17 replies to this topic

[rigelsys]

Introducing wifi_nFOCUS Computerized focusing motor for Celestron SCT from pc, pushbuttons &  wifi  for only $269.90

 

Fully ASCOM compliant with ABSOLUTE positioning so it will work with popular focus control programs. Can be operated for temperature compensation with the included temperature sensor. USB and 12V battery power cables included. Software and ASCOM drivers for Windows xp/vista/7/8/10. 

 

• Fully control your focuser with wifi from apple & android phones and tablet using our phone app or web browser
• Gear coupled motor prevents binding of focuser shaft and provides 4300 steps per revolution for ABSOLUTE positioning.
• Supports fast focusing with up to 300 degrees/sec rotation of focuser knob
• Light weight motor only adds 160 grams and does DOES NOT HIT the mount at high Altitudes/Declinations.
• Gear coupled motor easily declutched for manual focusing using focus knob.
• Temperature sensor included for temperature compensation focusing

 

Standard Celestron kits to fit 6, 7, 8, 9.25, 11, 14 inch models made since 2006.

 

For more info visit http://rigelsys.com/...motor_wifi.html

 

 

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[pyrasanth]

I only have the photographs that you've posted to see the product. I would be a little worried about the longevity of the cables entering the black cylindrical housing- they look fragile and potentially could sheer. I think it would benefit from a standard strain guard to prevent the wires from breaking or fraying.

 

Is the unit a prototype?- it looks a bit rough around the edges & I doubt whether it would last long in the field given its current guise- if the cases are plastic (can't tell from the pictures) they really need to be metal cased & bomb proof to coin a phrase for field use.

 

I'm also, and its not just your product, against the use of plastic cogs for machinery that will get heavy use- what ever happened to alloy? Don't get me wrong- if cost is a consideration then that is a way to save a few dollars but I think too much plastic cheapens a product in the eyes of the beholder.

[rigelsys]

Thank you for your comments.

 

We've used the same plastic gears for 10 years ... 1000's in use, no issues with durability or longevity.  Metal would be overkill for this use and on price.

 

The handbox controller is rugged injection molded ABS has been used for multiple products for 20 years.  No problems with longevity or durability. The vinyl sleeve on the motor has also been in use for > 10 years with no issues.  

 

The wires coming out of the motor (6 of them) are heavy gauge,  the "box" on the end is a 6p6c socket for the 6p6c cable to the controller.  We've been using such cables for such motors for 10 years ... no problems on longevity or durability.

 

So we have longevity, affordability, performance and bullet-proof ASCOM compliance on our side, :-)

Edited by rigelsys, 16 May 2020 - 11:08 AM.

[psandelle]

I’ve used multiple Rigels over the years on fast systems (down to f2.8 where the CFZ is mighty small), I’m strictly mobile, so setup, tear down, repeat, and have never had a single problem. They ain’t pretty, but they are accurate, durable, tight software, and except for the occasional specialty scope (like an RH200 at f2.4 where an Atlas was a better fit), the only motorized focus unit I’ve ever needed. Plus, Leon is great for customer support (I’ve had the occasional question, and we had to figure out a cable to work with the Pegasus UPB V2) and willing to build a custom job for ya. Can’t ask better than that. Oh, and great prices!

 

Paul

[premk19]

I’ve used multiple Rigels over the years on fast systems (down to f2.8 where the CFZ is mighty small), I’m strictly mobile, so setup, tear down, repeat, and have never had a single problem. They ain’t pretty, but they are accurate, durable, tight software, and except for the occasional specialty scope (like an RH200 at f2.4 where an Atlas was a better fit), the only motorized focus unit I’ve ever needed. Plus, Leon is great for customer support (I’ve had the occasional question, and we had to figure out a cable to work with the Pegasus UPB V2) and willing to build a custom job for ya. Can’t ask better than that. Oh, and great prices!

 

Paul

+1

 

Don't let the looks deter you. Price, performance & Leon's support/adaptability are top notch. 

[cosmosteve]

From StarHopper.org

 

I use nFOCUS on all of my telescopes and the performance is superb. I use it on my C6, Meade LXD75 sn-10, and Explore Scientific AR152. I have always used the USB interface to connect the focus controller to my PC's and use APT to control the imaging session. APT will interface and call the nFOCUS driver perfectly. I have just recieved and tested the new WiFi_nFOCUS and have it working on my C6: the WiFi software is installed on my Samsung Galaxy Note Droid: I connect to the internal hotspot on the wifi-nFOCUS and can obtain quick focus from my droid or my PC during my observing session.

 

What I appreciate about nFOCUS is the simplicity and ability of switching between motorized and manual focus - something I could not do with the Celestron motorized focuser on my C6. nFOCUS is simple in design yet with advanced stepper settings that help with temperature change and saving position settings.

 

Here are some pics of the controller software on the PC and my C6 with the stepper motor installed. Again, I like the simplicity of the open-gear design allowing quick switching of manual/motorized functionality. Also a pic of nFocus on my Explore Scientific AR152.

 

 

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[psandelle]

Ooo! Forgot about the "disengage" to use manually. I've never used it out in the field, but setting up a new rig inside, it comes in very handy (rack all the way in, set to zero, rack all the way out, set to maximum, back on auto).

 

Paul

Edited by psandelle, 21 May 2020 - 04:30 PM.

[tjay]

Are there INDI drivers for this?

 

I currently use Windows, but want the option to be able to move to a Rapsberry PI to reduce my cable count from my PC to my scope.  I know a USB Hub is a possible solution too.

[rigelsys]

the wifi-nFOCUS uses an encoded DC motor so is much different from the nSTEP.

 

As to raspberry pi, yes indi drivers are quite available :-)

 

https://indilib.org/...tems-nstep.html

 

and the bracket and gear kit for a C8 is the same for either … so if you choose to stay with a stepper (or already have one of our steppers) it will work on your C8.

[AhBok]

I purchased a WiFi nFocus for my C9.25 primarily for planetary imaging. I do like the modular straightforward design of the Rigel focusing systems. I especially like that I can quickly decouple the motor for manual operation of the focuser. No, it is not particularly pretty, but I’m a utilitarian and very much appreciate the simple Rigel designs. Well that and the already mentioned great support from Leon. IMO, Leon is part of the product. Get a Rigel product and you get Leon!

[Ben Diss]

Can someone explain how the temperature compensation works with this unit? I assume there's some facility to program the degree temp drop to steps relationship and then it moves as needed? It's doing an overshoot to keep the mirror aligned?

[rigelsys]

Hi Ben.  Temperature compensation is normally done in the higher level software (e.g., SGP, APT, etc...)  Attached is a description of how to figure out the appropriate settings.

[rigelsys]

Hi Ben.  Temperature compensation is normally done in the higher level software (e.g., SGP, APT, etc...)  Attached is a description of how to figure out the appropriate settings.

Attached Files

•  Temperature compensation Tips.pdf   85.43KB   32 downloads

Edited by rigelsys, 17 September 2020 - 11:19 PM.

[Star Slinger]

I have the WIFI version of the Rigel NStep......do I absolutely NEED to connect using the 12V power supply or can I just use the USB connections? I am having a hard time getting it to connect and have misplaced my 12v but I vaguely recall not needing it? 

 

I'm just now trying to get this thing working years after buying it, ugh.

[rigelsys]

Yes you need the 12v dc for the stepper, 

 

drop me an email at rigelsys@cox.net to discuss

[Star Slinger]

Oh! I just did haha. Can you suggest which supply I should buy?

 

Also I really cannot wrap my mind around how to set this up to work. I'm a little overwhelmed because I have so many filters and I don't understand some of the verbiage. I've read the manual and have spent hours reading posts in this forum. I just don't understand where to begin, though I suppose the first step really is finding the correct power supply. 

[Raginar]

Leon’s awesome. I had a nstep controller for the last decade.. finally gifted it to a buddy and bought a new one for my C11 edge.

They’re not shiny like Pegasus or moonlight; but they work.

They work with INDI on a pi as well.

[stringtheory56]

A lot of positive reviews of the Rigel focuser. As far as it not being visually exciting, I am a believer in “form follows function.” Looking forward to receiving my WiFi nFocus with dc motor for my Nexstar 8se.