Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller v3.x User manual

Pegasus Astro –Copyright 2021 Documentation: Feb/21
Dual Motor Focus Controller v3.x
Thank you for choosing our Dual Motor Focus Controller

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Introduction
The evolution of technology in astronomy requires a system which will assist the focusing of the
telescope with great accuracy. Fast optics and modern camera devices require automatic focusing in
every small period of time as temperature can affect focal length and modify the optimal focus position.
Pegasus Dual Motor Focus Controller (DMFC) has been developed to meet these requirements.
Designed in high quality with modern electronics it can provide digital precise control of compatible
motor focusers from a PC or from manual operation.
DMFC is suitable for visual astronomers and astro-photographers. Its unique design can support two
modes. It can drive DC motors, by its Pulse Width Modulation duty cycle control or bipolar & unipolar
stepper motors for absolute position focusing. Using the click of your mouse the mode can be instantly
changed from ‘stepper’ to ‘dc’ motor.
Controller can be operated by PC by its USB 2.0 connectivity. Moreover, a manual operation by utilizing
the digital encoder on the side of the controller emulates the knob of your focuser. Turn the knob as it
was your telescope focuser. If you press it, the steps of the motor will be reduced to 1:10.
There is a standard 2.1mm centre positive DC power connection which powers on the controller.
A dual colour light emitted diode (Green / Orange) is fitted on the side of the unit. Each colour indicates
a mode and the led can be turned on or off by its software during an observing session.
oMotor output is fully compatible with “Robofocus ©”or Moonlite pin out
(DMFC version =< v3.1)
oAn optional RJ45 to DB9 cable is needed to turn motor pinout fully compatible with
“Robofocus ©”pin out
(DMFC version >= v3.2)
A cable converter (serial to mono jack) is required for simple DC pulse motors.
An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. The digital probe of
length 0.6m is in the package. The probe can be placed near the focuser so the exact temperature of
the focuser / environment can be seen through the supplied software or ASCOM driver.
Controller supports absolute position focusing and it stores the exact focuser position so it can be
retrieved in the next observing session. Moreover, itcan store maxspeed of the stepper motor tocomply
with motor specification.
The controller can be operated by the standalone DMFC software. (Available for Windows OS). It is
also fully compatible with ASCOM 6.
Controller firmware supports reprogramming via the USB 2.0 connection with the help of a firmware
upgrade software, for future features which may become available.

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The controller has its own software drivers, applications, allowing full functionality to be quickly and
effectively.
All the drivers and applications may be used together with the same, or multiple controllers.
Controller Care
•Controller is not waterproof and it should be kept clean and dry. Moisture can damage electronics
and connectors.
•Do not allow solvents or chemicals to come into contact with the device
•Store controller indoor in a dry room when not in use
•Do not touch the internal components as they may get hot when in use
Controller Design Overview

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Power supply
The controller is fitted with a standard 2.1mm centre positive DC power connection which powers on
the controller. It can accept DC 9V minimum to DC 15V maximum. Please use a power supply that can
provide DC 12V / 1A (at least)
Insert the 2.1mm plug on the DC power cable. Controller will initialize and the status LED will light in
green colour.
Unit has been designed with reverse polarity protection. If you accidentally reverse the power
source polarity the unit will cut the power.
Motor Connector –DB9 (Older - DMFC 3.1)
The controller is fitted with a D Sub 9 Pin Female jack.
•Stepper Motors utilize first four (4) pins of D Sub 9 female jack
•DC Motors utilize first two (2) pins of D Sub 9 female connector. Duty cycle pulse width
modulation (PWM) controls the motor.
Female D Sub
Stepper Motor

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STEPPER MODE
PIN 1
COIL 1+
PIN 2
COIL 1-
PIN 3
COIL 2+
PIN 4
COIL 2-
PIN 5 - 9
NO CONNECTION
DC MODE
PIN 1
POWER +
PIN 2
POWER -
Motor Connector –RJ5 (Current - DMFC 3.2)
The controller is fitted with a RJ45 Female Jack.
•Stepper Motors utilize first four (5) pins of RJ45 female jack
•DC Motors utilize pins 3 and 4 of RJ45 female connector. Duty cycle pulse width modulation
(PWM) controls the motor.
STEPPER MODE
PIN 1
-
PIN 2
-
PIN 3
COIL 1+
PIN 4
COIL 1-
PIN 5
COIL 2+
PIN 6
COIL 2-
PIN 7
-
PIN 8
-
DC MODE
PIN 3
POWER +
PIN 4
POWER -

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USB Connection
Unit has been designed with a USB type B connector. Plug one end into a spare USB 2.0 port on the
computer or USB Hub, the other end into the USB type B receptacle on the controller labelled USB.
Controller will be identified as “DMFC v3.x” and a “USB Serial Port COMx” will be appeared to the
device manager of Windows, under Ports (COM & LPT).
Temperature Probe
The probe is an external temperature measurement device which is attached to the controller. It has a
mini stereo jack and comes with a 0.6m cable length. Probe measures temperatures from -55°C to
+125°C.
Accuracy of the probe is ±0.5°C from -10°C to +85°C. The controller detects the presence of the probe
and requests temperature readings at 30 sec intervals. When using multiple controllers and probes,
the reported temperature may differ slightly between units due to small differences between individual
sensor readouts.
This does not affect the operation of the units, as they respond to measured temperature change, not
to the actual temperature.
Please notice that you have to connect the temperature probe before you power on the
controller. If you connect it later you will have to wait for 30 seconds for probe
recalibration.

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Motor Mode Selection
By its unique design controller can support two motor modes. The motor selection can be achieved
inside the standalone software
•Click the drop-down menu of the Motor Mode (image below). Software will ask you to switch
to selected mode (Stepper Motor or DC Motor)
Mode can be changed only from the software.
Status Led
A dual colour LED is fitted on the top of the unit. It can light in yellow or green colour. The light displayed
by the led indicated the status of the device.
Permanently Green Light
Controller Start-up
Permanently Green Light
Knob encoder set to normal speed
Permanently Yellow Light
Knob encoder set to 1/10 speed
Permanently Off
Controller not operational or LED switched
off from software

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Permanently Orange Light
Digital Encoder functionality is disabled
(knob on the top)
Rotary Encoder Knob
On the side of controller there is an infinite turn - rotary knob. This digital encoder knob simulates your
focuser’s knob. In every small step turn, motor will respond clockwise or anticlockwise.
Rotary encoder has two presets. The fast step (50 steps in every click of your turn). and 1/10 reduction.
(5 steps in every click of your turn)
Switching these two pre-sets is easy by pressing down the knob on the side of the device.
You can also disable the encoder functionality by keep pressing the knob for two seconds. Led will turn
to orange and the encoder will not obey at your commands. Press the knob one more time and you will
enable the encoder functionality again.
Emergency Stop: When you press the knob, controller will halt every motor operation. This is
useful when you need to stop the motor instantly.
LED Indications
Yellow Light
Knob encoder set to 1/10 speed (5 steps)
Green Light
Knob encoder set to normal (20 steps)
Orange Light
Knob encoder is disabled
Please note that rotary encoder is in operation in parallel with PC commands. They both work
simultaneously and update the exact position of the motor.
Warranty
We provide 1-year warranty for our products. We will offer the repair service for free or replace the
item for free if the unit does not work properly within the warranty period. After the warranty period, we
will continue to provide repair support and service on a charged basis. This warranty does not apply
to damage that occurred because of abuse or misuse, or damage caused by a fall, or any other
accidental failures after purchase. The customer must pay for shipping when shipping the camera
back for repair or replacement. If you get a faulty unit, please contact us as soon as possible through
email: [e-mail]
Please describe the problem in detail, and we will do our best to solve the problem. Most instances
are perceived problems which are caused by a bad driver install or software configuration.

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Technical Specifications
Supply Voltage
12V (Controller has a voltage tolerance from 6V to 15V)
Motor Compatibility
DC motor - adjustable frequency PWM
Unipolar motors
Bipolar models
Motor Output
DC motor, max 1 Amp
Unipolar / stepper motors, max 2.0 Amps (1.0 Amps per phase)
Continuous output current per channel: 1 A
Peak output current per channel: 3 A
Continuous paralleled output current: 2 A
USB Connectivity
USB 2.0 Type B plug
Thermal Sensor Resolution
9-bit Celsius temperature measurements
Power Input Connector
2.1mm Centre Positive Socket
Motor Connector
RJ45 8P8C / (D Sub 9 female jack for older model)
Dimensions
66mm x 66mm x 28 mm
Troubleshooting guide
Problem
Cause
Cure
Controller LED is off
Power supply is not connected
Connect Power and wait for
three green light blinks
(Controller Boot)
Stepper motor does not move
Check if mode is in “stepper
motor”setting
Set mode to “stepper motor”
setting and retry
DC motor does not move
Check if mode is in “dc motor”
setting
Set mode to “dc motor” setting
and retry
Mode is in stepper but stepper
motor does not move
Motor speed is very low or zero
Go to settings in software and
set max speed of motor (try to
set 400-500 steps).
Stepper motor makes strange
noises
Motor has been connected with
wrong cabling or a cable has
been disconnected / cut
(stepper motor requires 4
cables)
Check cable order is correct and
retry or replace serial cable

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Stepper motor makes strange
noises or step gaps when
accelerates
You have specified a “max
speed” larger than motor can
support
Go to “Settings” and limit the
max speed (try between 400-
600). Every stepper motor has
a maximum speed or else it will
jump and loose steps. Pegasus
Astro Stepper Motor support
max speed up to 500.
Knob on the side does not work
Check that LED is not orange
colored. This means you have
disabled the knob encoder
functionality
Press the knob to enable the
encoder. The led light will turn
yellow or green
Sensor does not report
temperature
Check that sensor is in place
Check connectivity of the
sensor. Recycle power and retry
or wait for 1-3 minutes for
sensor recalibration.
Controller randomly looses USB
connectivity
Check that your USB cable does
not exceed 5m length.
Use a shorter cable or a
powered USB hub. The USB 2.0
specification limits the length of
a cable between USB 2.0
devices (Full Speed or Hi-
Speed) to 5 meters.
Software installation
Latest software and drivers release can be found at Pegasus Support site:
http://pegasusastro.com/support
Please download and install the following:
•ASCOM6 Driver for DMFC
•Standalone DMFC Application
•USB Drivers for DMFC

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Standalone Application (Focus Controller)
Standalone application does not require ASCOM drivers and it can fully configure / operate the controller.
The first thing you need to do is to select your Focus controller.
•Click “Settings” tab and locate the Connectivity section.

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•Click “Device ID”. A drop-down instantly lists all the discovered Pegasus Astro Focus controllers.
•Select your desired device from this list. You can also choose the “Auto Select” option which will
automatically use the first discovered controller of your system.
•Press “Connect” button located at the toolbar.
•Application will connect to the controller and the “Connected” status will appear at the bottom
taskbar. Taskbar also displays the reported step position, ambient temperature and the type of the
motor that is controlled.
Led status
You can switch ON or OFF the led indicator of the controller. A handy feature if you need to fully turn off the
LED light (night vision etc).
Please note that LED will turn ON after every controller power startup.

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Motor Settings - New Position
If you need to change the current position of the controller, you can do it through this option.
Locate the “Set New Position” field, type the new desired position and click Set button on the right.
Controller will set as new position the value you typed.
Please note: controller will not move the motor. Controller will only change the value of the
reported current position. This feature is very useful when you need to zero the position of the
focuser or set another value.
You can also zero the position of the focuser by clicking the button at the top taskbar of the application.
Position Presets and Motor Rates
You can easily set and save custom names and step values. Right click each position preset or rate and a popup
window will appear. Type the desired step count and click OK button.

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Motor Control
From these buttons you can control the step count of your stepper motor (or pulses if you have a DC motor
plugged into DMFC controller).
Click each button. Each button represents how many steps the motor is going to move forward (+ steps) or
backwards (- steps).
Notice that “Position” indicator will change its value and will confirm your command

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There are two additional buttons (<<< & >>>) that will forward / reverse accelerate the motor. Keep mouse
down and the motor will start accelerating to the direction you have clicked.
Use these buttons only if you need to quickly move in or out your focuser (be careful not to exceed focuser
limits!)
In every motor movement, final position (when motor stops) is stored after 10 secs into controller’s
EEPROM memory. This will ensure that next time you power on the controller, last saved position will
be retrieved from its memory.
Current Motor Position
Controller continuously (every 500 milisec) reports motor / focuser position. Current Position readout can be
found at the control tab. (check image below)
Set A New Motor Position
You can command the motor to move to a new position. Set the value and click “GO” button.
Motor will start moving to the new position you defined. You can monitor the running motor position on the
position readout.
Emergency Motor Stop
Click the “HALT” button and the motor will instantly stop. A handy button if you want to instantly stop the
running motor.

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Ambient Temperature
Existing environmental temperature and temperature readout over time (chart) can be seen at the
“Temperature” tab.
You can easily check what was the last focus temperature so you will estimate if it is time to refocus.
Usually, a temperature difference of 2 degrees demands a telescope re-focus. (Lots of factors rule this decision
such as type of glass, carbon or aluminum tube etc.)

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Motor Config –> Motor Speed
All stepper motors have limits of the max speed they can achieve. If you set a higher “max speed” than your
motor can support, it will probably jump / loose steps and make weird noises as it will never be able to keep
up with the controller’s designated steps.
Click the Motor Speed drop down menu and select the desired max speed.
Click Set button on the right to push this setting to the controller. Setting is stored in controller’s memory
WE STRONGLY SUGGEST TO LEAVE THE MAX SPEED TO “PEGASUS DEFAULT”AS IT IS
OPTIMIZED FOR THE PEGASUS STEPPER MOTOR
Motor Config -> Reverse Direction
In case you need to reverse the motor rotation you can switch the “Reverse” button to ON. Reverse button is
located at “Settings tab. Reverse Setting is stored in controller’s memory
A reverse icon will be appeared at the status window of the main application pointing that you have enabled
this option.

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Motor Config -> Backlash Compensation
Backlash, sometimes called lash or play, is clearance or lost motion in a mechanism caused by gaps between the
parts. Motor’s gearbox or other components in the focuser can have an amount of backlash.
Compensation will be invoked when the move in opposite of the compensation direction. Just make sure the
amount specified is more than needed to remove the backlash.
To enable backlash compensation, set Backlash Comp to ON and type the backlash step number at the popup
window. Click OK.
Setting is stored in the EEPROM and backlash compensation is applied on every motor movement.

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The “gear mesh” icon below will notify you that the backlash compensation functionality is enabled.
Position Limits
You can set the maximum & minimum step position that the motor can go. This will enforce the controller to
disallow a motor move to the direction you are about to exceed this limit. This is a handy option to prevent the
focuser to fully move in or out.
•Move to the Settings tab and type the numeric limit inside the “Minimum” and “Maximum” field.
•Click the “ON” to enable these limits.
When you try to exceed this limit the controller will deny to increase steps and it will notify you that the limit
was about to exceed.
Disabled Knob of the Hand Controller
If you would like to disable knob on the side of the controller
•Press the knob for two (2) seconds.
•You can also disable it from the settings of the standalone software.
Hand Controller’s both leds will turn on and the software will report the disabled status of the knob.

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Press the knob one more time to enable the encoder functionality
Firmware and Software Version
Useful information about the:
•Commands exchanged
•Software version
•Model of your controller (name and revision of the electronic board)
•Firmware version
can be viewed on the “Information” tab.