Lacerta FMC ASCOM Controller for MFOC Motor Unit

Lacerta FMC ASCOM Controller for MFOC Motor Unit

The FMC ASCOM control box is an alternative to the MFOC handbox if no standalone features are required, but the motor is only to be controlled via PC.

It contains a powerful stepper motor output stage (up to 1000 mA) and the necessary electronics to precisely control the powerful motor in microstepping mode (1 µm reproducible accuracy).

The software package contains the ASCOM driver and a Windows app to make the settings. Via ASCOM compatible with most common programs (APT, SGP... etc - ATTENTION, for N.I.N.A. update to FW 1.1.09).

A temperature sensor connection is possible on the MFOC motor.

Features:

operating voltage 12 V (5.5/2.1 mm connector, center positive, reverse polarity protection), current max. 1 A

cable for connection to cigarette lighter supplied

USB-B mini connector to PC, RJ45 connector to motor

firmware updates free

ASCOM driver and Windows app for control included (INDI in progress)

manual focusing possible with power off motor

size 79x117x24 mm, weight 120 g

App and driver can be downloaded from the manufacturer:

FMC_LacertaMFOC-ASCOM-driver_V3.0.3.zip
FMC_LacertaMFOC-ASCOM-driver_V3.0.5.zip
FMC_UserManual_v1.1.xx.pdf
FMC_firmware_1.1.09.zip

Reproducible accuracy 1 micrometer!

With the original LACERTA MFOC stand-alone handbox or a similarly accurate microstepping ASCOM tool, 1 µm reproducible accuracy can be achieved without problem. Of course, your focuser must also provide this quality.

Note that with other focus motor solutions a single step is 2-3 µm (i.e. NOT the reproducible accuracy, but merely the step size!).