Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Focuser Boss II Control System is a modular hub that acts as the central controller to link the Starlight Instruments HSM and Posi Drive Motors systems to a PC. The Focuser Boss II Control System works through any ASCOM compliant software, such as Maxim DL, FocusMax, SG Pro, and CCD Soft. It is compatible with a Mac through using The Sky X Software. You can also download the stand-alone Focuser Boss II Software.
Upgrade Options
Out of the box, this system comes complete with everything needed to connect. However, it does have upgrade options. Options that let you drive two motors simultaneously, externally measure the telescope OTA temperature, and be controlled by a smartphone, tablet, or computer via Wi-Fi. Here are some of the accessories available for the Focuser Boss II.
This hand controller provides an easy, vibration-free method of focusing the telescope. It features IN and OUT buttons, a 2-line display, and Quick Sync synchronization capability. The Focuser Boss II Hand Controller is a must-have option for any system where the operator may be at the telescope.
The standard Focuser Boss II Hub can easily be converted into a dual-focus controller with the addition of the second stepper driver board. Controlling two focuser motors is useful if you are running two telescopes on the same mount or if you want to control the mirror focuser and an additional crayford on a SCT telescope.
The Focuser Boss II Hubs includes a wired Ethernet connection and interface as standard, but many users prefer to use wireless Ethernet with their telescope setups. This Wi-Fi board eliminates the need for any communication wires to the control PC or tablet.
All Starlight Instruments Motors include an on-board temperature probe for measuring ambient temperature changes. However, some prefer that the temperature can be read directly at the telescope itself. This kit allows you to place the temperature probe anywhere you like.
This mounting bracket allows an easy way to permanently attach your Focuser Boss II Hub to almost any telescope mount or dovetail bar.
Compatible Focus Motors
Handy Stepper Motors
This motor allows you to manually turn the focus knob on the focuser by simply turning the over-ride knob on the motor housing. It has a built-in temperature thermistor for temperature control through the Focuser Boss II digital system. The HSM comes in Three Sizes:
-
HSM20 fits the 2" and SCT Feather Touch Focusers and has 19450 steps per inch
-
HSM30 fits the Feather Touch 2" Rack & Pinion Focuser, 2.5" Focuser, and 3" Focuser. It is also compatible with 2.7" Astro-Physics focusers that have the Feather Touch upgrade.
-
HSM35 fits the 3.5" Feather Touch Rack & Pinion focuser and 4" Astro-Physics focuser with the Feather Touch upgrade.
Posi Drive Motor System
The Posi Drive Motor System for the Feather Touch focuser can lift in excess of 56 pounds. This motor system attaches to the pinion shaft of any Feather Touch 2.5", 3", or 3.5" focuser which eliminates slippage and offers the ability to precisely repeat with heavier payloads. The PDMS has 2.3 microns per step (.00009") which is 11,400 steps per inch. The PDMS-FT motor comes standard with a coarse focus over-ride to allow for manually focusing. The PDMS motor has a thermistor built in for temperature compensation. Options for Sky-Watcher, Stellarvue, and Takahashi focusers are also available.
Fine Focus Posi Drives
The Fine Focus Posi Drive are almost identical to the standard Posi drives. They have the same lift capacity and step size. The big difference between the two is that the Fine Focus models have a manual override on the focusers fine adjustment knob. This makes it easier to perform manual fine adjustments. The Fine Focus Posi Drives are only available for the Feather Touch 2.5" 3" and 3.5" focusers.
