Celestron Focus Motor Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 бер 2019
- The Celestron Focus Motor is an incredible upgrade for Celestron Schmidt Cassegrain, EDGE HD, RASA, and their 7" Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. The focuser makes for wobble-free focusing, which is extremely useful for both astrophotography and visual observing sessions. Additionally, the Motor Focus is packed full of small, but neat features including 3 different ways to power the telescope and 3 different ways to use it. The Celestron hand-controller can be used to operate the Motor Focus, the Celestron focus utility desktop program, and it is also ASCOM compatible for remote use.
The Motor Focus is a breeze to install and can be used easily with DSLR cameras and planetary cameras for use in astrophotography. This focuser has made my experience with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes even better, and my experiences prior to using it were already great! The ability to get a quick and accurate focus is a major benefit for a fun night under the stars.
Please consider making your astronomy purchases from my AgenaAstro affiliate link below. This helps me fund the channel and allows me to produce my tutorials and unbiased reviews that you can trust.
bit.ly/3MiW5LL
AFFILIATE LINKS:
This description contains AgenaAstro affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me significantly in funding the channel and astronomy purchases, allowing me to produce tutorials and unbiased reviews that you can trust. If you enjoyed the information presented and/or found it helpful, please support my channel by making your astronomy purchases through my AgenaAstro link above. Thank you! - Наука та технологія
Looks like you got a bit more serious on your channel. I love the quality of your new video. Please keep up with it. With your level of depth in videos, it will be a blast. Good review Slymin. Clear Skies!
Thanks, I appreciate it! Clear skies to you as well, Ray!
Just bought mine! Tested it out yesterday with SGP! Love the AUX connection! Works beautiful!
astrofotoperu Glad you like it.
I’m really glad that Celestron finally addressed this issue and it even added it to the hand controller! I’m disappointed that they didn’t include the 5” series because I only have a 5” Maksutov-Cassegrain NexStar 127 SLT. It’s a problem that I addressed myself too 3 years ago with an Arduino inside the mount and a small stepper motor with a gearbox that’s doing 4096 steps/cycle using only a ribbon cable with 2 buttons: +1 in speed step on each direction (up to 5) every time you’d push the same button, slow down pushing by 1 pushing the other one, or full stop by pushing them both. The precision of focus without any wobble allowed me to attach even a previously impossible 5x powermate and get it to focus while having my D-SLR at 10x on the back screen! That magnification would literally fill the screen with Jupiter or Saturn and just touching the telescope the wobble would throw it out of the screen, never to be seen again unless you’d zoom out the camera and start all over. I wish I had a focusing motor like that when I was starting! It’s a great addition to any telescope you can attach it to!! Great video and clear skies!
Great video! I like how you go into detail about stuff. Keep up the good work and I'll keep watching 👍
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Now that I am a retiree, I am hoping to set up my Cse like it needs to be. Will be reviewing all of your vids. You were the main reason I selected it in the binging . Thank you for all you do
You're welcome, I am glad you are finding the videos helpful.
Thanks Slymin for putting my channel on the your recommended channel's list!
Sure, I enjoy your videos!
Thank you for making this great video. Great job!
You really should think about adding some links to Amazon etc. that give you a bit of money because every time I watch one of your videos I end up buying something. ;-) Thanks for another outstanding video.
David Corsi I really should. Sorry about your wallet. :)
Hi Sly, thank you for doing these videos. You helped me decide which scope to buy. I bought a Nexstar 8 SE because of an 8 inch aperture, but still remaining portable. I'm in upstate NY and just waiting for clear skies.
You're welcome, I am glad you enjoy the videos! Here is to hoping you get clear skies soon!
You are a professional reviewer. The best!!!
Thanks for the review. I have this on my Edge8 and as long as I have my laptop I’m fine, but I don’t have a Celestron mount so no hand controller. This means if I want to just pop out and do some visual work then I have no way to move the focus motor. I really think a hand controller is essential if you’re mainly into visual. I’m mainly imaging so not a big issue for me but it might put some non-Celestron mount owners off. Other than that it’s great.
Your right... I ordered the Celestron 11” RASA (CGX-L) last October and it’s still in the box. Clouds, rain, snow and a even blizzard last week. The RASA 11” is about as big and weighs as much as a C-14. Not something you just slap on a mount and off you go. Excellent tutorial! A saver and share. BTW, I’ve been using a clothespin on the focus knob for years. No image wiggle and I can do a fine focus. I’ve been waiting for somebody to do a review on this focused. Just order it! Again, you did a great review and tutorial. I have no questions and sub to your channel.
Thanks! Enjoy your 11" RASA! I've seen some pretty amazing work with them!
i was wondering and asking permission, if I can use the 3 videos that you made on the motor focus during one of my live streams. I'm going to live stream installing the motor focus onto a c-8. I would insert your video and follow your instructions. Starting and stoping the video at each step. I would give you credit and link to your youtube channel. AKA, Dave Brewer... read my bio.
I have to add that I use this on my CPC1100. It has built in backlash for the mirror flip. And I use the focuser ap on my laptop. I watch as the object moves off to the side as it focuses. Then as it comes back into view, it puts the object right back to center, every time. Always backing out the mirror and turning it in accounting for gravity. Even for a small focus correction. I rarely use the manual correction. I just put in the number and let it go. Works every time. Very nice focus motor.
Agree, build quality is top notch, i'm glad i waited.
Same here!
Excellent review! Next upgrade on my list. Thanks...
Thanks, glad you liked it.
@@AstroBlender what camera are tou using on the Smith-Cassgrain ?
Hi. We are beginners and it's great to find knowledgeable people on you tube. We really appreciate the info. One tip of advice, invest in a microphone. It will make a huge difference when explaining things to your viewers.
Wish Celestron offered their SCs with the focuser built it in, call it the DX model. Ive been using a 8se and focusing is a pain, my best focus comes out soft. For astrophotogrphy this is a must. Looks like I'll be getting one of these.
hi Chap, love your videos. Looking to get one of these for my 6SE after seeing you set it up. However my question... although i have the Y adapter for aux leads, now running out of sockets ! whats the best option to connect everything?
so the focus motor clears but what about that click lock and 2 in diagonal on the original mount
Hi Slymin, I have one of the USB versions of the HC, do you know if the focuser can be controlled with the HC connected directly to it via usb?
thanks for your video. i bought same telescope 1 month ago.
You're welcome!
hey simon talking about the cloud gods lool. i retired back in 2016 well my wife and i ordered a celestron nexstar 9.25 and brought it to the philippines with us and it was when mars was realy close to earth and wouldent you know it . it rained for allmost two year . eather raining or just overcast. but it is good since then and i am still learning
love your videos
Sly you did it too me again...I upgraded my 8in Meade and 8in Celestron to 2in lens. ebay shoped 53mm 30mm with 2in angle. 3pcs for $200 not bad. enjoy your shows!
Sorry about that! ;) Thanks, I am glad you like the videos.
After viewing this review I ordered the focuser when I ordered my 8SE. Installed it and have found it VERY difficult to use with the hand controller. When you need to use the other functions you have to escape focuser control just to use the mount direction controls. It would make more sense to set the focuser to the setting with the mount direction controls still active but it stops them from working when you need to tweak or when changing eyepieces. It was so frustrating I had to uninstall it. I know there's a way to use via SkyPortal etc but it still takes more juggling for s simple tweak. Is there any way to use a seperate hand control to focus? Any one know of a device that will work?
Hi Slymin, great tutorial! I just got my focus motor installed on my 6SE and taking it out last night was a bit of a learning curve! I did the upgrade on the hand controller (thanks for the step by step on that) but I'm curious about the calibration option. I'm not sure if I am doing something incorrectly but when I start the calibration, nothing happens. Any tips or tricks? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
Well, Slymin, After a couple of nights out with my 8SE, trying like hell to focus without shaking the video display all over the notebook screen, I decided to spend a "few" dollars more on an Celestron CPC 800 XLT with the beautiful dual arm mount. The 8SE's hand controller had FW Rev. 5.34.2065 which my soon to be delivered CPC 800 should also be at a similar rev level. I also have/tried the WIFI module and I did like the on screen - Galaxy S8 - alignment procedure, but, your point of using the HC for all the functions may also result in the WIFI to be returned as I understand that the HC and WIFI control don't play well with each other. I like the repeatability of the displayed "focus number" so as to return to a focus point which will get me at least to a visible image with the variables of each viewing session. A couple of great additional items, I just read the focus motor instruction manual, and it DOES make sure the last focus motion is in a POSITIVE direction - making the last focus adjustment "pushing " the mirror up/out as the best direction. AND this unit also has a backlash adjustment, wow, I glad I just ordered this great accessory. A BIG thank you for your demonstration of this unit for any telescope user... Hank
hi, thank you , I have a question , if I add the sky portal, wifi, and disconnect the handset (apparently they conflict), can I control the focuser with sky portal app? then if you can't, it would mean you couldn't have them both simultaneously !?
Great video I was wondering I have a skywatcher Eq6 mount will it work with that controller?
I have the same setup but i am having a horrible time with image shift when changing direction. suggestions?
Would this work on Celestron’s 127 maksutov ? I can 3D print a ferrule that would engage the slimmer focus knob...
Hi, thanks for another great informative video, Slymin.
Due to mobility issues, I am hoping to do most of my telescope viewing (9.25 SCT) on my laptop. To that end, I am going to purchase a Celestrom NexImage camera. I understand you can then link your hand controller to your laptop via NexRemote on your laptop. But what focussing the image on my laptop? Do I need the Focus Motor linked to my laptop to do this or can I focus vie the NexRemote? Any help / advice greatly appreciated, thanks.
The one thing I learned by using mine is power. If you intend to use the focus motor using the USB cord you would be wise to buy an AC powered USB hub. It attaches to a USB port on your laptop and plugs into 120 vac. This will provide enough power to run the focuser, especially if you are also running other USB connected devices. I run my ZWO ASI294MC camera, focuser, and StarSense and running each of those with its own power connected to it makes a huge difference in performance. In fact, if the focuser's amperage is insufficient by just a little bit, it will not focus. I built a battery box with USB powered ports, a 12V cigarette lighter socket and binding posts. I connect a DC to AC inverter to the binding posts to run my laptop and powered USB hub.
Agreed, I had to add the AC adapter to power it separate from laptop and USB. I use the printer port for comm with laptop.
nice video , just bought a C8 Edge , came with it but it looks like he roughed it on on the threads, so i hope it works.. now i m not sure where the staring point is on that little gray line and Arrow? did he make it to tight , i have no idea..
I have the latest firmware and dont see focus motor in Nextstar + HC. does this menu only come on when you have the focuser motor installed? I have a motor coming, but don't see focuser in menu?
I did not know these things existed. I've wanted to try and ghetto rig some sort of device like this but since now I know I can just buy on I'm definitely getting one.
Haha I've seen some pretty cool rigged focusers for SCTs.
Hello
I own a Celestron 8se and just bought a ZWO camera. I'm attaching the eyepiece first and using the auto focus and then replacing the eyepiece with the camera but I can see anything. Do I need to buy something I think is called T2 adapter or should I use the auto focus instead? plus, I see a lot of guide scope with mini zwo camera attached at the end of it, is it necessary?
Hi is there enough space next to the focuser to fit the motorized ZWO EFW mini 5 x 1,25" / 31,7 mm ?
Thanks for the video. One question, do you still need to use a bahtinov mask with the 8se for deep sky?
Great video. Quick question. Can the motor be controlled by a separate HC? That is, not the same one used for alignment? I have a spare HC and would like to use it rather than fiddling with the menus on the alignment HC. Thanks again!
What is the filter wheel you are using on the 6 inch sct
I really like your instructional videos; you have a gift for teaching. Also, your camera work is smooth and tight. Question please: I have a Celestron Evolution 6" and want to add a motorized focuser. I see from this video that the 94155A unit will clear the mount base at zenith. I also am interested in the ZWO EAF, but it requires a Buckeyestargazer printed adapter and would stick out a good 100mm from the back of my sct. I have a ZWO 183MC camera and a ASIAIR Plus controler ordered, so the EAF would work remotely with a tablet, but I fear it might hit the base at zenith. I also have read that the 94155A has to be left slightly loose or it can bind during operation. So.....finally the question: What should I use for a focuser?
Thanks for your advice, Michael
I've just bought the focus motor for my 6SE but haven't fitted it on yet. I did manage to finally get the celestron updater to work but cannot find any reference to the focus menu on the handset. Just wondering if the focusser has to be physically plugged into the aux socket when updating so the program can detect it and download the relevant software to the handset?
how you liking the focuser so far I'm debating on getting one myself
Hi. Good video so thx for that. Just getting into astrophotography and I'm curious. Will this focuser work thru Ascom say, in SharpCap, where the s/w will create a curve during analysis of the focus?
just started into this hobby and loving your videos, thank you for sharing your knowledge. i have a 6se. can the focuser be setup without the hand controller? and how do you power the different devices using the aux port. i have a celestron startracker along with the GPS, wifi and now the focuser. any help and suggestions to make my setup rock would be appreciated.
Could you please share the link for celestron focus motor. Thanks in advance.
Great vid! Do you know if it works with skysense?
great information, can I use that motor focus wit the star sense hand controller?
Hello slymin. Did you manage to get this set up with the ascom via stellerium scope?
Would you suggest how you power your 8" SLT in the field? I'm trying to decide whether to get a SLT or the Evo 8" but am wondering if I'm going to need a field battery regardless. If that is the case. It would make the decision much easier.
I can't stop watching your videos. I purchased a Celestron NexStar 8SE after watching. I even find myself buying accessories you demo. One of the items you use in this video is the "Celestron Skyris Filter Wheel", but it isn't listed on Celestron site or seems to be available anymore. Is it absolutely necessary or is there another alternative or upgrade to it? Thank you for the informative videos you post.
After watching your video inspired me to buy this focus engine. I installed about have an issue when I use it. When I use with Skyportal I can not get it to make minor adjustments. with just the smallest adjustment, it makes a large adjustment, then adjust back down. Any idea why this happening?
Cody, would any RJ12 AUX cable work with the Hand Controller or do I need Celestron branded?
Thank you for thevideo
Make sure the focuser is pluggged into the AUX port. If you also have Starsense, that needs to also be plugged into AUX port so you will need a splitter. I found the hand controller would not see either the focuser or starsense if they were plugged into the Auto Guide port.
great video! what kind of equatorial mount are you using on the nexstar 8SE?
I assume I'll need the Aux splitter if I also have the SkySync GPS? (using the original single fork 8se mount)
Great video as always Slymin, loving your work. Im new to astronomy and am still finding my feet with my 8SE. I am interested in the Focus Motor but currectly have the Wifi dongle and the Star Sense connected via an Aux splitter. How do you power your 8SE and your Focus Motor? I'm perhaps thinking of either buying another splitter to give me 3 ports or another Celestron battery pack. Thanks!
You could run your Focus Motor through USB, but that would kind of defeat the purpose of your Wi-Fi ability. I usually run my Focus Motor through the 8 SE without the SkyPortal Wi-Fi link.
Hi, thank you for the review! I've read reviews that the 8SE focus has some lag when doing manually - does this lag disappear when using the motor focus?
Hello there. Do you know if the ZWO slim OAG will work with the focuser on the Evolution 6? The specs say that the Celestron brand OAG isn't compatible due to mechanical interference. Thanks!
Hey Simon, I just received my Celestron focus motor, It's on my 9.25 EDGE and the EQ6-R PRO Can you explain how to connect. What wire goes where
I just have a problem with humidity by living on a lake. It’s always humid so any vids you can recommend to look at I would appreciate it
Hello Slym, I have a question for you......What do you think about using rechargeable batteries (1.2 volt) instead alkaline batteries (1.5 volt)?
So what Motor focuser is recommended for the SCT ASTROFI 5" Telescope ????
I ordered the focus motor and when I go to calibrate it it just keeps turning to the right and it will do it for an hour. Can someone give me some pointers on how to get it to work?
I have a star sense hand controller maybe i am missing something somewhere but nowhere in the menu is a focus controller? The Star Sense auto Aline is less than a year old.
Fortunately, the Sky Portal software has a focus control on it, but it can be very tedious getting focus with it.
Signed
Struggling with this.
I've been eyeing up the 7inch mak also. Orion sells 1 that's just the ota and comes ready plummed for sct accessories. I haven't seen any reviews for either brands as of yet.. Anyway great video!
Thanks, I appreciate it! It looks like High Point Scientific sells Celestron's 7" Mak by itself, without a mount, so there is that option too. I really like that they have standard SCT threaded rear cells now. I am primarily interested in planetary photography and globular star clusters, so I really have been wanting to get one to see what they can do.
Idk if you're seen but high point scientific has a celestron 7inch mak ota demo from neaf for sale with a good discount.
Thanks so much for doing this review. I didn’t even know this thing existed! I have an 11” SCT HD. Any idea if it will work if its set up at the f/2 configuration with the Hyperstar?
Jon Yoder it should work no problem with Hyperstar. In fact I’d much rather have a motorized Focuser in an f/2 system than not.
Have you managed to get this working with ASCOM? I can't get ASCOM to control it.
Question for you. If you ever have to transport this scope, do you leave the focus motor on the OTA or do you remove it and replace each time you travel? I am trying to figure out a carry system for all my gear and I just got the focus motor and was curious the best way to transport the OTA with the focus motor attached. Normally I use the foam that came with the OTA but now that I am putting on the focus motor, I need to rethink how I do this. Thanks in advance.
I keep mine on. You could cut a slot for it into your foam, or just put it into a separate carrying case with pluck foam.
Hi Simon. Is it worth to use the focus motor with star sense and CPWI? How can you connect the motor focus with the Star sense with the Celestrn WIFI when the Celestron splitter has only two outputs. Thank you for your good videos.
I connected StarSense, SkySync, SkyPortal and the Focus Motor by using two AUX port splitter's (Celestron). I just did a firmware upgrade for all of them and the scope, everything registered, updated and seems to function accordingly. Hope that helps, clear sky's.
Is IC Capture software just for viewing on a laptop? I’m trying to figure out astrophotography by watching UA-cam videos and reading articles on the web, yours have been especially helpful. I have a Celestron Evolution EdgeHD 8”; a Nikon D610 (I need to buy the T- Adapter and Nikon T-Ring still) and this Focus Motor. The software is still a mystery to me. Can you let me know if I can use the IC Capture software without purchasing any of The Imaging Source devices?
I have noticed Celestron has updated the focuser. Is there a need to upgrade? Thanks!
Great review, can you please tell me what lock are you using at time index 3:00 I'd like to get it for my 8se.
Jeff, that's the Baader Planetarium Click Lock. I have one. They are fantastic. Fully worth the price IMO
@@PK-jo4yx Thanks! Well I got the Williams Optics SCT version (hope its just as small) and I ordered the Celestron AF, lucky me, its not back ordered.
Yeah mine kept over focusing and when i tried to manually focus it it would focus and then move back out of focus. But thats in the app i have not tried using the controller.
Does adding the focuser make the telescope unusable without power? IOW, manual focusing is impossible once the motorized focuser is installed, correct? I sometimes use the scope unpowered, so I just wanted to verify that this is not a practical option for me... Thanks.
great video but where are the links?
Too bad you are not responding to inquiries for help anymore...Anyways I will still try: I have a nexstar8SE and teh celestron focuser..>Every time I try to focus in skysafaripro it goes back and forth usually passing through the correct focus...It drives me nuts, any idea how to fix this? Thanks.
Why do you need a focuser once the focus is set????
I’m really thinking about getting this telescope, is it worth it?
Hi Slymin, I bought the focus motor after watching your review. I fitted it ok,upgraded the firmware on the hand control, but it won’t calibrate.
I was advised that the cfm package could be faulty. Is this something you could help me with?
Thankyou
Les
I had to center the focus knob by manually counting rotations before mine would calibrate. Been excellent ever since.
Curious are you wired to your camera or wireless?
Hey bud, I love the video. One question; when you were displaying the moon image, on the computer, how did you do that?
Where you just displaying the output, or is there a link?
(Just starting into astrophotography)
The one thing left that narks me about my Nexstar 8SE. Limitations of the Alt-Az mount - bought a CG-5 GEM. Poor battery life - bought a Celestron Power Tank. All this time I've been frustrated by the jerky focus. Need to start saving...
Can the Celestron electric focuser be used with a Celestron EdgeHD 9.25" SCT on an iOptron GEM45 mount that is controlled by Asiair Plus?
No, the focuser doesn’t work through ASI Air, unfortunately.
What software are you using.
was the tripod leg hand controller caddy standard with the tripod?
Yep!
Will these only work with ZWO cameras?
Do you have difficulty taking your Baader Clicklock visual back off and on? the lock nub hits the motor focuser, it seems it only worked for you because you installed the motor after the baader was already on, but I would think you couldn't get it off without removing the motor...
Hi David, You're correct, I cannot remove my Baader ClickLock visual back unless I first remove the focus motor. Removing the focus motor takes no time at all for me though, so I don't mind.
Great video.
Do you think it works with Celestron Nextar Evolution 6" with a 2" diagonal adapter ?
No, the 6" SCT is too small to use with 2" accessories. The OTA diameter isn't large enough. It barely works with my 8" OTA and 2" accessories.
@@AstroBlender Thank you very much for your answer.
You made me save money here. At the same time...I think I need a bigger telescope now 😀😀
Your videos are very didactic and nice to see. Great work.👍👍
So, still a MYSTERY. I use the Celestron SkyPortal App to control the auto focuser. I callibrated it per instructions. Round and round it went, till it finally stopped. Now, WHAT EXACTLY DO THE NUMBERS ON THE APP MEAN, SPECIFIC TO THE AUTO FOCUSER? And, finally, why doesn't the autofocuser adjust itself to "near focus" after calibrating. It's difficult trying to find initial focus.
hello, does this focuser eliminate the mirror shift?
No, it uses backlash settings to bring object back into view.
Do you do any deep space photography? And if you do, do use your 8"?
Hi David, For deep sky objects I typically use a wide-field refractor or 750mm-ish focal-length Newtonian. I only use my 8" SCT for planetary imaging really.
Hi, can you comment the pro/cons of this focus motor versus ZWO EAF? thanks
Pros are it’s fast on an SCT to focus while the ZWO on an SCT is VERY slow. The con is most people want to use it with the ZWO ecosystem of products but cannot do so.
I have a problem with mine. Manual focuser fine. Motorised focuser will not reach focus properly. I've installed it correctly.
Hello thank you for your video. I have purchased a Celestron CPC 1100 and have no idea how to use it. Consequently, the learning curve is straight up. I am new to astronomy but I jumped in the deep end and purchased this telescope. I have so many questions. Which I pieces should I use or buy? Should I even get an auto focuser? How about a wedge? I really hope someone out there can help me get this going. Thank you in advance for any help you were able to give.
Mark, I've had significant expeirinece with the CPC series, and it is phenomenal! You'll love it! I would just focus on getting the star alignment down - it is really easy. Just follow the instruction manual. There are different ways to do it, but usually 3-star or two-star alignment will give you the best results. I would hold off on a focus motor for the time being. I didn't get my first focuser until about 7 years after I started! I'd just focus on the basics now and enjoy your telescope. A couple months from now, after several nights out, you'll start getting a feel for what you want to improve or upgrade. Some good eyepieces do go a long way! Explore Scientific 52 or 68 degree eyepieces may be a great choice for you on your new 11" SCT. Congrats and clear skies!
AstroBlender thank you for the advice. I’ve done the 2 and 3 star alignment in the past 3 nights. I’m getting the feel for using it. I still don’t understand eyepiece use with a Barlow and when I should use the silver (extensions?) that screw onto the eyepieces. I would like to see the moon with more detail and eventually get into photos.
Can you ad any other eyepiece suggestions?
im looking to buy something more for astrophotography and astronomy , but my last purchase is still to give an image , its been 60 days its ether cloudy , or its fool moon , or i cant go out that night , im pissed off thinking to go to mountains or something
Have purchased the 8SE to include the autofocuser and staraline. However, when using I do not receive a visual display as you do in your reviews. What hardware or software would you suggest I need.
Is there a huge difference between the 4se and 8se, unfortunitely my funds only stretch to a 4se.
Yes, the 4se is a great scope but only 4 inches of aperture and is a Maksutov Cassegrain, whereas the 8se is 8 inch aperture and is a Scmidtt Cassegrain
The 4 SE was my first telescope I ever used, and it is great for the planets, some stars and double-stars, and some globular clusters. It is really portable and a great telescope for camping. I quickly learned I needed more aperture though.
Only thing I question is 900mA through USB 5v (4.5Watts), or 1000mA through 12v (12Watts).
Significant power difference.
It likely just runs slower in USB mode to compensate for the lack of power