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Advice on INDI hardware/software for focus motor

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#1 NearVision

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 03:17 PM

I have a Meade LX200 classic that I deforked a while ago. It came with a focuser that plugged into the control panel that I'd like to use now that I'm setting up a computer control system. I'm going the INDI route instead of Ascom because I REALLY don't like windows. The motor itself is analog meaning it runs on 9-12 volts DC and changes direction by reversing polarity instead of using a stepper motor as is common these days.

 

What I would like is some recommendations for a focus controller that works well with INDI and this motor. Most things I see are for stepper motors. Ideally, I'd like to build my own if anyone knows of a good project on Github or similar site.

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

Tom


Edited by NearVision, 21 June 2025 - 03:19 PM.


#2 vidrazor

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 06:27 PM

As you can see in the image below of the KStars/Ekos Profile Editor, I see a driver for a Meade motor. Is this the system you're using? However if the motor isn't connected to it's native electronics, I don't think it will work.

 

I think it's easier for you to simply purchase a modern-day motor and attach it to the focuser. I use Gemini focus motors on my C5 SCT, and also one my 102mm refractor, which are available with a wireless remote and temperature sensor for $90 with shipping. It will need an additional mounting hardware kit for SCTs. There is a side-mounting adapter available from Buckeyestargazer as well, which I use on my C5.  The Gemini motor is readily controllable from Ekos.

 

There is also a motor-only kit available from ZWO for $200. There is an INDI driver available for it. It will also need the ZWO SCT mounting bracket. Buckeyestargazer also has a side-mounting ZWO focus motor SCT mount.

 

Pegasus also has a motor that you can use on SCTs for $200, which has it's own SCT mount setup. It also has an INDI driver. You will need to specify what size SCT you have.

 

A word of caution if you decide to use any of these motors, I don't know how Meade attaches the primary mirror focus mechanism on the large scopes, but if it's the same as on the 6 inch ACF, the mirror focus knob is the only thing that holds the primary mirror mechanism in place, which, to me, is absurdly insane. When my friend and I went to attach a motor to his 6 inch ACF, the moment we removed the focusing knob, the entire primary assembly slid down the primary baffle tube and went crashing into the secondary mirror and corrector plate!

 

Needless to say, that was quite a disaster. So if you're going to install one of these motors that I've linked here, lay the scope on it's side when removing the focusing knob, or the same fate may await you if you stand the scope straight up, unless someone here can reassure otherwise that this won't happen on the larger Meades. wink.gif

Hope this information is useful for you.

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#3 vidrazor

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 07:01 PM

...correction, apparently there are no Pegasus INDI drivers, which I'm rather surprised about, although they may work with another driver.



#4 vidrazor

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Posted 21 June 2025 - 07:39 PM

...scratch that, I was looking at the wrong tab LOL. Pegasus is well supported if that would be an option that you'd want. smile.gif

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#5 gordtulloch

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Posted 23 June 2025 - 09:42 AM

I have a Meade LX200 classic that I deforked a while ago. It came with a focuser that plugged into the control panel that I'd like to use now that I'm setting up a computer control system. I'm going the INDI route instead of Ascom because I REALLY don't like windows. The motor itself is analog meaning it runs on 9-12 volts DC and changes direction by reversing polarity instead of using a stepper motor as is common these days.

 

What I would like is some recommendations for a focus controller that works well with INDI and this motor. Most things I see are for stepper motors. Ideally, I'd like to build my own if anyone knows of a good project on Github or similar site.

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

Tom

The Shoestring FCUSB is cheap and works well with INDI, and indicates it supports the Meade 1209 type motors: http://www.store.sho...products_fc.htm. For $79USD you can't get much cheaper.  I don't know of a non-stepper motor based DIY focuser project but I guess it would be pretty simple to design one for a DC motor.


Edited by gordtulloch, 23 June 2025 - 09:44 AM.


#6 NearVision

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Posted 23 June 2025 - 05:31 PM

Thanks for the info guys! I've seen several projects using stepper motors but few that will run a DC motor AND have an INDI driver. The Shoestring FCUSB looks interesting especially for the price.

 

This started me down the bunny trail of researching what it is I have here and it's a Meade 1206 focus motor. https://indilib.org/...or-focuser.html I like it because it's not bulky and allows the focus knob to be used manually while still attached.

 

The search continues...




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