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FocusStar - Automated Telescope Focusing
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 LINKS
Data Sheets (.pdf)
FocusStar Datasheet

Operating Manuals (.pdf)
FocusStar Manual

Firmware updates
Downloads
Cercis Astro 25 Rt. 31 South, Ste. C 2030, Pennington, NJ  08534  TL:  609-737-5120  FX:  609-564-0546  EMAIL:  info@cercisastro.com
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. 
System Requirements
 
(recommended minimum)

Memory:  256 Mb

Speed: 500 MHz

Graphics:
24 bit high color
Telescope Focuser Mounting Brackets
  • Takahashi FS-102 refractor
  • Takahashi 180 ED astrograph
  • 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
Windows, C++, Visual Basic are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
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.
Model 410 FocusStar Controller shown with
A623 Takahashi 180ED motor mount bracket
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
DslrStar
  DslrStar
  Interface
  Screen Shots 1 & 2
  Ordering Information

DslrLite
  DslrLite
  Interface

FocusStar
  Interface
  Screen Shots
  Ordering Information
 FEATURES