Focusers

QHYCCD Q-Focuser

Monday, April 21, 2025

Offering detailed insights into its design, specs, and installation, the motorized focusing system QHYCCD Q-Focuser, priced at $219 for the Standard and $252 for the High Precision version, enables both automated and manual telescope focusing for astrophotography.

The QHYCCD Q-Focuser is a compact electronic focusing motor available in two configurations, designed for astrophotography applications. The two available models are the Standard Version and the High Precision Version. These are intended to meet the requirements of different telescope focusing systems, providing automated focus control with optional manual override in one version.

QHYCCD Q-Focuser: Electronic dual-mode focus motor for telescopes

The Standard Version is intended for installation on the side of a telescope’s standard focusing adjustment axis. It uses a reducing motor, introducing mechanical gear reduction into the system. This gear reduction can generate some backlash, but this can be corrected through software compensation using autofocus applications such as NINA. This version does not support manual focusing once the motor is installed, and there is no clutch or override function to allow users to make physical adjustments to focus without uninstalling the motor.

The High Precision Version, in contrast, is designed to mount on the precise adjustment axis of a dual-speed telescope focuser. This version uses a non-reducing motor. Because there are no mechanical reduction gears inside the motor assembly, the motor contributes nearly zero mechanical backlash to the system. Combined with a precision focuser on the telescope itself, this can result in an overall focusing system with virtually no measurable backlash. In practice, the High Precision Version allows the telescope to be focused manually even after the motor is installed. This is achieved through direct drive to the focuser shaft, without a clutch or any electrical disengagement system. Manual control does not require power to the motor and is always accessible.

Both versions of the Q-Focuser use the same general housing design. The outer body incorporates soft curved lines into a small metal housing. The dimensions for both versions are approximately 43 mm by 39 mm by 50 mm. The Standard Version weighs approximately 210 grams, while the High Precision Version weighs slightly more, at 265 grams, due to its larger motor assembly. Both versions use a USB Type-C port for connectivity and communication. Power can be supplied through the 5V USB-C connection or via a dedicated 12V DC power input. In most use cases, the USB-C power input alone is sufficient. The electronic control system is compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems. On Windows, ASCOM platform version 6.5 or higher is required, and the motor is compatible with third-party software such as NINA and MaxDL. The ASCOM driver provides access to core functionality including motion control, setting and zeroing of the current position, backlash handling, limit switch configuration, torque settings, and real-time display of temperature.

QHYCCD Q-Focuser specifications

Versions Available:
QFocuser (Standard Version)
QFocuser (High Precision Version)
Body Size:
Approx. 43 × 39 × 50 mm
High Precision Version excludes button in dimensions
Weight:
Standard Version: Approx. 210g
High Precision Version: Approx. 265g
Motor Type:
Standard: Reducing motor
High Precision: Non-reducing motor
Backlash:
Standard: Some backlash, can be corrected in software (e.g., NINA)
High Precision: Almost zero backlash*
Maximum Load Capacity:
Standard: Approx. 10 kg
High Precision: Approx. 7.5 kg
Manual Focus Capability After Installation
Standard: Not supported
High Precision: Supported
Operating System Compatibility:
Windows (via ASCOM)
Linux
External Temperature Sensor
Supported
Data Interface
USB 2.0 Type-C
Power Supply
5V via USB-C or 12V DC input

QHYCCD Q-Focuser review: High precision and standard versions for automated focusing

An external temperature sensor is included and supported in both versions. This sensor allows for monitoring ambient temperature, which is useful for temperature-compensated focusing routines in software. The external sensor connects directly to the body of the Q-Focuser.

Both models include multiple mounting options and hardware. The motor body includes threaded holes on both the bottom and side surfaces, supporting several different installation approaches. Unlike other focus motors with fixed mounting plates, the Q-Focuser uses a flexible mount system. The mounting plates can slide up and down, and the hole spacing can be adjusted to fit a wide range of telescope focusing systems. This modular design improves compatibility with aftermarket focusers, including those from major manufacturers.

The maximum load capacity for the Standard Version is approximately 10 kilograms. For the High Precision Version, due to its non-reducing motor and different internal mechanics, the maximum supported load is around 7.5 kilograms. These figures assume horizontal loads and may vary depending on installation geometry and balance.

Included with the Q-Focuser are a selection of shaft couplers and mounting brackets. For the High Precision Version, couplers for 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm shaft diameters are provided. Smaller couplers are not currently available, and users are advised to confirm the diameter of their telescope’s focuser shaft before selecting this version. As of now, the included adapters do not support Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain models such as the C8, C11, and RASA 14. Development of compatible adapters for these scopes is in progress.

The installation process requires removing the telescope’s fine or coarse focusing knobs. Once the knob is removed, a coupler is attached to the exposed focuser shaft, and the Q-Focuser’s motor shaft is connected to this coupler. Mounting plates are attached to the Q-Focuser body, and these plates are used to secure the focuser to the telescope body. Once mechanically connected, the system is powered and connected to a computer via USB.

The ASCOM driver installation involves three steps. First, the ASCOM platform version 6.5 or above must be downloaded and installed. Second, the QHYCCD Q-Focuser ASCOM driver must be installed. Third, a compatible third-party focusing program such as NINA or MaxDL should be configured to detect and control the focuser. In most software platforms, the focuser can be initialized, a reference zero position can be set, and backlash correction values can be input if using the Standard Version.

With the High Precision Version, the software backlash settings can be left at zero due to the nearly backlash-free mechanical design. In NINA, autofocus routines can operate with zero backlash compensation without issue, assuming the rest of the telescope focuser and drawtube assembly is also free of mechanical play.

The Q-Focuser also includes firmware that monitors motor torque and position. The step count is tracked internally and can be accessed through the ASCOM driver. This allows for return-to-position operations and repeatable focus routines. Limit switches are supported in firmware but are dependent on the telescope installation for functionality. The temperature sensor readings are also available through the ASCOM interface and can be used in software algorithms to adjust focus automatically based on ambient temperature changes during the night.

No clutch or gear disengagement is needed for the High Precision Version’s manual focus capability. Turning the focuser knob directly moves the telescope drawtube without damage to the motor. This allows quick adjustments without needing to connect a computer or power source. In contrast, the Standard Version cannot be used in this manner, as the gear reduction mechanism does not support manual override.

The external dimensions of the body are identical between the two models, and the overall visual design is consistent across the product line. Only the motor internals differ between the two versions. This enables the use of the same mounting systems, cables, and brackets regardless of which version is chosen.

For users operating from Windows systems, the ASCOM platform offers complete integration. Drivers and firmware updates are available directly from QHYCCD. Linux users have basic support for motion control through standard interfaces but may require additional configuration depending on the software stack.

The retail price for the Q-Focuser Standard Version is $219 in the United States. The High Precision Version is priced at $252. Prices may vary in other regions, and shipping, taxes, and customs fees are not included in these figures.

QHYCCD Q-Focuser system: Versatile telescope focusing solution with USB-C control

To summarize the internal differences between the two models: the Standard Version uses a gear-reduced motor with software-correctable backlash and does not allow manual focus after installation. The High Precision Version uses a direct-drive motor with almost zero backlash and does support manual adjustments without requiring power or disconnection.

When fully installed and calibrated, both models can be used for automated focusing sequences throughout a night of imaging. The autofocus process, especially when used with a temperature sensor and quality software, enables high consistency in focus over long exposures and during changing environmental conditions.

The Q-Focuser represents an integrated electronic focuser design with support for precise position tracking, flexible installation, and compatibility with major astrophotography software platforms. It combines hardware adjustability with firmware-level control features to support a range of imaging workflows, including remote operation, unattended focusing sequences, and temperature-compensated corrections.

Users interested in a fully electronic system without manual override capability will find the Standard Version adequate for their needs. Users who require the ability to manually adjust focus at any time, or who operate with critical backlash sensitivity, will prefer the High Precision Version. The availability of multiple couplers, mounting options, and USB-C connectivity ensures broad compatibility with modern telescope hardware.

Overall, the QHYCCD Q-Focuser is a versatile, platform-compatible motorized focusing solution suitable for imaging systems where precision, reliability, and optional manual control are necessary components. With both versions sharing the same core chassis, users can select the appropriate motor drive type for their application while retaining the installation and connectivity flexibility common to the product line. Its compatibility with ASCOM platforms, support for temperature sensors, and compact design make it a strong option for a wide variety of astrophotography setups.