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Controlling LX200 Micro Focuser

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#1 NigelR

NigelR

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Posted 12 January 2025 - 02:40 PM

Can anyone please link or provide schematic(s) for the Meade LX200 Micro Focuser? I need to make or adapt a controller for this accessory for a friend. Unfortunately I do not (yet) have the Focuser unit to be able to inspect. I do have a controller for the ETX micro Focuser but suspect the two accessories are very different (but perhaps I a mistaken?).

Any and all information regarding the Mead Micro Focuser accessories (LX200 and ETX series) will be sincerely appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

VBR
Nigel

#2 DuncanM

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Posted 12 January 2025 - 02:50 PM

Can anyone please link or provide schematic(s) for the Meade LX200 Micro Focuser? I need to make or adapt a controller for this accessory for a friend. Unfortunately I do not (yet) have the Focuser unit to be able to inspect. I do have a controller for the ETX micro Focuser but suspect the two accessories are very different (but perhaps I a mistaken?).

Any and all information regarding the Mead Micro Focuser accessories (LX200 and ETX series) will be sincerely appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

VBR
Nigel

I think that they all use DC motors. I use these for controlling my Meade Crayford microfocuser:

 

http://store.shoestr...products_fc.htm



#3 OzAndrewJ

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Posted 12 January 2025 - 02:59 PM

Gday Nigel

If its the 2" dia microfocusser, its a bog std DC motor

Rated to12V with PWM speed control,

( ie anything can run it )

Most of the small ETX like focussers were designed to be driven by the Aux bus

and those actually need a dedicated PIC that understands Meades Aux bus protocol

in order to be used.

Andrew Johansen Melbourne Australia



#4 NigelR

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Posted 13 January 2025 - 03:22 PM

Hi Duncan, Andrew, thanks for positive feedback and link. From memory (plan on actually measuring / testing once target micro Focuser is in my hands) the ETX Focuser controller can provide a direct PWM control (and direction) without needing to connect via the Aux bus? Maybe I will get lucky and apart from sorting out 'common connection method', a ETX micro Focuser controller will drive the LX200 focuser. But if not, then simple PWM controller will do the trick (perhaps 555 based?).

Thank you again gentlemen for the speedy response.

Wishing you both clear sky's and as always, remember to KEEP SMILING😁
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