Celestron Focus Motor for SCT and EdgeHD and RASA

Celestron Focus Motor for SCT and EdgeHD and RASA

Unlock the full potential of your telescope's focusing capabilities with Celestron's state-of-the-art Focus Motor. Enjoy the benefits of precise, automated focusing for exceptional astronomical observations and imaging experiences.

Celestron's Focus Motor is an electronic focuser for use with Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT), EdgeHD and Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) telescope optical tubes. With this focus motor unit installed, celestial objects can be brought into sharp, precise focus using your telescope’s hand controller or a computer. This innovative motor replaces the existing manual focuser knob, transforming your telescope into a high-performance, automated imaging system.

A focus motor is great for visual observers who want to obtain exact focus (especially those with dexterity issues) without requiring to physically touch the telescope. Furthermore, this is a must-have accessory for astroimagers since they no longer need to be physically near the telescope to focus an image and also there is no need to touch the telescope (causing it to “shake” during focusing). Combined with computerised control of the mount and camera, the focus motor enables the astroimager to gather data remotely from a backyard observatory, or even a telescope located hundreds of miles away.

Celestron Focus Motor Main Features

• New model Celestron Focus Motor (94155-A) for Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain, EdgeHD and Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical tubes

• Now compatible with the 9.25” EdgeHD

• Enables electronic focusing using a computer or Celestron computerised mount hand controller for remote/hands-free observing

• Self-powering: When connected to a Celestron computerised mount, the mount provides the power. When connected directly to a computer, USB provides the power

• Motor controls include multiple speed rates, automatic GoTo indexed focuser position, and focuser backlash compensation.

• Focuser Utility software for Windows provides a simple user interface. Also compatible with Celestron PWI

• Enables autofocusing with a camera and third-party software via ASCOM.

• Indexed focus position allows the motor to automatically return to a previous focus position and prevents the focus motor from reaching the end of telescope's mechanical focus travel

Celestron Focus Motor electronic focuser will fit the following OTAs produced after 2006 (not compatible with older models or 5” SCTs):

• 6-14″ SCT optical tubes
• 8-14″ EdgeHD optical tubes (incl. 925 Edge HD)
• 8” Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)
• 36cm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA)
• 11” RASA, but requires the Focuser Retrofit Kit for RASA 11.

Celestron Focus Motor Power/Control Options

There are three options for powering and controlling your Celestron Focus Motor:

• When using a Celestron computerised mount, you can power and control the focus motor through the mount using the supplied AUX cable. This allows control from the mount’s hand controller (NexStar+ or StarSense) or a computer.
• If you are not using a Celestron mount, you can power and control the focus motor from a computer USB port. A user supplied USB A-to-B cable is required.
• You may also opt to use an external 12V DC power source which plugs into the motor’s power jack.

Celestron Focus Motor Software

Celestron offers a free Focuser Utility program for computer control of the focuser. The Celestron PWI software can also control the focus motor.

The utility program can give the following functionality:

• multiple speed rates for focus motor control
• move focuser in/out
• automatic GoTo indexed focuser position
• focuser backlash compensation

The focuser can be used with popular third-party focuser control software, such as MaximDL, Sequence Generator Pro, AstroArt. In such cases an ASCOM driver is needed and can be downloaded from the Downloads Tab.

Celestron Focus Motor Warning Note

• Do not run the focus motor when the clamping screw is not tightened, as the unthreaded screw can interfere with the motor housing, which will prevent the motor from turning.
• If the screw is unthreaded and interferes with the motor housing, do not use the wrench to force the motor to turn. Doing so can damage the motor. Instead, tighten the clamping screw, and the motor should operate properly.
• Do not use the wrench to turn the motor when the motor is powered. If you should ever need to use the wrench, first disconnect power to the motor and confirm the clamping screw is not interfering with the motor housing.