will be displayed here. If checked without connecting the temperature sensor, a reading error will occur.

6. After configuration, click “OK”. Click the button to connect the focuser to NINA. If successfully connected, a notification will appear in the bottom right corner of the software. Then you can further set auto-focus related parameters in NINA > Options > Autofocus, such as focus method, exposure settings, backlash adjustments, etc. For details, please refer to the official NINA software tutorial.