PegasusAstro Dual Motor Focus Controller (DMFC)

Dual Motor Focus brings a decade of experience in astrophotography and telescope focusing concepts. The evolution of technology in astronomy requires a system which will assist the focusing of the telescope with great accuracy. Fast optics and modern camera devices require automatic focusing in every small period of time as temperature can affect focal length and modify the optimal focus position. Pegasus Dual Motor Focus Controller (DMFC) has been developed to meet these requirements.

Version3: Same features, more powerful motor outputs, in a very compact size!

Hint: You can get the controller as a set with Pegasus´ Motor Focus Kit or Motor Focus Kit SCT.

Dual mode

The Dual Motor Focus Controller supports two kind of motor types.

• High Resolution Stepper motors (unipolar and bipolar) for absolute position focusing.
• DC motors by its Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control.

Controller can switch motor mode from its software, mode can be instantly changed (with one mouse click) from ´stepper´ to ´dc´ motor and saved in controller´s EEPROM memory.

Manual and PC operation

The controller can be operated by PC using its USB2 connectivity. A manual operation by utilising the digital encoder on the side of the controller simulates the knob of your real focuser. Turn the knob as it is the knob of your telescope´s focuser. If you press it, speed of the motor will be reduced to 1:10.

Dual Colour Indicator

A dual colour light emitting diode (green/yellow) is fitted on the side of the unit. Each colour indicates speed and the LED can be turned on or off by its software during an observing session. Keep it pressed to disable the knob.

Supported Motors

Pegasus has successfully tested and controlled the following stepper motors:

Please note that each motor requires its own cable due to different pin-out selection of each manufacturer. * We optionally provide any of these cables. Check cable type SKU at below table.

STEPPER MOTOR - CABLE TYPE

• Pegasus Motor Focus (v1 & v2) - straight RJ45 Network Cable
• Starlight HSM 25 / 30 / 35 - PEG-CMOT-HSM
• Starlight MSM 25 / 30 / 35 - PEG-CMOT-MSM
• Starizona Micro-Touch - PEG-CMOT-MSM
• Rigel nStep Motors - PEG-CMOT-MSM
• Moonlite Stepper Motor - PEG-CMOT-RJ45DB9
• Robofocus Stepper Motor - PEG-CMOT-RJ45DB9
• Lakeside Stepper Motor - PEG-CMOT-RJ45DB9
• Lacerta Motor - PEG-CMOT-LCRT
  
  

Temperature Probe

An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. A digital probe of one (1) meter length is supplied. The probe can be placed near the focuser so the exact temperature of the focuser / environment can be seen through the supplied software or ASCOM driver.

Backlash Compensation

Controller can compensate the backlash you might encounter in your system. Although our motor has very low backlash other setups might need this feature. Backlash compensation is supported from a function inside controller´s firmware.

ASCOM compliant

The controller is fully compatible with latest ASCOM 6 and can easily be controlled from your computer.

INDI compliant

Pegasus DMFC driver is included with libindi >= 1.5.1

Official INDI driver: http://indilib.org/devices/focusers/pegasus-dmfc.html

Standalone program support

The controller can be operated by the standalone DMFC software. (Only available for Windows OS)

Firmware upgrade support

Controller firmware supports re-programming via the USB 2.0 connection using upgrade software, for future upgrades which may become available. Pegasus constantly receives feedback from their customers and keeps updating the firmware and software with new features.

Product manual

The manufacturer provides a manual as PDF which you can download here.

Scope of Delivery:

• Dual Motor Focus Controller
• Temperature Sensor (1 m cable length)
• USB type B Cable (1.8 m)