Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser

Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser - MTDD-3.5

Introducing the Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser - Setting a new standard in large-scale focusing.

The Feathertouch 3.5" focuser stands as the industry benchmark for quality, featured as standard equipment or an optional upgrade on a wide array of telescopes.

However, its fine-focus mechanism, utilizing bearing balls for planetary reduction, can lead to slippage under the strain of hefty payloads like a substantial CCD camera with a filter wheel, off-axis guider, and more.

The Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive motor represents a significant enhancement over the standard motor typically bundled with our MicroTouch autofocuser.

While the standard motor engages a gear affixed to the fine-focus shaft of the Feathertouch, potential slippage remains a concern.

In contrast, the MicroTouch Direct Drive bypasses this mechanism entirely, directly propelling the focuser pinion, ensuring steadfast focus without any risk of slippage.

To preserve the Feathertouch's renowned precision, the MicroTouch Direct Drive incorporates a sophisticated high-ratio gear reduction system, achieving an impressive 50:1 focus reduction.

This translates to a remarkable precision of 15,000 motor steps per revolution of the focuser pinion, or a minuscule 1.425 microns (0.000056") per step.

This level of granularity empowers astrophotographers to achieve razor-sharp focus on celestial objects, capturing intricate details with unprecedented clarity and accuracy.

Understanding how the Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser works:

Upon the removal of the manual focus knobs from the standard Feathertouch focuser for autofocus motor installation, the internal reduction mechanism is revealed.

A brass housing containing three stainless steel bearing balls pinches the fine-focus shaft, where the motor gear typically attaches.

When the coarse-focus knob is turned, it directly rotates the brass housing and balls, subsequently driving the pinion shaft to initiate motion in the focuser drawtube.

Conversely, when the fine-focus knob (or focus motor) activates the fine-focus shaft, the balls rotate at a slower pace due to the differing radii, resulting in a 10:1 fine-focus reduction. (With the 2:1 gearing of the standard MicroTouch motor, the resulting ratio becomes 20:1.)

Regrettably, under a substantial load, the drawtube contends with the gravitational pull exerted by the payload, potentially leading to slippage between the fine-focus shaft and the bearing balls, compromising the precision of the focus.

The Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive tackles this challenge with a high-ratio gear reduction assembly.

This innovative design allows the motor to directly drive the pinion, bypassing the intricate fine-focus mechanism altogether.

As a result, the risk of drawtube slippage is completely eliminated, ensuring focus remains exceptionally precise and consistently repeatable.

Features and Highlights

• 50:1 Fine-Focus Reduction: The Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser offers a remarkable 50:1 fine-focus reduction capability. This exceptional level of precision results in 15,000 motor steps per revolution of the focuser pinion or an astonishingly minute 1.425 microns (0.000056") per step, ensuring astrophotographers can make ultra-fine adjustments to achieve razor-sharp focus on celestial objects, capturing intricate details with unmatched clarity and accuracy.

• Rugged, High-Quality Construction: Crafted with meticulous attention to durability and quality, the MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor is engineered for long-lasting, reliable performance even in challenging astrophotography conditions. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of extended use, providing astrophotographers with a dependable tool that stands the test of time.

• Compatible with all Feathertouch 3.5" Focusers: Designed for seamless integration, the MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor is universally compatible with all Feathertouch 3.5" Focusers. This wide-ranging compatibility ensures that users can effortlessly incorporate this motor into their existing equipment setup, allowing for a straightforward upgrade that enhances their focusing capabilities without the need for extensive modifications or adaptations.

• Easy Installation: Installing the MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor is a straightforward process thanks to its user-friendly design and clear, straightforward instructions. Whether you're an experienced astrophotographer or a newcomer to the hobby, you'll appreciate the ease with which this motor can be integrated into your existing setup. This hassle-free installation process minimizes downtime, enabling you to quickly benefit from the enhanced focusing precision that the MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor offers.

• Made in USA: The Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor proudly bears the distinction of being manufactured in the United States, reflecting a dedication to producing high-quality astronomy equipment. This commitment to local production not only supports American manufacturing but also ensures that users can trust in the exceptional standards of craftsmanship associated with products proudly made in the USA.

What's Included:

✓ Starizona MicroTouch Direct Drive Motor for 3.5" Feathertouch Focuser

✓ Instructional Manual