Lacerta FMC User manual

LACERTA FMC
User Manual
v1.1.xx
Thank you very much for choosing our product!
The LACERTA FMC is an ASCOM compatible focusmotor controller for the MFOC
motor with position and temperature feedback. It is an alternative to the standalone
Handbox with display and buttons. Precision is 1 m and lifting power 5kg.
Key features of the full package:
- completely encapsuled gear and powerful stepper motor driving and holding >5kg
- temperature probe (approx. 180cm)
- max. positions definable (min = 0)
- backlash compensation
- Goto function (filter offset positions via Ascom compatible software)
- 250000 steps, reproducibility 0,001mm (if focuser allows for)
- ASCOM driver compatible to most software (FocusMax, MaximDL, APT, ...)
- free download of new firmware
- manual focussing possible
LACERTA FMC 12022

he content of the package (may vary if you buy part of it):
- LACERTA FMC controller
- capsuled Motor unit
- inlay spacer rings to mount the coupling on 4, 6, 8 and 9.5mm worms
- Temperature probe 1,8m
- USB cable, 1,9m (for PC connection)
- RJ45 cable 2m (for motor unit connection)
- DC power cable 3m with cigarette lighter plug.
Please visit Lacerta FMC website to check for drivers and additional information,
firmware updates (free), or links to user discussions. Download the latest firmware
files from the Support Tab (and check the readme file there):
https://lacerta-optics.com/FMC
Connection details:
Connections on the hand controller:
12V DC socket(5,5/2,1mm center positive) _ Power Led_Serial Led _ USB-B mini and RJ45 to motor unit
Connections on the motor unit:
Left side:
2,5mm stereo socket (from MGEN's camera port, in the absence of a compatible program, FMC does
not handle it.)
3,5mm stereo socket (to DSLR, in the absence of a compatible program, FMC does not handle it.)
Right side:
RJ45 (from handbox)
3,5mm stereo socket (temperature probe)
LACERTA FMC 22022

Connection to the focuser:
The Lacerta FMC is compatible to a growing number of focusers. For some focusers
you will need an extra adapter ring (please refer to the MFOC website or ask), but it
will fit all Lacerta and Skywatcher focusers (except the older simple R&P found on
Achromates).
Using one of the 3 provided Inlays and the proper hex screws the MFOC coupler fits
worms of different diameters:
- smallest Inlay - for 4mm worm
- medium Inlay - for 6mm worm
- large Inlay - for 8mm worm (Takahashi)
- without Inlay - for 9.5mm worm (Feathertouch)
Slip the spacer Inlay over the worm and align the holes with the threads in the
coupler, so the screws are able to contact the worm directrly. Using the proper length
hex screws (2 pcs, 180° positions) fix the coupler to the worm, but at first not tightly.
Move the focuser worm manually to let the coupler align with the worm, when done
only then fix the coupler to the worm tightly, and the motor to the worm housing.
echnical data:
Size: 79x117x24mm (120gr)
Main power: 12V DC (9-15V)
Plug size: 5.5/2.1mm,
center positive polarity (with polarity
protection).
Fuse: built-in regenerating fuse
LACERTA FMC 32022

Stepper motor: 200 step/revolution, 2 phase bipolar,
800mA / coil max. current.
Motor connection: RJ45-8p8c, pinout:
1 = Temperature signal
2 = Motor coil A-Plus
3 = Exposure signal
4 = Motor coil A-Minus
5 = +5V
6 = Motor coil B-Plus
7 = GND
8 = Motor coil B-Minus
Only use with 1:1 UTP cable. NEVER
use reverse U P (cross-link) cable!
PC connection: USB-B mini
Temperature Probe 180cm long with hole to be screwed
somewhere, 3,5mm stereo jack
version 1.1.08:
- first version
Installation
For comprehensive use of device, it’s necessary to install the USB driver and PC
applications first. You can see below the installation steps on a Windows 7/64 bit
system
Installing the F DI USB driver:
Connect LACERTA FMC to PC and your power supply using accessory cables.
Turn on the device. The Operating System recognizes the device and it’s looking for
a suitable driver. If it does not find the driver automatically, the screenshots below
help you to successful install the driver after opening the Device Manager. The FTDI
USB driver is found either in the firmware zip file at the USB_driver folder, or you can
download the newest version from the FTDI website:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm
(a setup executable is provided in the column at right, and you find more installation
advices there, if needed)
LACERTA FMC 42022

LACERTA FMC 2022

LACERTA FMC 62022

LACERTA FMC 72022

Installing the ASCOM driver:
LACERTA FMC 82022

The required setup.exe is found in the firmware file at x86 (32bit OS) or x64 (64bit
OS) subfolder of ASCOM_driver folder. ASCOM 6.4 platform at least is needed! If
it’s not installed, you can download it from
http://ascom-standards.org/index.htm
If an older Ascom driver was already installed, it must be deleted first. After the
deletion is complete, run the Ascom Profile Explorer. If Motorfocus is visible in the list
that appears, right-click on it and delete it using the delete key:
Only then start the installation:
LACERTA FMC 92022

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Settings of the ASCOM driver:
Choose Lacerta MotorFocus on the ASCOM Focuser Chooser drop-down panel in
your compatible software (MaximDL, APT...).
If the port was chosen previously, the device can be connected by pressing the OK
button. For device parameters press the properties button.
The serial port of LACERTA FMC can be selected in the COM port drop-down
menu. When the connection is created, parameters are loaded from Eeprom. After
parameter modification click the „Save to device” button to write changes into the
Controller. After successful uploading, you will receive feedback at the bottom of the
window. Then we can access the ASCOM Chooser window.
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Presets: It is possible to recall stored presets. Select the desired telescope from the
drop-down list. Then the right-hand column shows the configuration data of this
telescope. Click on the "Use preset" button to load the data to the left-hand column,
where you can modify them if necessary. Use the "Save Preset" button to save the
contents of the list, then select "Save to device" to load the data into the FMC.
Click on the "New" button to create a new list.
Write the name of the new telescope, and then click "OK" to save it. Then press the
"Save Preset" button, and it will be filed to the list of configuration data.
Path to the file to store the data:
"c:\Users\xx\AppData\Roaming\Lacerta MotorFocus\ settings. son"
Save this file to another location or make sure that it is not deleted during an Ascom
driver update.
Values that can be set on the Ascom Setup panel:
Backlash:
Its value should be 0 if the compensation is to be used from a PC
program. If we still want the FMC to perform backlash compensation, enter
the desired value here. The FMC performs backlash compensation using
the uncounted step method: for every change of direction, it takes the step
specified here in addition, so that the steps are not added to the display of
the Position!
Current Holding:
The value of the holding current is in milliamperes. In the case of the FMC,
this value can be increased to 1000mA, but in practice, we should not use
a holding current higher than necessary, in order to avoid undue heating of
the controller. 160-200mA is sufficient in almost all cases.
CurrentMoving:
The value of the moving current is in milliamperes. In the case of FMC,
this value can be increased to 1000mA.
PositionMax:
The value of the maximum available position. It can be a maximum of
250,000, which means a 250m path with 0.001mm steps, which is
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sufficient for all focusers. To avoid collisions, do not use a value greater
than what our focuser allows.
StartSavedPosition:
If the value is Off, the starting position will be 0 when switched on.
In the case of the On value, the starting position will be the stored (current
at power-off) value when switching on.
Position:
It is possible to overwrite the current position. The value entered here will
be the current position entered in the device! It is advisable to use it with a
fully wrapped focuser and with a value of 0 so that the limits cannot be
exceeded.
Danger of collision!
DirectionOfRotation:
It is used to set the direction of rotation of the motor. Increasing the
position value should cause the engine to move the draft outward. If this is
not the case, the direction of rotation must be changed. (CW or CCW)
Step size:
It provides ASCOM with information about the movement of the focuser
per motor step in microns (1 = 0.001mm).
Install and use the Lacerta FMC ClickOnce application:
Extract the "LacertaFMC_PC_v1.0.1.2.zip" file to a temporary directory. then start the
setup.exe file from there and follow the instructions. Let's run the application:
After connecting, you can see the name of the connected device and the firmware
number at the bottom of the window. After entering the values, press Enter to
activate the Save button, press Enter again to load the entered data into the
controller.
Adjustable values:
Backlash:
Its value should be 0 if the compensation is to be used from a PC
program. If we still want the FMC to perform backlash compensation, enter
the desired value here. The FMC performs backlash compensation using
the uncounted step method: for every change of direction, it takes the step
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specified here in addition, so that the steps are not added to the display of
the Position!
Max. Position:
The value of the maximum available position. It can be a maximum of
250,000, which means a 250mm path with 0.001mm steps, which is
sufficient for all focusers. To avoid collisions, do not use a value greater
than what our focuser allows.
Set Actual Position:
It is possible to overwrite the current position. The value entered here will
be the current position entered in the device! It is advisable to use it with a
fully wrapped focuser and with a value of 0 so that the limits cannot be
exceeded.
Danger of collision!
CurrentMove (mA):
The value of the moving current is in milliamperes. In the case of FMC,
this value can be increased to 1000mA.
Current Hold (mA):
The value of the holding current is in milliamperes. In the case of the FMC,
this value can be increased to 1000mA, but in practice, we should not use
a holding current higher than necessary, in order to avoid undue heating of
the controller. 160-200mA is sufficient in almost all cases.
Reverse Direction:
It is used to set the direction of rotation of the motor. Increasing the
position value should cause the engine to move the draft outward. If this is
not the case, the direction of rotation must be changed, check it.
Command buttons:
The Goto by pressing the button, it is possible to send the draft to the desired
position under Target pos. after filling in the field.
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The In/Out can also be used to control the movement: by pressing a button, the
focus pen moves with the value written in the field between them.
The Move Home! by pressing the button (after confirmation) the focus marker can be
sent to the 0 position.
The Halt! the movement can be stopped at any time by pressing the button.
The Read Eeprom! by pressing the button (after confirmation), we can start saving
the setting data written in the Eeprom of the device to the file.
(C:\Users\...\AppData\Roaming\Lacerta_FMC, Log file is also saved here)
The Factory Reset! button (after confirmation) Deletes the Eeprom and after a
reboot or firmware update, it is loaded with the factory values. The process is also
shown by the blinking of the Power Led. After the deletion is complete, it will ask you
to restart the device or put it in Upgrade mode.
The Switch Upgrade Mode button (after confirmation), the device goes into Upgrade
mode, which is indicated by the flashing of the Power Led.
How to use the Firmware Updater:
Extract the "LacertaMotorfocusFirmwareUpdaterV1.zip" file to a temporary directory.
We will also copy the HEX file of the program updates here, as the program opens
this directory by pressing the Select firmware file button. Click on the
MotorfocusV1.exe file to run the program. We select the port and the firmware to be
uploaded. The name of the selected HEX file is shown at the bottom side of window.
We also start the FMC_PC program, and after connecting, the "Switch Upgrade
Mode!" button, after confirmation in the pop-up window, in the case of FMC, you
can see that the upgrade mode has been entered by the flashing of the Power led. In
the new pop-up window that appears, select the NO button, then Disconnect!
You can then start the upload via the Firmware Updater.
If it is necessary to upload Eeprom with new starting data, then the Factory Reset!
we use the function Upgrade Mode! instead of After deleting the Eeprom (which can
be seen by the flashing of the Power led), it offers to put the device in Update mode.
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If we choose this, we can see on the display or when the Power led flashes that the
device is in upgrade mode, then Disconnect!
You can then start the upload via the firmware updater. It may happen that some
anti-virus programs prevent the Updater from working. In such a case, temporarily
disable our anti-virus application.
To start uploading, press the Upload firmware button. An uploading message at the
bottom of the window shows the process status. When the uploading is in progress,
the LED light of the serial communication is flashing. Red flashing is the sign of back
reading.
When the process is complete, the device is restarting and the display shows the
new version number.
roubleshooting:
If you encounter problems with your FMC, please refer first to the following advices,
before you contact your dealer. It may help to regain full functionality.
- the focuser moves out when pressing IN:
Reverse motor direction in motor menu
- the motor is moving, but the focuser is not:
Check if the coupler is connected properly to the focuser worm
- the motor is not moving:
is it at min or max position? Change the cable (Ethernet cable, not crossed),
See if the PIN contacts in the jacks are ok and clean
- the motor sounds irregular sometimes:
especially when not connected to the focuser worm, there are resonances
- the worm is connected, but at some rotation position it feels tighter:
make the motor fixation slightly loose and turn the worm manually, to allow
the motor to settle in respect to the focuser worm
- after firmware update the screen is dark:
restart in in update mode and do a factory reset
- when power on, FMC always starts with Position 0 (zero):
set StartSavedPos toYes.
- my computer does not connect to FMC:
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Check the USB driver installation. Sometimes it is needed to run the installer
with administrator rights (right-click on setup.exe and "install as administrator")
- the temperature is not displayed:
Check if the temperature probe is plugged in properly.
We wish you clear skies and great success using Lacerta FMC!
LACERTA FMC 17 2022