Backyard Nikon and an ascom focuser...suggestions?

[beckemd]

Hello all,

Currently I use a Stellarvue 90 mm Raptor refractor with  a 2.5 inch standard stock stellarvue focuser. As it gets colder here in Chicago, I start dreaming of autofocusing without going outside....optec has several possibilities: Optec makes a autofocus for the 2.5" Stellarvue focuser.  Total outlay is around $1k. It being specific to that focuser, would not be usable in another scope. Comparing this to the Moonlite Nightcrawler, a significantly more expensive piece of kit ($2400) but is both a focuser and rotator. And it can be used in a different scope since it physically replaces the whole stock focuser.  Are focuslynx or the nightcrawler compatible with Backyard Eos/Nikon? 

Thanks Guy.

Dave in Chicago

[astroman133]

Dave,

First, you posted your question in the Backyard EOS Forum and appear to be a Nikon user, but the answer is the same for BYE or BYN.

If the focuser in question has a supported ASCOM driver then it will work with either BackyardEOS, BackyardNikon, or virtually any other software that supports an ASCOM focuser. It would be preferable if the focuser were an absolute (stepper motor) focuser rather than a relative (servo) focuser. I have 3 Moonlite focusers that I use with that I use with my scopes (2 refractors and an SCT). They were purchased over several years and have different capabilities. I would say that they are somewhat interchangeable as long as you have the correct inner flange for your scope. Also, SCT focusers typically have shorter drawtubes than refractor focusers. Also, if you want to use the focuser for visual and imaging then the flange thickness will be different and the drawtube may need to be longer than if you are using it for imaging only. If you can do without a rotator, it will be less expensive. You should be able to get a Moonlite focuser and MiniV2 Controller for around $1K.