StarFocus Advance Microfocuser
This product is still in the design stage but it is progressing very well and I expect to have a working prototype around end of August.
So far I have completed the design of the Operator Keypad and the Stepper Motor Control Unit. You can see photos of the completed circuit boards below.
The firmware (firmware is software for microprocessors) is progressing well for both components which are able to communicate and perform their respective control functions correctly.
The stepper motor controller is able to micro step the stepping motor at better than 500 micro steps per whole step. One whole step is 1.8 degrees so you do the math for what one micro step is. Probably not practical to step at this resolution though, but I’ll see what is needed as I progress.
The motor controller also includes a temperature sensor to monitor and compensate
for ambient temperature changes (this should be interesting). Resolution is 1 degree
C and is accurate (according to the spec sheet) over a range from -
The Operator Keypad as you can see, uses a red LED backlit LCD display and there are 5 illuminated push buttons. All control is through a series of menus with the prime function (focus control of course) the default state.
I’m having a great time developing this product and look forward to starting work on the Crayford style focus unit in a couple of weeks.
Keep an eye here for further progress reports and please feel free to ask any question or make any suggestion you like.
Cheers for now.
Luke.
