Pegasus Astro FOCUSCUBE V3 User manual

Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
FOCUSCUBE V3
PRODUCT MANUAL
Version 1.0
01-Dec-2023

FocusCube v3
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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
VERSION HISTORY
Version #
Implemented By
Revision Date
Reason
1.0
Evans Souglakos
01/12/2023
Initial Document

FocusCube v3
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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................4
1.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................4
1.2 In The Box............................................................................................................4
1.3 Device Care..........................................................................................................5
DEVICE DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................5
1.4 Design Overview..................................................................................................5
1.5 Feature List...........................................................................................................6
INSTALLATION.....................................................................................................................7
OPERATION .........................................................................................................................10
MOTOR TYPE ......................................................................................................................10
UNIVERSAL BRACKET.....................................................................................................10
USB CONNECTIVITY.........................................................................................................11
TEMPERATURE SENSOR .................................................................................................11
EZY HC CONNECTOR.......................................................................................................12
LED INDICATION ...............................................................................................................12
RESET WATCHDOG...........................................................................................................13
BACKLASH COMPENSATION.........................................................................................13
WIFI CLIENT........................................................................................................................13
WIFI HOTSPOT....................................................................................................................13
1.6 Considerations about Wi-Fi channels to improve network connection .............14
WEB DASHBOARD..............................................................................................................14
ASCOM 6................................................................................................................................16
ASCOM ALPACA.................................................................................................................16
COMMAND SOCKET VIA TCP PORT............................................................................18
STANDALONE OPERATION.............................................................................................18
UPGRADABLE FIRMWARE .............................................................................................19
DIMENSIONS........................................................................................................................19
RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................19
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION.........................................................................................20
ENVIRONMENT...................................................................................................................20
WARRANTY..........................................................................................................................20
SUPPORT...............................................................................................................................20

FocusCube v3
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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Pegasus Astro FocusCube v3!
1.1 PURPOSE
The FocusCube v3 is our cutting-edge solution for achieving fast, reliable, and precise focusing of your telescope
in the ever-evolving field of astrophotography. In an era where fast optics and advanced camera devices are
essential, maintaining accurate focus is paramount.
Equipped with a high-resolution stepper motor coupled with a robust gearbox, it delivers an exceptional level of
torque that can effortlessly lift and support telescope equipment weighing up to 6 kg, even when pointing at the
zenith. What sets this motor system apart is its meticulous attention to precision, as the backlash has been
meticulously minimized to achieve very low values.
The FocusCube 3 offers streamlined convenience with a single USB-C cable for both power and data, reducing
complexity in your telescope setup. Additionally, it’s Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control and monitor focus
remotely from your mobile phone.
Notably, you can operate it simultaneously with USB or Wi-Fi, providing flexibility and ease of use for
astronomers, all from the convenience of your smartphone.
1.2 IN THE BOX
The box contains the following items:
▪FocusCube v3
▪Temperature Sensor
▪Universal L Bracket
▪USB-C cable
▪5 different motor couplers (bore diameter from 4mm to 8mm)
▪Different sizes of metric screws and washers
▪6pcs M3x8mm length screws (to assemble the bracket and attach the enclosure to it)

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
1.3 DEVICE CARE
The device electronics are housed inside an aluminium blue and black anodized enclosure. The
enclosure is made from aircraft aluminum alloy type 6061 which provides very good corrosion
resistance.
•While the controller is safeguarded against moisture, it is essential to emphasize that it is not waterproof
and should always be maintained in a clean and dry environment.
•Prolonged exposure to excessive moisture can pose a significant risk to the electronics and connectors,
potentially causing damage. It is imperative to exercise caution in this regard.
•Avoid any contact between solvents or chemicals and the device, as these substances can have adverse
effects on its functionality.
•When the controller is not in use for extended periods, it is advisable to store it indoors within a dry room
to prevent any potential moisture-related issues.
•Take precautionary measures and refrain from touching the internal components during operation, as
they may become hot. Ensuring safety and optimal performance is paramount.
DEVICE DESCRIPTION
1.4 DESIGN OVERVIEW
From left to right
•Red LED operation indication (as dim as possible)
•USB-PC connector (accepts a USB type C cable)
•Temperature Sensor socket (3.5mm mini stereo connector)
•EZY-HC Hand Controller Socket (RJ12)

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
L-Shape Bracket with the four M3 x 6mm screws and the motor coupler.
1.5 FEATURE LIST
▪Fast and Precise Focusing: Swift and accurate focusing for modern telescopes and cameras.
▪Automated Focusing with Temperature Compensation: Maintains optimal focus by automatically
adjusting for temperature changes.
▪High Torque Motor: Can lift up to 6 kg even when pointing at zenith.
▪Low Backlash: Minimized play for precise focus v-curve points.
▪Universal Bracket: Fits various focusers (4mm to 8mm couplers included).
▪Digital Temperature Sensor: Monitors ambient temperature changes.
▪USB-C Connectivity: Single cable for power and data.
▪Wi-Fi Enabled: Hotspot and wireless 2.4GHz client support.
▪Web Browser Access: Control via web browser on any device, making it OS-independent.
▪ASCOM Alpaca Support: Seamless integration with popular software.
▪Firmware Upgradability: Future-proof with software updates.
▪Optional External Hand Controller: Ideal for visual observers who prefer manual control.

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
INSTALLATION
FocusCube v3 is supplied with a unique L-shaped bracket for connection to a wide variety of focusers:
✓Baader Diamond Steeltrack
✓Baader Steeltrack
✓Explore Scientific Focuser
✓Askar Telescopes Focusers
✓ZWO (Askar Made) Telescopes
✓MoonLite Focusers
✓Skywatcher Esprit Series Focuser
✓StarField Optics Focusers
✓Starlight Feathertouch Series
✓Stellarvue Focusers
✓Takahashi FS-60, TSA-120, Epsilon Focusers
✓Takahashi FSQ & TOA Focuser
✓Vixen ED81S
✓William Optics GT71
✓William Optics RedCat
Alternative focusers may also be compatible with the installation of the FocusCube v3. We advise consulting the
connection plate rails to ensure compatibility with your specific focuser before initiating the installation process.
▪Assemble the L bracket by using the supplied 2 pcs of M3x8mm screws.
▪Bond the L bracket with the FocusCube v3 device. Use the 4 pcs of M3x8mm screws to connect the
enclosure on the bracket. Do not overtight them as you need to adjust the final position of the motor.

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
▪Remove the coarse knob from your focuser by untightening the grub screw(s). Keep the knob somewhere
safe as you will not need it now. * Hex key tool is not included
oSome focusers do not have a grab screw on the knob. If this is your case, it is located underneath the set
screw near the coarse knob. Remove it and locate the knob’s hidden grab screws. Usually, there are two
of them so turn the knob to access & untie them.
▪Choose the appropriate motor coupler (from a range of 4mm to 8mm) that firmly fits into the shaft of your
focuser. The motor shaft is 5mm.
▪Insert the coupler into the shaft and fully tighten both grab screws with a hex key tool. Make sure to have
the flat surface of the focuser shaft facing the thread.
▪Connect the focuser body to the motor coupler and firmly secure it by tightening the lock screw with a hex
key tool. Tighten the two grub screws (one on each side) of the coupler to firmly lock the motor shaft in the
coupler. To do that you need to rotate the motor axis. A quick way is to connect to FocusCube v3 hotspot
and with your mobile phone to access the web dashboard where you can control the motor.
▪Carefully examine the options you have to attach the bracket to one or more thread holes underneath your
focuser. Use compatible screws and spacers (included) or use your locking thumbscrew to attach the motor
to your focuser. Try not to mess with friction screws as you may have slippage on the drawtube of your
focuser.

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
▪Adjust the motor up or down to align it with the focuser’s shaft and then tight well the set screws on the
motor side
▪Ensure the secure attachment of all mounting brackets. With this, the hardware installation of the
FocusCube v3 is completed.

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Pegasus Astro –FocusCube v3
OPERATION
I. Initial Connection:
1. USB Cable: Carefully insert the USB type C cable into the designated port on the FocusCube v3 and
connect the other end to your computer.
II. Device Boot-up:
3. Upon connecting the USB-C cable, the device will commence its boot sequence. Observe the LED
indicator, which will perform three rapid blinks before transitioning to a steady, solid red illumination.
This confirms the successful loading of firmware and signifies that the device is now in full operational
mode.
III. Software Installation:
5. To establish communication with the device, please visit our official website at pegasusastro.com.
Download the Unity software package from https://pegasusastro.com/download/, which includes the
requisite ASCOM driver, to facilitate connectivity with the FocusCube v3. You can also connect the
device with ASCOM Alpaca. Check ASCOM Alpaca section in this manual.
MOTOR TYPE
The FocusCube v3 is equipped with a high-resolution geared stepper motor featuring a Step Angle of 7.5 degrees
and a Gearbox Reduction Rate of 120 (resulting in an impressive 0.06255 degrees per step). This gearbox ensures
minimal backlash and delivers exceptional torque, making it perfectly suited for achieving micron-scale precision
in focusing applications.
FocusCube v3 controller drives the stepper motor at full step.
➢WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT MANUAL MOVEMENT OF THE MOTOR WITHOUT POWER.
The motor functions as a brake, and attempting rotation without power may result in damage of the
internal gearbox.
UNIVERSAL BRACKET
Our versatile Universal bracket features custom-made holes and rails, designed to ensure seamless integration
with any telescope system.
Whether you have a refractor, reflector, or any other telescope type, the FocusCube 3's bracket can be effortlessly
adjusted to meet your exact needs.
Use the provided screws and washers to attach the bracket on your telescope focuser.