Cercis Astro - FocusStar

The FocusStar Controller -a digital telescope focuser - includes a controller with 4-digit LED for status and control menus display, dual stepper motor ouputs, and optional temperature sensor. It can be used standalone - or computer controlled via a USB interface, and stores up to 9 user-assigned presets and temperature information in its non-volatile memory.

FocusStar includes a full-function Windows control program with ASCOM drivers. The motor is mounted to the telescope with a bracket (chose to fit the telescope type).

FocusStar controller is supplied with software CD, AC power transformer (US 120 VAC or Euro plug 230 VAC), USB cable, and one motor. Mounting bracket sold separately. Options are: second motor (for second telescope or autoguider), temperature sensor, or telescope brackets.

Telescope Focuser Mounting Brackets

Takahashi FS-102 refractor
Takahashi FS-130 refractor
Takahashi 180 ED astrograph
William Optics Megrez 90 refractor
Celestron C9.25 Schmidt Cassegrain
Orion 100mm Achromatic Refractor
Hardin Optical Star-Hoc 8" reflector

FocusStar Controller	FocusStar Windows Software
Dual Focus Motor Controller (main and auxiliary)	Full control of FocusStar from computer
Control Focus Position via Keypad	Control focus position via Software
Four-digit red LED display of menus & status	Absolute or Relative Moves are Possible
Up to 9 Focus Preset Positions (user-assigned) each motor	Manage keypad presets & unlimited additional software presets
Add/Edit/Delete presets, Configure Temperature Compensation and Focuser Parameters	Manage all aspects of temperature compensation features
Accurate temperature compensation (using optional thermistor sensor input - measures temperature at telescope	Separate ASCOM Interface for main & Auxiliary Motors.
USB computer interface - no USB-to-serial converters or parallel cards	Setup all Focuser Parameters including limits, step size, home position, etc.
Sturdy all-metal enclosure. Standard 12V car battery power requirements, with protective fuse	Update Controller Firmware using FocusStar software

FocusStar Software/Hardware

FocusStar software includes individual ASCOM drivers for both main and auxiliary FocusStar motors - allowing for direct control via many programming languages (C++, Visual Basic*, etc.). FocusStar is fully compatible with many third-party software applications, such as FocusMax for automated focusing.

Standalone
or PC Controlled

Up to 9 User-
Assigned Presets

Dual Focus
Motor Control

Built-In Temperature
Compensation

Windows Control
Program with
ASCOM Drivers

Custom Telescope
Focuser Brackets

See FocusStar Interface, FocusStar Screen Shots,
and FocusStar Ordering for more details.

Mounting Bracket Avaliability

Cercis Astro plans to provide mounting brackets for a wide
variety of telescope focusers.

If your telescope bracket is currently not avaliable please
see FocusStar Ordering for
more information on Brackets