Pegasus Astro Dual Motor Focus Controller User manual

Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0
Pegasus Astro – Copyright 2016
Thank you for choosing Pegasus Astro - Dual Motor Focus Controller v2.0.
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 unipolar stepper motors for absolute position focusing. By the slide of one switch on the
left side of the controller, the mode can be instantly changed from ‘stepper’ to ‘dc’ motor.
The controller can be operated by PC by its USB2 connectivity. Moreover, a manual operation
by utilizing the digital encoder on the top 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 by 1/10.
There is a standard 2.1mm center positive DC power connection which powers on the
controller.
A dual color light emitted diode (Green / Red) is fitted on the top of the unit. Each color
indicates a mode and the led can be turned on or off by its software during an observing
session.
Motor output is fully compatible with “Robofocus ©”pin out. A cable converter (serial to
mono jack) can be used for simple DC pulse motors.
An external digital temperature sensor input is located near the motor connector. The digital
probe of length 1.5m is supplied. 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 focusing and it stores the exact focuser position so it can be
retrieved in the next observing session. Moreover, it can store max speed of the stepper motor
to comply 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 using upgrade
software, for future upgrades which may become available.
The controller has its own software drivers, applications, allowing full functionality to be quickly
and effectively.

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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
Unit has been designed with reverse polarity protection. If you accidentally connect wrong the
power source polarity the unit will cut the power.
The controller is fitted with a standard 2.1mm center positive DC power connection which
powers on the controller. It can accept DC 9V minimum to DC 15V maximum. Please use
apower supply that can provide DC 12V / 1-2A.
Insert the 2.1mm plug on the DC power cable. Controller will initialize and the status LED will
stay illuminate in green color.
Motor Connector
The controller is fitted with a D Sub 9 Pin Female Connector.
• Unipolar Stepper Motors utilize first four (4) pins of D Sub 9 female connector
• Simple DC Motors utilize first two (2) pins of D Sub 9 female connector. Dusty cycle
pulse width modulation (PWM) controls the motor.

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Female D Sub
FOCUSER CONNECTION IN STEPPER MODE
PIN 1
COIL 1+
PIN 2
COIL 1-
PIN 3
COIL 2+
PIN 4
COIL 2-
PIN 5 - 9
NO CONNECTION
FOCUSER CONNECTION IN DC MODE
PIN 1
POWER +
PIN 2
POWER -
PIN 3 - 9
NO CONNECTION
Stepper Motor

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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, the other end into the USB type B receptacle on the controller labeled
USB.
Controller will be identified as “DMFC v2.0” and a serial port will be appeared to the operating
system.
Temperature Probe
The probe is an external temperature measurement device which is attached to the controller.
It comes with length of 1m cable. 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.
Keep in mind you have to connect the temperature probe before you power on the
controller. If you connect it later the probe will not report temperature reading. You will
need to recycle power to make the probe work.

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Mode Selection
By its unique design controller can support two motor modes.
The motor selection can be achieved by the slide of the
switch on the right side of the controller.
• Position near USB socket is STEPPER mode
• Position near “reset hole” in DC mode
Mode can be changed only from this slide switch and it can be done during controller
operation too.
Status Led
A dual color LED is fitted on the top of the unit. It can light red or green. The light displayed by
the led indicated the status of the device.
Green light will blink 3 times every 200 msec
Controller Startup
Permanently Green Light
Knob encoder set to normal speed
Permanently Red Light
Knob encoder set to 1/10 speed
Permanently Off
Controller not operational or LED
switched off from software
Permanently Orange Light
Digital Encoder functionality is disabled
(knob on the top)
Rotary Encoder Knob
On the top of controller there is an infinite 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)
Changing the presets is easy by pressing down the knob on the top of the device.
You can 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 one more time the
knob and you will enable the encoder again.
Emergency Stop: When you click top knob, controller will cancel every motor rotation. This
is useful when you need to stop the motor instantly.

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LED Indications
Red 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 flawlessly and update the exact position of the motor.
Technical Specifications
Supply Voltage
9 - 15V DC (12V preferred)
Motor Compatibility
DC motor - adjustable frequency PWM
Unipolar motors
Bipolar models
Motor Output
DC motor, max 0.8 Amp
Unipolar / Bipolar stepper motors, max 1.6 Amps (0.8 Amps
per phase)
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
D Sub 9 female connector
Dimensions
115mm x 60mm x 30 mm

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Troubleshooting guide
Problem
Cause
Cure
Controller LED is off
Power supply is not
connected
Connect Power and wait for three
green light blinks (Controller
Startup)
Stepper motor does not move
Check mode slider switch is
in stepper
Set slider switch to stepper mode
and retry
DC motor does not move
Check mode slider switch is
in dc
Set slider switch to dc mode 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
noise
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
Stepper motor makes strange
noise 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)
Knob on the top 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 red
or green
Sensor does not report
temperature
If you have connected sensor
after controller’s power on the
sensor will not work
Check connectivity of the sensor.
Recycle power and retry.
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 DMFC Application
Standalone application does not require ASCOM drivers and it can configure and operate
the Dual Motor Focus Controller.
In order to connect from the supplied software to the controller, you need to first configure
the serial port
• Click on “Settings” icon
The following window will appear

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• Click “Device”. A drop down list of discovered DMFC controller will appear. Choose
the Dual Motor Focus Controller and click “OK”
• Press “Connect” button
• Application will connect to the controller and the “Connected” status will appear on
the bottom taskbar.
Led status
You can operate the led indicator on the top of controller on demand. Click the circle “LED”
icon and switch on or off the LED of the controller.
Mode status
The mode selection of the controller is reported in this section of the taskbar
Mode will be reported as:
• Stepper Motor
• DC Motor
Notice that you cannot change the mode from the software. Switch the mode slider on the
left side of the controller enclosure to select mode
Motor Settings – Max Speed
It’s critical to set “Max speed” of stepper motor. All stepper motors have limits in max speed
they can achieve. If you set a speed faster than your motor can support it probably jump
steps or make weird noise as it cannot operate correctly.
• Connect to the controller
• Go to settings and check “Motor Settings”
• Set steppers motor “Max Speed” and click “Set”. Setting will be saved to controller’s
memory (EPROM)
• Power cycle controller to read new setting and configure motor output

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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.
• Type new position and press “Set” Button
• Controller will instantly set new position the value you specified.
Notice that controller will not move motor. Controller will only change value of
reported current position
This 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 “000” button in the top taskbar of
the application.
Custom Rates
You can easily set and save custom names and step / pulse values in the following section
of “Setup” page.
Click “OK” and your settings will appear in the main application.

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Control Motor
From these buttons you will control the steps of the stepper motor or pulses from DC motor.
• Set the “Step” to the value you want (bigger the step / pulse count, larger the
movement of the motor shaft)
You can also fast select the predefined values you specified in “Custom Rates”
• Click once the “step number” button. This is how many steps the motor will move
forward (+ steps) or backwards (- steps).
Notice that “Position” indicator will change its value and will confirm your command
There are also two more buttons that will forward / reverse accelerate the motor. Keep
mouse down and the motor will start accelerating to the director you clicked.
Use these buttons only if you need to fast move in or out the focuser
In every motor movement, final position (when motor stops) is saved in controller’s
memory. This will ensure next time you power on the controller, last saved position will be
retrieved from its memory.

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Current Motor Position
Controller continuously (every 500 milisec) reports motor / focuser position. Reading can be
found in the following image:
Set A New Motor Position
You can easily specify a new motor position. Set the value and click “GO” button.
Motor will start moving to the new position you defined.
Emergency Motor Stop
Click the “STOP” yellow button and the motor will instantly stop. This can save you if you
specified a wrong position and the focuser is extending very fast.
Temperature of sensor
Existing environmental temperature of the sensor can be seen in the following reading.
Click the temperature and a graph which displays temperature over time will appear
You can easily view when was the last focus temperature so you can know exactly if it is
time to refocus.

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Reverse Direction
In case you need to invert the motor in anti-clockwise rotation you can click the “Reverse
Direction” option from settings. This option can be useful if you use gears to transmit motor’s
movement to your focuser.
An anti-clockwise icon will appear on the statusbar of the main application pointing that you
have selected this option.
Maximum Position
You have the option to specify the maximum steps of the motor. This will enforce the
controller to disallow a motor move to the direction you are about to exceed this limit. This is
a useful option to prevent the focuser to fully move in or out.
Move to settings and type the numeric limit in the “Max Position” section you need to
enforce. Click the “On” check button
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.

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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. For
example, if you select “IN” then on every “OUT” move, the compensation will be invoked such
that the focuser will be moved out an by the amount specified and then in by that amount to
remove the backlash. There is no need to be exact about the amount of compensation to use.
Just make sure the amount specified is more than needed to remove the backlash.
To enable backlash compensation, choose the extra steps you need to calculated in
compensation, select the direction of it and click the “On” check box.
An indication on the main status bar will notify you that the backlash compensation
functionality is enabled.
Knob Encoder Disabled
If you want to disable knob on the top of the controller press the knob for two (2) seconds.
Led indicator will turn to orange and the software will report the disabled status of the knob.
A red knob will appear on the status bar or the software (check following image)
Press the knob one more time to enable the encoder functionality
Firmware and Software Version
Connect to controller and click the “informational” button on the taskbar of the main
application.

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In this window you can verify the firmware version of the controller including the version of the
standalone application. Keep in mind that software supports new feature combined with the
latest firmware release.
Please check http://pegasusastro.com/support for latest firmware & software updates of “Dual
Motor Focus Controller”.