Romer Optics LLC EZ GOTO LITE Electric Focuser Instructions
- June 9, 2024
- Romer Optics LLC
Table of Contents
Romer Optics LLC EZ GOTO LITE Electric Focuser
EZ GOTO LITE
Why EZ GOTO? Long term use (durability, self-maintenance, parts available after 10 years) You plan to upgrade to the bigger Dobsonian someday but do not want to repeat investment in GOTO system again.
Less expense and for fun.
EZ GOTO is an integration of Goto / Push-To / Tracking (all-time tracking) / Electric Focuser running on the Android app and Windows Stellarium (iOS will be available soon). EZ GOTO is designed to upgrade GSO manufactured 8”~16” Dobsonian (sold by brands of Apertura AD, Zhumell Z, and Orion Skyline ..).
System Specification
- Compatible models: 8”~16”
- Goto speed: 350X ~ 1000X (dual speeds mode), feedback controlled by encoders
- Tracking resolution: 1/16 Sidereal rate (256 micro steppers)
- Goto pointing accuracy: 0.087 degrees (5 arc minutes)
- Electric Focuser: adjustable speed
- Control Interface: Bluetooth 4.0 / USB 2.0
- Compatible app: Android app (more than 260K objects/NGC/Messier) Windows Stellarium
- Platform Supported: AZ/ALT Dobsonian base Horseshoe EQ platform The advantage of the EZ GOTO is a modular design, separated by (1)
- External power supply: any 12~40 DCV battery (2)
- Mainboard: maintenance and technical support by Romer Optics LLC (3)
- Gears: entire steel, stainless and metal parts (4)
- Motor driver: standard parts like popular 3D printers and CNC routers (5)
- Stepper motor: standard parts like popular 3D printers and CNC routers
(2) and (3) are sold by us. The others are available on eBay or Amazon. (4) and (5) depend on the size of the Dobsonian from 8” to 16”.
Purchase Guidance
You must and have better to buy from us (2) GOTO main board / USB adapter/color wires
Ez Goto Kit $150
Mainboard / encoders / upgrade parts At https://romer-optics-
llc.myshopify.com/collections/coma-fee-dobsonian/products/ez-goto-kit
Accessories kit $15
USB adapter (L:3m, CP2102) 2PCS CH340 USB TTL 1PC 5V Relay for Dual Speeds AZ 4 colors wire / ALT 4 colors wire / Focuser 3 color wire / Ref Voltage wire
Gears ( AZ / ALT gears kit) $105 at https://romer-optics- llc.myshopify.com/collections/coma-fee-dobsonian/products/az-alt-gears-kit- for-ez-goto
- 12” stainless and steel gears
- Steel motor slides and motor bracket for nema17(42mm) and nema 23(57mm)
- Azimuth gear and belt (L:2.6m /W:10mm)
Labor cost $15
Focuser motor bracket $12
You must prepare the parts from Amazon, eBay or others
- Power Supply and Battery Indoors AC-DC 24V/15A (recommend indoors) About $16~$20 at Amazon
- Outdoors Personally, I prefer DC-DC converter + Vehicle 12V battery Input 6~40 DCV Output 1.2~36V 20A About $10 at Amazon
Stepper Motor Driver
Require two drivers (Az/Alt) At least, recommend DM542 (1/128 micro stepper) About $20 each
- It would be better if the 1/256 is available. Focuser motor could be cheaper like 1/64 0r 1/128
(5) Stepper Motors
On Amazon Nema 17 is about $10 each Nema 23 is about $18 each 8” Dob: 2pcs NEMA 17 10” or larger: NEMA 17(Az) + NEMA 23 (Alt)
Conclusion:
The quotation to build a 10”~16” Dob. From Romer Optics LLC EZ GOTO KIT($150)
/ Accessories Kit($15)/ GEARS KIT($105)/Labor Cost($15) $285 From Amazon or
eBay AC-DC Adapter / 2PCS DM542 drivers / NEMA 17+nema23 motors are about $88