A new Hercules rotating focuser lands from Optec
Thursday, May 2, 2024
![]() |
Richard Harris |
The Optec Hercules Focusing Rotator combines camera field rotation with precise telescope focus in a sleek package. Offering a full 3-inch aperture, 0.35" travel, and various configurations including Takahashi Epsilon kits, it maintains a low profile with advanced ASCOM and Alpaca driver capabilities for sophisticated imaging needs.
Optec has introduced the Hercules Rotating Focuser, a new device that merges camera field rotation with telescope focusing capabilities. More compact than its predecessor, the robust Gemini Focusing Rotator, the Hercules offers a full 3-inch clear aperture and 0.35 inches.
Optec Hercules Focusing Rotator specs
- Thickness: 1.81″ to 2.16″ (46.0 to 54.9mm)
- Clear Aperture: 76.2mm
- Height: 8.17″ (208mm)
- Width: 7.48″ (190mm)
- Thickness: 1.81″ to 2.16″ (46.0 to 54.9mm)
- at midpoint: 1.99″ (50.5mm)
- Weight: 3-lb. 8 oz. (1.6 kg)
- Telescope side: OPTEC-3600 receiver
- Camera side: OPTEC-3000 3-inch receiver
- Focuser Total Travel: 0.350″ (8.89mm)
- Focuser Total Steps: 112,000 steps
- Focuser Resolution: 0.079 micron/step
- Rotator Total Steps: 168,000 steps
- Rotator Resolution: 7.7 arc seconds / step
- Rotator Rotation Speed: variable, ~ 3 degrees/second
- Circuit board: Internal
- Communications: USB-C and Ethernet
- Additional: Temperature Probe 3.5mm socket
- 2.5 x 5.5mm power socket
- Power draw: 1.25A max, 0.6A while moving, 0.4A holding
- Input voltage: 12VDC
- Input connector: 2.5×5.5mm barrel plug, center pin positive
![Software specifications Software specifications](https://news-cdn.moonbeam.co/media/Software-specifications_2qn004eg.jpg)
Software specifications
- Compatibility: ASCOM and Alpaca
- Capabilities: Focus, Guide star acquisition, field composition, Alt-Az De-rotation
- De-Rotation: Compatible with Planewave L-mounts, TheSky X, Maxim D/L, N.I.N.A.
- Any fully configured mount with ASCOM driver.
![Whats included in the package Whats included in the package](https://news-cdn.moonbeam.co/media/Whats-included-in-the-package_1uh2jdkm.jpg)
What's included in the package
- 3.5mm phono style temperature probe
- 12-volt DC switching power supply w/ wall cord
- Cat-6 Ethernet cable, 7-ft. length
- USB-C cable, 6-ft. length
- 5/64″ T-handle hex driver
![Available versions of the low profile combination focuser and rotator Available versions of the low profile combination focuser and rotator](https://news-cdn.moonbeam.co/media/Available-versions-of-the-low-profile-combination-focuser-and-rotator_cr0wy3cx.jpg)
Available versions of the low profile combination focuser and rotator
- Standard
- Takahashi Epsilon E130 Kit
- Takahashi Epsilon E160 Kit
- Takahashi Epsilon E180 Kit
ScopeTrader's latest survey
Featured Stories
![astrotufftruk](https://news-cdn.moonbeam.co//creatives//3.MediumBanner_m152scm5.jpg)
Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter for the headlines delivered to youSuccessFull SignUp
![]() |
![astrotufftruk](https://news-cdn.moonbeam.co//creatives//3.MediumBanner_m152scm5.jpg)
Comments