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Accessories

Astrophotography Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

AAF Autofocuser Settings

Issue: How to set autofocus parameters for AAF series.

How to fix:

  1. Match flexible coupler to focuser shaft (5-4 / 5-5 / 5-6 / 5-7mm).
  2. Step size: start at 200 and adjust based on focus curve.
  3. Backlash compensation: start at 80 steps, slightly above real backlash.
  4. Max range: up to 65000 steps.

Notes: Backlash must be slightly higher than actual value. Too high reduces focusing efficiency. Compatible with ASCOM.

OAG Guide Star Not Found / Focus Drift

Issue: Guide camera cannot find stars or loses focus after filter change.

How to fix:

  1. Focus main camera first, then guide camera.
  2. Adjust prism position toward star-rich area.
  3. Increase exposure to 2-5s and raise gain slightly.
  4. Ensure filter thickness is consistent after changes.
  5. Re-focus guide camera if temperature changes >5°C.
  6. Check all connections are tight.
  7. Ensure prism is not blocked.

Notes: OAG has a small field of view; difficulty finding stars is normal. Do not compromise main camera backfocus for guiding.

Guide Calibration Failed

Issue: PHD2/StellaVita calibration fails.

How to fix:

  1. Increase exposure to 2-5s.
  2. Confirm guide scope focal length settings.
  3. Check mount stability and balance.
  4. Verify mount tracking and guide rates are correct. OnStep: set guide rate to 0.5x in web interface.
  5. Use brighter stars.
  6. Avoid limits or meridian proximity.
  7. Try 8-bit mode in PHD2.
  8. Adjust gain. Recommended ≤5000 for ToupTek Astro guide cameras.
  9. Reconnect device and restart software.

Notes: Most calibration failures are due to settings, not hardware. Do not touch equipment during calibration.

Guide Camera Image Appears Completely White

Issue: Guide camera shows overexposed and no stars visible.

How to fix:

  1. Daytime: focus on distant object and mark focus position.
  2. Night: use bright objects such as streetlight, Sirius, Jupiter, or Saturn for quick focus. Adjust exposure and gain in ToupSky or SharpCap, and disable auto-stretch if needed.
  3. Switch back to PHD2 after focusing.
  4. For OAG, focus main camera first.

Notes: Do not focus in PHD2 due to auto-stretch interference. Use ToupSky or SharpCap to focus first.

AFW-M and 36mm Filter Compatibility

Issue: Filter size compatibility and selection based on sensor size.

How to fix:

  1. AFW-M supports 7×36mm, 8×1.25", 5×2" filter wheels.
  2. 1" sensor or smaller: 36mm is sufficient.
  3. Full-frame: use AFW-L (7×2") + M54 system.
  4. Max filter height ≤6.9mm.

Notes: Full-frame + M42 + AFW-M may cause vignetting. Not recommended.

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