I am more than happy to showcase my tiny Solderless version of My Focuser Pro 2.
Specifications: Size 45mmx45mmx65mm; Weight: 123 grams.
Features: OLED display, Temperature probe & compensation, Remote control for fine adjustment
I started making it few months ago as Canadian winter was approaching, and wanted to make a focuser that I can use with my Starfield Gear80 telescope, from the warmth of my room.
I tried to get some PCBs from JLB PCB for the full version of MFP2. But then realized that to purchase all the circuit components, I would have to spend another $120 or more, as AliExpress only delivers in bulk, and the local Toronto store charges a lot for even a single component like resistor and capacitors. I decided to go for Solderless version.
The components required were Arduino Nano ($3.05), 24BYJ-48 5v stepper motor ($4) , DRV8825/A4988 driver board ($2.5), DRV8825 expansion board (#3.25), 0.96" OLED ($1.74), IR sensor and remote ($3.34), and DS18B20 temperature sensor ($4.32 for 5 sensors), Dupont line cables for Arduino ($4.24), Male-Female DC jack ($2.84 for 5 pairs), Micro JST XH 2.5mm 4P ($5.22 for 10 pairs), some heat shrink tubings ($4.93 for lots of them), old non-functioning USB charging cable (as temperature sensor cable), few inches/feet of other electrical wire laying around (as power supply cable), knowlege of designing, a 3D printer (already having old Tronxy P802MA since 2016), and lots of patience. Everything together might have cost me around 50-70 dollars. Remember, all the dollars are in Canadian currency. So, US dollars will be even less. Most things were purchased from AliExpress, while some were lying around in my home, and a replacement OLED from Amazon.ca.
Please note: I converted my 24BYJ-48 stepper to Bipolar mode to use it with DRV8825. This step is optional, but will give you more power to drive the focuser. I used the fine focuser knob, instead of coarse focuser to mount the MFP2. I got the idea of using 24BYJ-48 5v from Gina's post on Stargazerslounge-302240-diy-motorized-focuser.
But the best part of all was the help and guidance from Robert, when my OLED was giving me some trouble. He found out that my OLED itself was malfunctioning :-)
Later, I desinged the 3d printable case and Sesto Senso style adapter, and mounted it on my scope after removing the coarse and fine focuser knobs together. Now it is been controlled by Stellarmate OS on Raspberry Pi4. I am very happy using it. I will soon make its full video, and share STLs on Thingiverse.
Hello Everyone,
I am more than happy to showcase my tiny Solderless version of My Focuser Pro 2.
Specifications: Size 45mmx45mmx65mm; Weight: 123 grams.
Features: OLED display, Temperature probe & compensation, Remote control for fine adjustment
I started making it few months ago as Canadian winter was approaching, and wanted to make a focuser that I can use with my Starfield Gear80 telescope, from the warmth of my room.
I tried to get some PCBs from JLB PCB for the full version of MFP2. But then realized that to purchase all the circuit components, I would have to spend another $120 or more, as AliExpress only delivers in bulk, and the local Toronto store charges a lot for even a single component like resistor and capacitors. I decided to go for Solderless version.
The components required were Arduino Nano ($3.05), 24BYJ-48 5v stepper motor ($4) , DRV8825/A4988 driver board ($2.5), DRV8825 expansion board (#3.25), 0.96" OLED ($1.74), IR sensor and remote ($3.34), and DS18B20 temperature sensor ($4.32 for 5 sensors), Dupont line cables for Arduino ($4.24), Male-Female DC jack ($2.84 for 5 pairs), Micro JST XH 2.5mm 4P ($5.22 for 10 pairs), some heat shrink tubings ($4.93 for lots of them), old non-functioning USB charging cable (as temperature sensor cable), few inches/feet of other electrical wire laying around (as power supply cable), knowlege of designing, a 3D printer (already having old Tronxy P802MA since 2016), and lots of patience. Everything together might have cost me around 50-70 dollars. Remember, all the dollars are in Canadian currency. So, US dollars will be even less. Most things were purchased from AliExpress, while some were lying around in my home, and a replacement OLED from Amazon.ca.
Please note: I converted my 24BYJ-48 stepper to Bipolar mode to use it with DRV8825. This step is optional, but will give you more power to drive the focuser. I used the fine focuser knob, instead of coarse focuser to mount the MFP2. I got the idea of using 24BYJ-48 5v from Gina's post on Stargazerslounge-302240-diy-motorized-focuser.
But the best part of all was the help and guidance from Robert, when my OLED was giving me some trouble. He found out that my OLED itself was malfunctioning :-)
Later, I desinged the 3d printable case and Sesto Senso style adapter, and mounted it on my scope after removing the coarse and fine focuser knobs together. Now it is been controlled by Stellarmate OS on Raspberry Pi4. I am very happy using it. I will soon make its full video, and share STLs on Thingiverse.