There seem to be a lot more astro accessories coming out recently which are copies/knockoffs (whatever term preferred) at much cheaper prices which is good for the hobby. I guess the question is, how long will they last (time will tell). Hopefully they last long enough to make them worthwhile. Will be interested to see how well you think it functions.
You're not wrong mate I was pretty surprised looking at that mount you mentioned last night. I'm relatively confident this will work when I test it, but like you say I think longevity will be the question!
I see that the new Gemini autofocuser has a temperature sensor. I tried using the Temperature Compensation feature in NINA, but it causes the program to freeze. Have you experienced this issue, or do you know how to fix it? Thanks!
Yours arrived quick I'm still waiting for mine apparently it's being delivered today of all things, just don't forget to turn the power on to use it though eh lol. I know getting the drivers is a bit of a faff on the Ali express site but I did manage to get mine downloaded & it should work with NINA plus I think it has its own basic stand alone interface for focusing but I'll need to look into it more when it finally gets here.
Thanks mate I unboxed mine & it came with no temperature sensor even though the order showed it on there so I guess people will have to be wary or lucky with what they get I guess, It's still not a deal breaker as you can set it to autofocus every hour or so so can't complain to much for the price.
I have a question about this. I want to take pictures and also use it visually on my lens, I plan to install it on the left side of the dual focuser, so if I install it, can I use the right side of the focuser mechanically, I asked the seller and they said it will lock the mechanical movement, meaning only 1 of the 2 can be selected.
@@flydesigner6742 Hey there, so no if you install it you have to focus either using your connected computer or the little hand controller which comes with it.
£78 uk pounds that’s nuts I bought a cnc spider for my 200pds for £57 delivered off Aliexpress perfect fit too , I like that focuser uses a printer type connection much better than usb c which is a flimsy fit
I've got one as well, for the price is really tempting. Definitely looks like a brazen knock off of the ZWO; others have said the drivers were taken (copied?) from the Mifocuser open source solution, that have been around for years (thanks to its author who selflessly shared the plans and software). I have already installed mine on the cheap 90mm f10 achromat that I use for white light solar imaging. So far is is working nicely, remains to be seen how durable it is in the long run.
@sjpp71 Good to know yours is working OK anyway. Interesting information about the open source solution good to know. Like you say let's see how long it lasts fingers 🤞.
Like many, I'm on a tight budget and this and their rotator cost less than the ZWO EAF. For 70 quid vs 199 for the EAF, it's worth a punt. As for the rotator. Do I need a rotator? No. Will I buy one? Yes, because reasons...
Yes I would say worth a punt for sure. In terms of an automated rotator, I've never felt the need for one. I get my rotation correct at the beginning of my imaging session, and I feel it doesn't take much time.
Thank you for providing the drivers! I ordered the focuser and not even the Aliexpress seller could give me the drivers.😅
No worries Jose thanks also for the donation. Yes, the drivers are a bit obscure. Not all the sellers seem to have the link.
Nice, followed this focuser for a while and comments are looking good !
@RigoFromSpain Yep I've looked around and mostly what I've seen is positive so far.
Looks great Ollie looking forward to seeing the follow up video
Cheers Tony fingers crossed it all works
There seem to be a lot more astro accessories coming out recently which are copies/knockoffs (whatever term preferred) at much cheaper prices which is good for the hobby. I guess the question is, how long will they last (time will tell). Hopefully they last long enough to make them worthwhile. Will be interested to see how well you think it functions.
You're not wrong mate I was pretty surprised looking at that mount you mentioned last night. I'm relatively confident this will work when I test it, but like you say I think longevity will be the question!
I see that the new Gemini autofocuser has a temperature sensor. I tried using the Temperature Compensation feature in NINA, but it causes the program to freeze. Have you experienced this issue, or do you know how to fix it? Thanks!
Yours arrived quick I'm still waiting for mine apparently it's being delivered today of all things, just don't forget to turn the power on to use it though eh lol. I know getting the drivers is a bit of a faff on the Ali express site but I did manage to get mine downloaded & it should work with NINA plus I think it has its own basic stand alone interface for focusing but I'll need to look into it more when it finally gets here.
It's actually pretty amazing how quickly they get delivered eh coming from China. Ye hopefully will play nicely with NINA. Good luck Tich 👍
Thanks mate I unboxed mine & it came with no temperature sensor even though the order showed it on there so I guess people will have to be wary or lucky with what they get I guess, It's still not a deal breaker as you can set it to autofocus every hour or so so can't complain to much for the price.
@dumpydalekobservatory 🤨 that's a bit random might be worth shooting off an email to let them know. There's a Gmail address on the AliExpress page.
Cool Ollie! another cheaper option outside of big RED!! Cheers & Clear Skies!
@AZ4Runner Ye I would say and saves us some money but we all know we'll spend it on some other astro part.🤣
I have a question about this. I want to take pictures and also use it visually on my lens, I plan to install it on the left side of the dual focuser, so if I install it, can I use the right side of the focuser mechanically, I asked the seller and they said it will lock the mechanical movement, meaning only 1 of the 2 can be selected.
@@flydesigner6742 Hey there, so no if you install it you have to focus either using your connected computer or the little hand controller which comes with it.
£78 uk pounds that’s nuts I bought a cnc spider for my 200pds for £57 delivered off Aliexpress perfect fit too , I like that focuser uses a printer type connection much better than usb c which is a flimsy fit
Ye it really did seem a bit too cheap to be true, Ye I've always liked the printer style connection always solid.
no download button on your link for the driver, only uploads?
Not quite sure understand the second link links to the OneDrive folder.
Hey Ollie great video, funny to.
Where in Oz are you & where from England are you from
Hi David cheers. I'm from near Sheffield in the UK and now in Geelong down in Victoria.
I've got one as well, for the price is really tempting. Definitely looks like a brazen knock off of the ZWO; others have said the drivers were taken (copied?) from the Mifocuser open source solution, that have been around for years (thanks to its author who selflessly shared the plans and software). I have already installed mine on the cheap 90mm f10 achromat that I use for white light solar imaging. So far is is working nicely, remains to be seen how durable it is in the long run.
@sjpp71 Good to know yours is working OK anyway. Interesting information about the open source solution good to know. Like you say let's see how long it lasts fingers 🤞.
Like many, I'm on a tight budget and this and their rotator cost less than the ZWO EAF. For 70 quid vs 199 for the EAF, it's worth a punt. As for the rotator. Do I need a rotator? No. Will I buy one? Yes, because reasons...
Yes I would say worth a punt for sure. In terms of an automated rotator, I've never felt the need for one. I get my rotation correct at the beginning of my imaging session, and I feel it doesn't take much time.
Yeah the stepsize of this eaf is bigger than other brands, that's why it is so cheap. The finer/smaller the stepsize the more expensive they are.
@siegfriednoet Thanks Siegfried this makes sense.