Instruction manual

2
Table of Contents
RoboFocus™......................................................................................................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................................................3
A Little Theory ..............................................................................................................................................................................................3
Changes in RoboFocus V3............................................................................................................................................................................4
Changes in RoboFocus V3.2 Software ........................................................................................................................................................4
Changes in Controller from Model 3 to Model 3.1.....................................................................................................................................4
2. RoboFocus Installation................................................................................................................................................................................5
RoboFocus Software .....................................................................................................................................................................................5
RoboFocus Hardware....................................................................................................................................................................................5
RoboFocus Electrical ..................................................................................................................................................................................10
Serial Pass Through.....................................................................................................................................................................................10
Remote Power Module................................................................................................................................................................................11
Hand Control................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Remote Temperature Sensor.......................................................................................................................................................................11
3. Operation of RoboFocus............................................................................................................................................................................12
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................12
Initial Check – Motion Direction and Clutch ............................................................................................................................................12
Local Operation. ..........................................................................................................................................................................................12
Remote Operation: Use of RoboFocus Control Program (RFCP) ...........................................................................................................13
Main Control Screen ..............................................................................................................................................................................13
Configuration Screen .............................................................................................................................................................................15
Manual Full Travel Calibration. .................................................................................................................................................................17
Manual Menu...............................................................................................................................................................................................17
Multiple Copies of Robofocus Running Multiple Controllers .................................................................................................................19
Trouble Shooting Guide..............................................................................................................................................................................20
4. Temperature Compensation....................................................................................................................................................................21
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Manual Temperature Coefficient................................................................................................................................................................22
Temperature Compensation Training.........................................................................................................................................................22
Temperature Compensation Operation. .....................................................................................................................................................23
Operational Issues........................................................................................................................................................................................24
5. Focusing Strategies....................................................................................................................................................................................26
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Schmidt –Cassegrain Scopes ......................................................................................................................................................................26
Automatic Focusing Strategies...................................................................................................................................................................27
Using CCDSoft @Focus.............................................................................................................................................................................28
Using MaxIm DL.........................................................................................................................................................................................29
Using FocusMax..........................................................................................................................................................................................29
Temperature Training Using Autofocus. ...................................................................................................................................................30
Changing Setups..........................................................................................................................................................................................30
ASCOM and Scripting ................................................................................................................................................................................31
Film Photography ........................................................................................................................................................................................31
Appendix 1 Software Commands................................................................................................................................................................32
Appendix 2 Schematic Diagram..................................................................................................................................................................34
Appendix 3 Serial Cables..............................................................................................................................................................................35
Appendix 4 Serial Ports and Cables...........................................................................................................................................................36
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Serial Cable Options....................................................................................................................................................................................36
Parallel Cable Options.................................................................................................................................................................................37
Multiple Serial Ports....................................................................................................................................................................................37
USB ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................37
Serial Port Expansion Cards .......................................................................................................................................................................38
Serial Communications Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................................39
Appendix 5 ASCOM Scripting.....................................................................................................................................................................41
Functions that Return Settings:...................................................................................................................................................................41
Functions that Alter Settings:......................................................................................................................................................................42
Functions that Perform an Action:..............................................................................................................................................................43
Appendix 6 Parts List....................................................................................................................................................................................45
Appendix 7 Ins Manual Revisions...............................................................................................................................................................45