Three Focus profiles during session (including HFD measurements).

Focus Profiles,  including new HFD measurements

To continue progress towards automated / unattended operation of the Clair3 Observatory the following new equipment is required :

- a computer connected focus controller for focusing the TS 80mm APO secondary scope using a connected stepper motor.
- a focus stepper motor with gearbox  (connected to the TS 80mm APO secondary scope and operated via the focus controller)
- a computer connected dew controller capable of regulated dew heater control based on dew point & capable of being completely switched off during the daytime.

The functionality could be provided by standalone equipment with independant 12V power and USB cables going to the scope (Option 1 below).  However since there are several Mount Hubs  (Options 2,3 & 4 below) that are available that offer both dew hearter control and focus controller, as well as other potential useful features such as a USB Hub, multiple 12V power ports served by Single Power Cable connection to the Mount.  It is therefore appropriate that the new equipment review also considers

- a computer connected Mount Power / USB hub

A  USB connected dew controller (replacing the existing manual controlled dew controller) and a USB connected focus controller (+ its 12 V power supply) would add 3 additional cables going to the telescope compared to the existing setup.   Instead of requiring extra cables a Mount Hub has the potential to reduce the overall number of cables going to the scope.  Furthermore a Mount Hub provides the opportunity to mount additional equipment to the scope without requiring any additional cabling to the scope (equipment such as a web cam,  proximity sensor, arduino based sensor).

Issues which might limit the benefits of a Mount Hub, are that

- the SBIG ST-10 CCD Camera uses a special AC/DC adapter which powers a special 12v + 5.5v DC cable connection to the camera
 (it may be difficult to provide this power connection from 2 x 12v Mount Hub Ports without some specialist electrical support)
- the The Focus Controller box for TCF-S focuser uses a RS-232 style of cable connection to a Serial /USB adapter housed near the computer.
 (although the controller box is quite large it should be feasible to fix it to the scope and move the Serial/USB adapter onto the scope)
- 12V power to LX200 Scope is provided via a cable from the pier and wouldn't benefit mechanically from being powered from the Mount Hub. Turning the LX200 Scope off/on however using the Hub would be potential benefit (provided that power continued to flow if the Powerbox was rebooted during the session)

The principle options are

• 1) Standalone dew heater controller and focus controller + Stepper Motor (no Mount Hub)
• 2) HitecAstro Mount Hub Pro V4 + Stepper Motor
• 3) PegasusAstro Ultimate Powerbox
• 4) PrimaLuce Eagle 2 + Focus Controller/Stepper Motor

1) Standalone dew heater controller and focus controller + Stepper Motor (no Mount Hub)

Two motor focus options that are specifically recommended for my TS 80mm APO telescope (2.5" RAP) on the telescope's product page on the TS website. They are 'USB Focu's and the 'PrimaLuce SestoSenso'. Other motor focusers should have also work with the scope RAP focuser.

1A.a) USB Focus V3 motor focuser (USB Focus, France) 
http://www.usb-foc.us/shop/product/usb-focus-heavy-set-2
 https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p8501_USB-Focus-adapter-kit-for-2-5--and-3--R-P-focusers.html

USB_Focus v3 Set (Controller, temperature sensor, stepper motor ). Control box includes manual in/out buttons

Two versions, standard (up to 1.5 kg payload, 8V or USB powered), and strong motor (up to <4.5 kg payload, 12 V).  The strong motor version is considered more suitable because of its greater payload limit and because its 12V supply provides an upgrade path to using it with a Mount Hub at a future date.

Cost  £280 for standard version from TS, Germany  (217 EUR for USB_Focus Set (1.5 kg)  + 100 EUR for BR-FOCR25 Adapter kit ), excl 14 EUR shipping
Cost  £368 for stronger version from TS, Germany  (318 EUR for USB_Focus Set (4.5kg) + 100 EUR for BR-FOCR25 Adapter kit), excl 14 EUR shipping


1A.b) SestoSenso motor focuser (PrimaLuceLab, Italy)
https://www.primalucelab.com/astronomy/focusers/sesto-senso-robotic-focusing-motor.html

All-In-One Unit (Controller/Motor) with ASCOM Driver
Drawbacks USB Mini, 12V supply required,   Sensor is extra. Fits on the fine focusing shaft.. No manual control option.

Cost  £430 from TS, Germany  (367 EUR for SestoSenso + 76 EUR for 33mm Shaft Adapter + 45 EUR Temperature Probe), excl   14 EUR shipping

1A.c) Pegasus FocusCube universal motor focus (PegasusAstro, Greece)
 https://pegasusastro.com/products/focuscube/

All-In-One Unit (Controller/Motor) with ASCOM Driver
 Fits on the fine focusing shaft.. No manual control option.

Cost  £225 from AltairAstro, UK , excl shipping

1B.a) USB Dew Point V2 dew heater controller (USB_Focus, France)  
http://www.usb-foc.us/shop/product/usb-dewpoint-v2-11

3 12v output ports.  Includes 1 Humidity Sensor & 2  independant Temperature Sensors
Can perform fully automonous regulated dew heater control

Cost £246 from TS, Germany  (279 EUR for USB DewPoint v2), excl 14 EUR shipping

Total Cost  £471  for Standalone Option   (£225 for standalone Pegasus Focus Cube + £246 for standalone USB Dew Point V2)

 

2) HitecAstro Mount Hub Pro V4 + Stepper Motor
 https://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php/products/item/mount-hub-pro-v4

Key features:
- Power managment and sensing with 4x12V outputs,
- Dew control - three outputs, independently controlled.
- Stepper Motor Focus controller with temperature compensation. (Separate 3rd party motor required).
- 6 port USB2.0  hub
- 1 Temperature Sensor Probe
- ASCOM drivers for Focus Control only
- No updated API for operating Heaters/Relay (as at Oct 2018)
. No manual (as at Oct 2018)

Cost  £594 to £614   (£499 for Ultimate Powerbox  from 365Astronomy UK,  £115 for Focus Motor: PEG-MF3-MOTOR-UN  from AltairAstro UK)
                                     (£ 479 for Ultimate Powerbox  from RotherValleyOptics UK

3) PegasusAstro Ultimate Powerbox
 https://pegasusastro.com/products/ultimate-powerbox/

Key features:
- Power managment and sensing with 4x12V Smart outputs,
- Dew control - two outputs, independently controlled.
- Stepper Motor Focus controller with temperature compensation. (Motors available separately).
- 6 port USB2.0** hub with 3A power and remote control switching.
- Environmental sensing.
- Full remote automation and software control.
- 380g / 130x100x30mm.
- ASCOM drivers for Focus Control, Enviromental Sensors  (UDP port control of Heaters)

Cost  £665   ( £550 for Ultimate Powerbox,   £115 for Focus Motor: PEG-MF3-MOTOR-UN  from AltairAstro UK)
                        +  £xx   for 12V, 10A  Power Supply  (eg.  https://pegasusastro.com/products/power-supply/)

4) PrimaLuce Eagle 2 + Focus Controller/Stepper Motor
https://www.primalucelab.com/astronomy/eagle-control-unit-for-telescopes-and-astrophotography.html

 

Key features:
- 3 x 0-12V ports for dew heaters etc
- 4 x 12v power out ports (for camera, mounts etc)
- 4 USB 3.0 ports
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- WIFI  & Ethernet Connectivity
- Remote on/off, Eagle Manager, Power Bridge
- i3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 120 GB SSD disk
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- 1.2 Kg

The Eagle 2 doesn't include a Focus Controller so one needs to get SestoSenso or something like the Pegasus FocusCube or USB Focus V3

Cost   £ 1,774   (£1,344.00 for Eagle 2 from WideScreen-Center UK + £430 from SestoSenso from TS, Germany  (367 EUR for SestoSenso + 76 EUR for 33mm Shaft Adapter + 45 EUR Temperature Probe)

Conclusion.

Based on overall features, fit to requirements,  and opportunity to reduce cabling & add possible future accessories  Option 3, the  PegasusAstro Ultimate Powerbox + MF3-MOTOR-UN,  is selected  pending answers to a few outstanding questions from the PegasusAstro team.

Option 1 (standalone Motor Focuser and Dew Heater Controller) is the cheapest option but requires additional cabling to the scope and provides no option for adding additional accessories or for reducing cabling going to the scope.

Option 2 (HitecAstro Mount Pro V4 + Stepper Motor) is rejected. Although competitively priced with good overall features and,  like PegasusAstro's Powerbox,  has opportunity to reduce cabling etc, its associated software including ASCOM / API are less mature or still in development as at Oct 2018.

Option 4 (Eagle 2) is rejected as being too expensive with onboard computing that is unrequired for my permanent observatory setup which already has computer resources.

Supplementary to a new equipment review for Dew Heater, Motor Focus & Mount Hub, the cabling for the existing TCF-S Focuser is also being reviewed.

Currently the TCF-S focuser control box is loosely attached to the pier,  with a 12V power cable going to an AC/DC Adapter in the Observatory Bay 2 and an RJ-12 & flat 'Reverse' Serial Cable going to a Serial Port Converter - RJ12 (female) to DB-9 (female) in the Observatory Bay 2 which is connected to a Keyspan Serial-USB Adapter and then via a USB cable to a USB Hub connected to the Observatory Computer.   A 6ft long control cable (eight wire - four twisted pair) connects the control box to the TCF-S focuser on the telescope (via RJ-45 connector on one end and a 9-pin sub-D connector on the other).   

The 3-piece communication wiring scheme using a 'reverse' serial cable is less than optimal but was the method used by Optec for many years. Recent advancements in USB-to-Serial converter technologies has allowed Optec to now offer new Serial Cables with Integrated USB Converters  in place of the former 3-piece configuration.  Cables are available from Optec in standard lengths of 6, 12, 25, and 50-ft, or in custom lengths.

Problems having been encountered with loosing connection to the TCF-S focuser part way through an observing session (eg. session on 2018-10-21), Whilst occasional, the problem is particularly anyoying when it occurs and is a show-stopper for reliable unattended operation of the observatory. There may be  an opportunity to improve the USB to serial connection reliability using new cabling.

With the proposal to purchase a Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox/Hub (with 12V and USB ports) there is opportunity to reduce the cabling going to scope, by potentially connecting the TCF-S control box to the Powerbox/Hub.

The principle options are

• 1) Do nothing - use existing cable arrangement and cables
• 2) Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable
• 3) Relocate the Focuser Control Box to position next to the Observatory Computer (Observatory Bay 2)
• 4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub
• 5) Upgrade Focuser to theTCF-Si focuser with integrated controller (removing the bulky Control Box)

1) Do nothing - use existing cable arrangement and cables

- Cheapest option (No monetary cost)
- No opportunity to resolve 'lost focuser connection' problem
- No reduction in the cabling going to the scope.
- Almost certain continuation of the  'lost focuser connection' problem

2) Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable

- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee),
- No reduction in the cabling going to the scope.

 Cost   £47  ($60 for a 12ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

3) Relocate the Focuser Control Box to position next to the Observatory Computer (Observatory Bay 2)

- Contol box positioned next to computer in Observatory Bay 2 with just one cable (a new 12ft control cable) going to the scope/pier instead of 3 existing cables
  (need to check if a 12 ft cable length is sufficient, the next standard length is 25ft ))
      https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/cables/control_cables.htm
- Existing 3 piece communication wiring replaced by a 6ft new serial-USB cable
    https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/cables/serial_cables.htm
- Partial reduction in overall cabling going to scope.
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)

Cost   £74   ($40 for a 12ft Control Cable + $55 for a 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub

- Contol box mounted on the scope itself  in someway and connected to PowerBox/Hub (also attached to Scope)
- Mounting the Control Box is likely to be clumsey (its quite big) and the manual buttons will be less accessible
- Significant reduction in cabling going to scope (but extra cabling on the scope itself)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is relatively small assuming just a new Serial-USB cable
  (cabling could be optimised by using a custom 3ft new Serial /USB cable and a custom 3ft Control Cable
   - not sure what the additional charge is for customised lengths)

Cost   £43   ($55 for for 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub

- Contol box mounted on the scope itself  in someway and connected to PowerBox/Hub (also attached to Scope)
- Mounting the Control Box is likely to be clumsey (its quite big) and the manual buttons will be less accessible
- Significant reduction in cabling going to scope (but extra cabling on the scope itself)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is relatively small assuming just a new Serial-USB cable
  (cabling could be optimised by using a custom 3ft new Serial /USB cable and a custom 3ft Control Cable
   - not sure what the additional charge is for customised lengths)

Cost   £43   ($55 for for 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

5) Upgrade Focuser to theTCF-Si focuser with integrated controller (removing the bulky Control Box)
  https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/tcf/17668.htm

- New TCF-S model with integrated controller (it doesn't use the bulky Control Box used by the original TCF-S model)
- Comes with a 6ft Serial-USB cable  (assume this is a new integrated serial-USB cable)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is very large just for getting an integrated controller, when the existing Focuser with Control Box works ok
- Can't seem to find a dealer offering the TCF-Si in Europe (Only the older TCF-S model are shown on websiste and for 1217 EUR from TS, Germany)

Cost   £562 (x2)   ($725 for TFC-Si from OptCorp, USA), excludes shipping & duty  ( more like £1200-1300 after including shipping/duty)

Conclusion.

Based on their potential benefits Option 3, (Relocate the Focuser Control Box to a position next to the Observatory Computer), and Option 4 (Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub) are the two best options.

Option 1 (Do Nothing) is rejected as it offers no improvement on the current situation. 
Option 2 (Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable) is a possible but less preferred option.
Option 5 (TCF-Si focuser with integrated controller) is rejected based on Cost.

- Query Hitect Mount Hub detail with HitecAstro - Done
- Query Ultimate PowerBox detail with PegasusAstro - Done
- Order new USB Hub - Done   (LINDY USB Hub - 7 Port Industrial USB 2.0 Hub Metal )

- Download Ultimate Powerbox  standalone program  from PegasusAstro- Done  (Version 1.4.7.0)

Supplementary to a new equipment review for Dew Heater, Motor Focus & Mount Hub, the cabling for the existing TCF-S Focuser is also being reviewed.

Currently the TCF-S focuser control box is loosely attached to the pier,  with a 12V power cable going to an AC/DC Adapter in the Observatory Bay 2 and an RJ-12 & flat 'Reverse' Serial Cable going to a Serial Port Converter - RJ12 (female) to DB-9 (female) in the Observatory Bay 2 which is connected to a Keyspan Serial-USB Adapter and then via a USB cable to a USB Hub connected to the Observatory Computer.   A 6ft long control cable (eight wire - four twisted pair) connects the control box to the TCF-S focuser on the telescope (via RJ-45 connector on one end and a 9-pin sub-D connector on the other).   

The 3-piece communication wiring scheme using a 'reverse' serial cable is less than optimal but was the method used by Optec for many years. Recent advancements in USB-to-Serial converter technologies has allowed Optec to now offer new Serial Cables with Integrated USB Converters  in place of the former 3-piece configuration.  Cables are available from Optec in standard lengths of 6, 12, 25, and 50-ft, or in custom lengths.

Problems having been encountered with loosing connection to the TCF-S focuser part way through an observing session (eg. session on 2018-10-21), Whilst occasional, the problem is particularly anyoying when it occurs and is a show-stopper for reliable unattended operation of the observatory. There may be  an opportunity to improve the USB to serial connection reliability using new cabling.

With the proposal to purchase a Pegasus Ultimate Powerbox/Hub (with 12V and USB ports) there is opportunity to reduce the cabling going to scope, by potentially connecting the TCF-S control box to the Powerbox/Hub.

The principle options are

• 1) Do nothing - use existing cable arrangement and cables
• 2) Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable
• 3) Relocate the Focuser Control Box to position next to the Observatory Computer (Observatory Bay 2)
• 4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub
• 5) Upgrade Focuser to theTCF-Si focuser with integrated controller (removing the bulky Control Box)

1) Do nothing - use existing cable arrangement and cables

- Cheapest option (No monetary cost)
- No opportunity to resolve 'lost focuser connection' problem
- No reduction in the cabling going to the scope.
- Almost certain continuation of the  'lost focuser connection' problem

2) Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable

- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee),
- No reduction in the cabling going to the scope.

 Cost   £47  ($60 for a 12ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

3) Relocate the Focuser Control Box to position next to the Observatory Computer (Observatory Bay 2)

- Contol box positioned next to computer in Observatory Bay 2 with just one cable (a new 12ft control cable) going to the scope/pier instead of 3 existing cables
  (need to check if a 12 ft cable length is sufficient, the next standard length is 25ft ))
      https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/cables/control_cables.htm
- Existing 3 piece communication wiring replaced by a 6ft new serial-USB cable
    https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/cables/serial_cables.htm
- Partial reduction in overall cabling going to scope.
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)

Cost   £74   ($40 for a 12ft Control Cable + $55 for a 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub

- Contol box mounted on the scope itself  in someway and connected to PowerBox/Hub (also attached to Scope)
- Mounting the Control Box is likely to be clumsey (its quite big) and the manual buttons will be less accessible
- Significant reduction in cabling going to scope (but extra cabling on the scope itself)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is relatively small assuming just a new Serial-USB cable
  (cabling could be optimised by using a custom 3ft new Serial /USB cable and a custom 3ft Control Cable
   - not sure what the additional charge is for customised lengths)

Cost   £43   ($55 for for 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

4) Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub

- Contol box mounted on the scope itself  in someway and connected to PowerBox/Hub (also attached to Scope)
- Mounting the Control Box is likely to be clumsey (its quite big) and the manual buttons will be less accessible
- Significant reduction in cabling going to scope (but extra cabling on the scope itself)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is relatively small assuming just a new Serial-USB cable
  (cabling could be optimised by using a custom 3ft new Serial /USB cable and a custom 3ft Control Cable
   - not sure what the additional charge is for customised lengths)

Cost   £43   ($55 for for 6ft  new Serial/USB cable from Optec, USA), excludes shipping & duty

5) Upgrade Focuser to theTCF-Si focuser with integrated controller (removing the bulky Control Box)
  https://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/tcf/17668.htm

- New TCF-S model with integrated controller (it doesn't use the bulky Control Box used by the original TCF-S model)
- Comes with a 6ft Serial-USB cable  (assume this is a new integrated serial-USB cable)
- Might solve the 'lost focuser connection' problem (but no guarentee)
- Cost is very large just for getting an integrated controller, when the existing Focuser with Control Box works ok
- Can't seem to find a dealer offering the TCF-Si in Europe (Only the older TCF-S model are shown on websiste and for 1217 EUR from TS, Germany)

Cost   £562 (x2)   ($725 for TFC-Si from OptCorp, USA), excludes shipping & duty  ( more like £1200-1300 after including shipping/duty)

Conclusion.

Based on their potential benefits Option 3, (Relocate the Focuser Control Box to a position next to the Observatory Computer), and Option 4 (Mount the Focuser Control Box on the Scope itself and connect via PowerBox/Hub) are the two best options.

Option 1 (Do Nothing) is rejected as it offers no improvement on the current situation. 
Option 2 (Keep existing arrangement, but replace existing 3 piece communication wiring by a new serial-USB cable) is a possible but less preferred option.
Option 5 (TCF-Si focuser with integrated controller) is rejected based on Cost.