AMFOC01

AMFOC01: High quality Focuser for Astronomical Telescopes

AMFOC01 is a highly sophisticated focuser primarily designed for astronomical telescopes, although it can also be applied to other optical devices. It uses state-of-the-art technologies, such as the micro-stepping driver TMC5130 for stepper motors and the RP2040 processor. These components ensure smooth and quiet operation without the unpleasant vibrations that are common with traditional stepper motors.

The device is equipped with an OLED display and four buttons for easy user interaction. It can be connected to a computer via USB-C and controlled using software compatible with the MoonLight protocol, such as KStars or INDI.

Key Features

• High precision and smooth operation: Thanks to the use of the micro-stepping driver TMC5130 and the RP2040 processor, the focuser provides smooth and quiet operation without vibrations, ensuring high focusing accuracy.
• Power flexibility: The focuser can be powered in the voltage range of 9-16V, making it compatible with lead-acid batteries (e.g., car batteries) or car onboard voltage. Powering is realized through a coaxial DC connector 5.5/2.1.
• Easy operation and compatibility: AMFOC01 is equipped with a red OLED display and four buttons for intuitive control. It can be connected to a computer via USB-C and controlled using software compatible with the MoonLight protocol. However, the motor cannot be powered via USB-C.
• Temperature measurement: The focuser includes an integrated thermometer for monitoring ambient temperature, which is useful for compensating for temperature influences on focusing.

Ways of Use

AMFOC01 can be utilized in several different scenarios:

• For long-term astrophotography: AMFOC01 allows very precise focus control, which is essential for long-term astrophotography. This is particularly useful when photographing deep space, where it is necessary to maintain consistent focus over a long period of time.

• With temperature mode: AMFOC01 can monitor the temperature of the surrounding environment and automatically refocus in case of its change. This is especially useful during long-term observation or photography, when the temperature can change throughout the night.

• For eye observation: When exchanging eyepieces, it is often necessary to make a significant refocus. The focuser can be set for individual eyepieces and automatically refocuses to a preset position when they are exchanged. This simplifies and speeds up the observation process.

• With a wired controller: It is possible to connect a wired controller to the focuser, which allows for fine focusing without touching the telescope, thereby eliminating vibrations and movement that could hinder observation.

Installation and Connection to the Telescope

AMFOC01 is designed to be easily connectable to a wide range of astronomical telescopes. Using 3D printing, customized mechanical adapters can be created for specific telescope models or optical systems.

Open-Source

AMFOC01 is developed as an open-source project. This means that all software, firmware (written in TinyGo), and hardware design are publicly available and can be modified according to the user's needs.

Applications

AMFOC01 can be used in a variety of scenarios where precise focusing of optical systems is needed. This device is primarily intended for astronomical telescopes but can also be used in other optical devices. Using 3D printing, mechanical adapters for specific telescope models or other optical systems can be quickly and easily created.

Technical Parameters

AMFOC01 uses the micro-stepping driver TMC5130, which provides the following features:

• Resolution up to 256 micro-steps per step
• Supply voltage: 9-16V
• Maximum current: 2.5A
• Support for control via SPI
• Integrated detection of step loss and load

The device is also equipped with the RP2040 processor with the following features:

• Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+
• Clock frequency up to 133 MHz
• 264KB SRAM
• 2MB Flash memory.

Detailed Description

AMFOC01 is equipped with a stepper motor, which is controlled by the TMC5130 driver. This driver allows for precise micro-stepping control, eliminating vibrations and enabling smooth and quiet operation.

The driver is powered by a voltage of 9-16V. A coaxial DC connector 5.5/2.1 is used for power, which can be connected, for example, to a lead-acid battery (car battery). It's important to note that the motor cannot be powered via USB-C.

The device is operated using four buttons and an OLED display, which displays the current position of the focuser, the temperature, and the power status. It can be connected to a computer via USB-C and controlled using software compatible with the MoonLight protocol.

AMFOC01 is designed to be easily connectable to a wide range of astronomical telescopes. Using 3D printing, customized mechanical adapters can be created for specific telescope models or optical systems. This makes the focuser easily adaptable to your specific needs.

Schematics