A new Hercules rotating focuser lands from Optec

Thursday, May 2, 2024

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Richard Harris is the founder and editor-in-chief of ScopeTrader, with over 40 years of experience in observational astronomy and astrophotography. He serves as director of the Ozark Hills Observatory, where his research and imagery have been featured in scientific textbooks, academic publications, and NASA-affiliated planetariums. Among his theoretical contributions is a cosmological proposition known as The Harris Paradox, which explores deep-field observational symmetry and time-invariant...

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At a Glance 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

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.