Optec FocusLynx Programming manual
FocusLynx Hand Control Quick Start
199 Smith Street · Lowell, Michigan 49331 · U.S.A.
Telephone: 616-897-9351 · Fax: (616) 897-8229 · Toll Free: 888-488-0381
FocusLynx Hand Control - Revision 4
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FocusLynx Hand Controller
Quick Start Instructions for the #19695 FocusLynx Hand Controller.
The FocusLynx Hand Control (FLHC) is an optional accessory for the FocusLynx focuser control hub. The
FLHC features three buttons and a red digital display.
Latest versions include a Fine Focus Knob with embedded
rotary encoder.
Connect to Hub
To connect to your FocusLynx Hub, simply attach either
the long or short coiled telephone handset cable to the
RJ22 socket on the bottom of the Hand Controller.
Connect the other end to the Hand Controller socket on
the bottom of the hub. You can replace this cable at any
time with any telephone handset cord obtained locally.
However, longer cables may require a ferrite choke for
proper communications. When initially connecting the
hand control to the hub, you may see a “Waiting for Data”
message while the hub and hand control firmware pass data along the serial link.
Button Functions
The top left button is the Mode button. Effective with FLHC firmware version 1.2.0 and higher, pressing
the Mode button will toggle between the Firmware information screen, Focuser 1, Focuser 2, and Sync
Focuser screens. Focuser 1 and Focuser 2 screens will display the focuser Nicknames set up in the
FocusLynx Commander software, the current position and temperature if the temperature probe is
connected. Use the IN and OUT buttons to move the focuser position of the currently displayed focuser.
Note that Focuser 2 will be visible even if no actual focuser is connected to the second stepper port. In
this case, simply toggle past this screen using the Mode button.
Multiple Speeds
The FocusLynx Hand Control is designed for multiple speeds while at the telescope. Tap the IN or OUT
button once and the focuser will move one step. Note that if backlash compensation is enabled on the
FocusLynx hub, any move in the OUT direction will move the number of steps defined in the Setup
dialogs plus one extra step, and then reverse to yield a net move of just one step while taking up any
FocusLynx Hand Control Quick Start
199 Smith Street · Lowell, Michigan 49331 · U.S.A.
Telephone: 616-897-9351 · Fax: (616) 897-8229 · Toll Free: 888-488-0381
FocusLynx Hand Control - Revision 4
Page 2 of 3
undesirable backlash. Turning off backlash compensation will disable this behavior but is not
recommended since most geared motors will have at least twenty steps or more of inherent backlash.
Holding the IN or OUT button down will first move the motor one step, then 0.2 seconds later continue
into a low speed move. If the button remains held down for 2-1/2 seconds the motor will shift into a
higher speed mode. Backlash compensation will be taken up in the initial button press only. Releasing
the button will immediately stop the focuser movement.
Fine Focus Knob
FocusLynx Hand Controllers sold after May 2017 include a Fine Focus
Knob with rotary encoder for improved tactile feedback during manual
focus. The Fine Focus Knob is designed for easy reach with your thumb
for one-handed operation. Alternatively, you can use two hands if this
is more comfortable. The Fine Focus Knob is designed so that clockwise
rotations move the focuser OUT while counter-clockwise turns move
the focuser IN.
The Fine Focus Knob offers three speeds –1X for single step resolution, 10X for ten step movements
with each encoder tic, and 100X for high speed and longer travel moves. Press the Fine Focus Knob to
toggle between 1X, 10X, and 100X speeds. The Temperature display will change to the current speed
while the rotary encoder wheel is actively being used.
You will find that using the Fine Focus Knob is much more intuitive and
responsive than using the buttons above. Without looking away from
your eyepiece, the rotary knob is easy to use and provides a much
higher level of precision than the IN and OUT buttons alone.
Sync Function
The Sync Focuser function will synchronize a non-homing focuser like the
QuickSync FT to the midpoint of available travel. This function is useful
when re-engaging the focus motor after a
visual session. Simply press and hold the
IN button to Sync F1 (Focuser 1) or the OUT button to Sync F2. After a
few seconds you will see a “Sync Succeeded!” message and the focuser
position will be synchronized to the midpoint of travel based on the maximum position value set in
FocusLynx Commander.
FocusLynx Hand Control Quick Start
199 Smith Street · Lowell, Michigan 49331 · U.S.A.
Telephone: 616-897-9351 · Fax: (616) 897-8229 · Toll Free: 888-488-0381
FocusLynx Hand Control - Revision 4
Page 3 of 3
Troubleshooting
Occasionally, the Hand Control screen may appear blank or locked in the “Waiting for Data” screen for
too long. If the screen is blank or the “Waiting for Data” message persists, first try simply unplugging
and re-plugging the coiled handset cable in the bottom of the hand control. If this does not solve the
issue try adding a ferrite core choke or contact Optec support. When changes are made in FocusLynx
Commander set up dialogs, the cable may need to be unplugged and then re-plugged to re-establish
communication between the hub firmware and FLHC firmware.
FocusLynx Hand Control option.
Upgrades
If the FocusLynx Hand Control firmware needs to be updated, a PIC chip replacement must be ordered.
Specify Optec #19695-FW to order a hand control firmware update. The firmware is provided in a 28-
pin DIP (dual in-line package) programmable integrated circuit
with the version number marked on the IC.
First unplug the coiled cable from the hand control. Remove the
FLHC back cover to expose the circuit board and IC socket. Note
the position of the notch indicating Pin 1. Gently pry the existing
firmware chip up and out of the socket and replace with the new
firmware PIC chip. Ensure that Pin 1 is in the same orientation as
the original. Re-attach the back cover and coiled cable. Connect
to the hub and watch for the firmware version number to appear.
Fine Focus Knob Upgrade
Owners of the first generation FocusLynx Hand Controllers may wish to upgrade to the second
generation which includes the Fine Focus Knob. This second generation upgrade requires returning the
hand control to Optec for addition of the rotary encoder and associated circuitry. Optec offers our
service item #17696 for the upgrade which includes the #19695-FW firmware update to the most
current version. Contact Optec for details and pricing.
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