Askar WAF - Worm-and-Gear Automatic Telescope Focuser

Askar WAF - Worm-and-Gear Automatic Telescope Focuser

Say goodbye to manual focusing, achieve precise focus with ease.

Askar proudly introduces the all-new self-developed Electronic Focuser WAF - freeing you from the tediousness and uncertainty of manual focusing while enabling precise, effortless focus. It delivers a hassle-free and highly efficient auto-focusing experience for astronomy enthusiasts.

Quick and Easy Installation
The Askar WAF features a universal structural design. Its multi-functional socket supports adjustable installation, making it compatible with the vast majority of telescope focusers on the market. The quick-release structure allows fast setup and removal without complex operations. Here is a link to an installation video.

Compatible with a wide range of focusers:

Askar/Sharpstar: Full series of focusers (except helical focusers; adapters for SQA55 and 50P coming soon)

Sky-Rover: Full series of focusers

Sky-Watcher: Newtonian series, DOB series focusers

Others: German TS refractor focusers, Astro-Tech focusers

High torque, High precision
Built with a high-torque, high-precision stepper motor, combined with a precision worm-and-gear transmission, the WAF delivers ample torque for focusing. It accurately executes tiny step movements, achieving micron-level positioning precision with ease, meeting the stringent precision requirements of professional astrophotography.

High Load Capacity
Optimized and upgraded for scenarios with multiple accessories and heavy equipment, the WAF offers outstanding load capacity - up to 20 kg - outperforming comparable products. The entire mechanism runs with low noise and no stuttering, providing smooth, stable focusing and long-lasting durability.

Broad Compatibility
Fully supports ASCOM Alpaca and all ASCOM Alpaca-compatible third-party software (e.g., N.I.N.A.), enabling auto-focusing for deep-sky astrophotography with mainstream imaging software. No additional driver is required for the device; it is plug-and-play with N.I.N.A., greatly improving imaging and observation efficiency. The device also supports the INDIGO protocol. When using that system, please install the corresponding driver in advance.

Wired and Wireless Dual Modes
The device is equipped with a 12 V power port and a Type-C data port, supporting both wired and wireless operation modes to flexibly adapt to different usage scenarios and equipment setups.

WIRED MODE
In wired mode, simply connect the Type-C cable directly to a computer - no local network required. Truly plug-and-play, simple and efficient.

WIRELESS MODE
Wireless mode offers greater freedom; control can be performed flexibly from a mobile phone or computer, enabling remote control within a local network.
On the mobile side, the dedicated Askar APP allows wireless control - precise and responsive focusing, stop on release, with independently adjustable travel and step size. One-tap focusing completes the operation. Even during visual observation, you can focus without touching the telescope itself, making outdoor stargazing and imaging more flexible and convenient.

APP Customization and Device Management
Designed with astronomy enthusiasts in mind, the WAF offers personalized management features: custom device naming, multi-device grouping, and unified management -
eliminating confusion and operational chaos. It also supports step parameter fine-tuning, travel reversal, and other custom settings, adapting to individual habits to create a personalized focusing experience.

* The Askar APP is available on the iOS App Store - simply search for "Askar" to download
* The Askar APP can be downloaded from Askar´s official website under Support > Download Center for Android users

Simple and Elegant Design
The entire unit features a metal body with classic matte black as the main color, complemented by a fine sandblasted texture for a skin-friendly grip. The body is laser-engraved with the exclusive "Askar | WAF" logo - simple, elegant, and professional, combining quality feel with strong brand identity.

WAF Optional Accessory Kit (coming soon)
Compatible with helical-focuser telescopes such as the SQA55:
- Adapter base
- Synchronous pulley gear mount
- 120MXL synchronous belt (for 50P)
- 136MXL synchronous belt (for SQA55)
- 2.5 mm hex key

Promotion video
Askar presents the WAF focuser in a video:

- Askar | WAF
- Connecting bracket
- Socket (6 mm inner bore)
- Gear mount (5 mm /7 mm inner bore)
- 2 mm / 3 mm hex key
- T6 / T8 Torx wrench
- M4x10 black cap head screws*2
- Network reset pin
- Type-C cable (1 m)
- 12 V cable with 2x coaxial power connector 5.5/2.1 mm (1 m)
- User manual
- A 12-V power supply with an output current of at least 1 A and a 5.5/2.1 mm barrel connector is also required! You can find a few suggestions in the accessory recommendations.

Illustrated installation instructions

Connecting the motorized focuser involves several steps, the first of which is performed once, the second at most once, and only the third possibly on a regular basis. The steps are shown below in pictures (with captions in Chinese and English); click on them to enlarge:

First, attach the connecting bracket and the socket to the focuser. This only needs to be done once.


If necessary, the gear mount will be replaced. This will be necessary at most once.


Then, attach the WAF to the socket and secure it by turning a knurled screw. That´s it!

If the WAF needs to be removed for transport, simply reverse the last step, but do not reverse the first two.


You can also view the procedure in one image, though at the enormous resolution of 3840x9925 pixels:

Please click here and save if necessary

Safety informations: PDF Download