8 replies to this topic

[sdeming]

Hello!

 

I just purchased a new USB focuser from Moonlight (model CR-V3) to replace the stock focuser. I currently use CPWI to connect to my mount. SharpCap and PHD2 also connect to CPWI. If anyone is familiar with my setup, I'd like to know how I control the focuser from my laptop. Is it through CPWI or SharpCap? I don't know if it matters, but my mount is a CGX and my telescope is an 8" Newtonian.

 

I won't get the new focuser until next week, but thought I'd get a jump on the technology side of this new setup.

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

Scott

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Edited by sdeming, 25 February 2021 - 11:36 AM.

[JPSTAR]

Sharpcap Pro should do it for you.  See the section on Autofocus Assistance in the following:

 

https://www.sharpcap...pro/sharpcappro

 

If you want to run for long periods unattended, you might consider switching to Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) or NINA (free).

 

Joe

[chongo228]

Under file>settings>hardware point the focuser drop down menu at the ASCOM driver for your focuser and a focuser control box will come up in the SC menu on the right side of the screen.

 

When I had my Moonlite I remember having trouble with the controller software I downloaded from their website to control it. ASCOM worked fine through other programs so don't get discouraged if the Moonlite control software doesn't work.

[scopewizard]

CPWI only see the focuser if connected to AUX on the mount. Only a Celestron motor focuser can connect that way. I connect to the PC or laptop with the focuser using the USB. In NINA or APT and I am sure many other software, you connect via USB. Make sure the driver(Moonlite or ASCOM) is installed on your PC/Laptop.

[sdeming]

Sharpcap Pro should do it for you.  See the section on Autofocus Assistance in the following:

 

https://www.sharpcap...pro/sharpcappro

 

If you want to run for long periods unattended, you might consider switching to Sequence Generator Pro (SGP) or NINA (free).

 

Joe

Thank you Joe!

[sdeming]

Under file>settings>hardware point the focuser drop down menu at the ASCOM driver for your focuser and a focuser control box will come up in the SC menu on the right side of the screen.

 

When I had my Moonlite I remember having trouble with the controller software I downloaded from their website to control it. ASCOM worked fine through other programs so don't get discouraged if the Moonlite control software doesn't work.

Thank you. So, if I have trouble with the Moonlight driver, you're saying I can download another ASCOM driver? Can you explain how that works please?

[sdeming]

CPWI only see the focuser if connected to AUX on the mount. Only a Celestron motor focuser can connect that way. I connect to the PC or laptop with the focuser using the USB. In NINA or APT and I am sure many other software, you connect via USB. Make sure the driver(Moonlite or ASCOM) is installed on your PC/Laptop.

Thank you!

[chongo228]

Thank you. So, if I have trouble with the Moonlight driver, you're saying I can download another ASCOM driver? Can you explain how that works please?

Moonlite has a program to manually control the focuser motor you can download here....https://focuser.com/downloads.php This is the program I had trouble with but it doesn't really matter. This program is like a hand controller but displayed on your screen. From most applications you would use this as your imaging software would be controlling the focuser. When I was just starting it did cause some frustration though. 

 

Download the ASCOM driver and suit if you already don't have it. Better tutorials are on Youtube than I could type out so check there for step by step instructions. Ascom will handle the interaction between the focuser and your imaging software.

[sdeming]

Moonlite has a program to manually control the focuser motor you can download here....https://focuser.com/downloads.php This is the program I had trouble with but it doesn't really matter. This program is like a hand controller but displayed on your screen. From most applications you would use this as your imaging software would be controlling the focuser. When I was just starting it did cause some frustration though. 

 

Download the ASCOM driver and suit if you already don't have it. Better tutorials are on Youtube than I could type out so check there for step by step instructions. Ascom will handle the interaction between the focuser and your imaging software.

Thank you so much! Very helpful!