Testing the NEW QHY Q-Focuser - an EAF-killer and NEW budget focuser king?
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- To be clear I tested the focuser with only the USB cable (no DC 12V input)!
Focuser links:
QHY site: www.qhyccd.com...
Standard version: bit.ly/3S7NfoP or bit.ly/47sbMJR
High Precision Version: bit.ly/3s0O5Jo or bit.ly/3QALBLe (only 30 dollars more, which surprises me)
Askar V video: • FIRST LOOK at the ASKA... and • How are the OPTICS? As...
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OGMA version of the camera (used coupon code CUIV for a small discount!): getogma.com/pr...
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I gave the high precision version of the Q-Focuser a try for my Lacerta f/4 Newton, which has a rock-solid Lacerta Octo Focuser.
It did not work at all and I have given up for now.
The Q-Focuser (high precision) is intended to be coupled to the fine focuser shaft. And achieving this is very problematic. The micro-focus shaft on my Newton has a diameter of 2.45 mm. The smallest clutch that QHY provides has a 3 mm diameter and thus does not work. Testing with standard rigid 2.5mm to 5mm couplings (which I would not recommend for productive use) I experience slip on the focuser shaft. I looked into several other scopes currently at my disposal and realized that many standard GSO / Sharpstar / TS APO refractors have similar small focus shafts and therefore will not be able to work with the Q-Focuser (high precision). Right know, I have no idea on how to achieve a solid coupling between the motor and the fine focuser shaft.
Even with a rock solid connection, the Q-Focuser will depend on the assumption that there is no slip in the micro-drive unit. I was prepared to evaluate that, but failing to ensure a stable connection in the first place makes me wonder if this would be really worth the trouble, as I would never know in case of focussing issues if the root cause would be an instable connection or any systematic slip in the gears.
Thanks for this feedback, even though it is disappointing.. I have pinned your comment as it is important
These companies really need to compete with the asi air. That's where the issues lie and why people pick zwo is because they are forced with the asi air
Yep, 1000%
Nobody forces me. It just works. As simple as plug and play. My friend bought expensive QHY high resolution camera because there have been talks that QHY is going to make ASIAIR competition product. That was three years ago. He is still waiting. My setup works constantly, I already got second asiAIR for my setup that sorts out the need for powering my new camera while his is still sitting in the observatory with constant problems with something.
@@luboinchina3013 I think what Joey was saying is that once you're using the ASIAir, you then will only pick ZWO equipment (and not consider other brands - i.e. besides mounts you're forced to buy ZWO) because you have to if you want to keep using the ASIAir :) Not a comment about how well it works (it works very well)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Its good to see QHY keeps ZWO look over their shoulder. It looks like ZWO is a more prominent company than QHY. Both are Chinese and they compete fierceful as all of them do. As a new user. ZWO had a mass audience if I run into issues which are plenty in this hobby, I can get help. Thanks for the review and I am in the market for an foucer after a guild scope or OAG.
I didn't like the idea of being forced to buy only ASI equipment. So I bought an I7 Mini PC. I was an IT tech so I know pc's. I installed all the software I wanted and bought both a QHY 268m with cfw for deep sky imaging and a ZWO 533 for planetary imaging.
BTW, I use all Optec stuff for focuser, rotator, and focal reducer.
I wish equipment manufacturers could come up with a more durable connection for astrophotographers. Maybe something that involves threaded type connections. I find usb is more for a “desk-top” type applications where there is almost zero strain at the connection. Anyway, great review as always Quiv.
True, even a simple clip mechanism would be nice
It's definitely nice to see another option in the small and affordable focuser range. I like how QHY has designed the bracket system. It looks very flexible. Thanks for testing it 👍🏼
Couldn't agree more!
Temperature sensor is very useful for building a linear curvefit of focuser position vs. temperature from your imaging runs. Then you can calculate the exact position required to be in focus at any temperature. This is good for taking flats the next day when you cannot run an autofocus.
Agree! Although flats really don't care about small focus changes especially in a refractor
Will be interesting to see how the precision version will work. I've used the Sesto Senso 2 which attached to the fine focus shaft of my FLT120 and it had continual slipping with my ASI533, never let alone a full mono setup. Out of the Sesto Senso, ZWO EAF and Pegasus Focus Cube v2 I find the latter to be the best item (fits coarse knob, has backlash of one AF step, can be controlled with hand controller without PC control, can lift a QHY268M with 7 position filter wheel with ease) so it'll be interesting to see if either of these QHY focuser can dethrone the Pegasus :)
To be clear I tested the focuser with only the USB cable (no DC 12V input)!
Support me on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/cuivlazygeek
If you're planning on buying equipment from Agena, High Point, All Star Telescope (or even literally *anything* from Amazon with amzn.to/3hTB5Ne), it will help me if you first click the affiliate links in the description!
Regarding 3rd party clutches for ZWO EAF, I’ve been using MWD Astronomy clutches with great success for all my rigs that I use for Astro imaging and manual observing. They go in-line between the telescope’s focuser rod and the EAF. ❤
Oh that's super cool, I had no idea that existed!
Thanks a lot, I just check their site ....it is so great !!!
I'm really impressed by that mate! it looks like a quality unit to me, so happy there's great alternative options out for people now! 🙂
I do agree that there's no point just replacing all your EAF's with these or something, but as you say for someone buying from new and choosing between them - it's a serious decision now!
Clear skies mate!
Exactly Luke! Really good to see budget competition at the same price range!
Thats definately going in the right direction, at least when it comes to price and my personal budget. My first thought was: "lets check the price before even watching the video", because too many astro youtubers already claimed how affordable and worth it some 500-1000$ focussers are, despite not being really worth it at this price point.
Thats really something to think of, finally since the only thing missing at my setup is the autofocusser.
Autofocuser does make a large difference - and yeah at $200 it's in the sweet spot
Dude, I´ve been watching Nebula Photos for a while and recently ended up in your channel. What a grateful surprise, I´m now pulling my hair off trying to decide if I go DIY or bust the bank to buy a Seestar. Great content!
Thanks so much! Nico is an awesome dude as well, super detail oriented, love his channel!
funny enough - I just managed to MacGyver a clutch mechanism for the ZWO EAF since there are times where I can't be bothered to setup the full AP rig and I just want to do visual. Thumb screws in lieu of the grub screws in the coupler, a pair of small nuts as risers so the thumb screws have enough clearance, and we're good to go.
It's a good time to start AP these days with all the options and the knowledge that ASIAir = locked into ZWO hardware. If there's one thing this might be the best solution for, it'd be as the focuser for the C6 when using it with a filter wheel. I hear you have to do er, unconventional stuff so both EAF and EFW fit in the space at the back due to how big the EAF is. And that 'keep warm' function is interesting; the 5V EAF apparently just does not work at colder (think Alaska) temperatures.
Well done on making such a clutch! It'll be interesting to see how QHY goes forward with this little focuser. Will they provide SCT adapters? Will they have a QHYAir? Lol
FIRST
nerd :)
Damn it.
Woohoo Dylan's in da house!! And FIRST :D
@@AshA-ww8hc you snooze you lose
@@CuivTheLazyGeek similar time zones :) 🍷
Excellent video/review! - That QFocuser looks like an awesome little device! And that Askar 80mm looks beautiful! Always a joy watching your video reviews!
Good review, thank you. Some of the things you talked about were not clear to me until I watched your video. I appreciate your comprehensive coverage of installation and use.
All of my focusers are Feather Touch. I have found that while the course knob doesn't have a bit of slip in it, the fine focus knob does have a bit of slip if you exert some force on the knob. For that reason I think the EAF that connect to that coarse speed knob will have less chance of that happening. I also like focusers that have a geared rack for the focuser rather than a Crayford type friction bearing that can also slip. I love the idea of a knob on the version that would allow manual focusing. Perhaps ZWO will feel the pressure of the competition and add that in on the next version. Biggest problem for me is it won't work with ASI AIR. My portable setup is ALL ZWO and that is why I went with it rather than cobbling together various manufacturers that don't work with others. The ASI AIR is the most important reason I went to that system. My home observatory has a mixture of brands and software. It all works great but you loose the easy portability and simplicity of the ZWO setup with the ASI AIR's. I know you can get a small PC but than you need the software, etc. so you are back to a larger, less portable, slower to setup system.
SestoSenso2 allows manual focusing as well, and it is the only one to be mounted without bracket.
For my scope to fit into the box I have to rack the focuser in all the way, and half the time as I'm taking down and putting things away I downpower the Asiair and forget to rack the focuser in, so that manual adjust would be pretty handy for me.
Let's see if K-Astec come up with a similar bracket for this baby as what they have for EAF. Not only does it have a clutch to disengage the motor and thus enable manual focusing, but also - and it was the deal breaker for me to switch to EAF from SI-EFS - allows for mounting the motor on top of the OTA rather than on the side. Great review, thank you for it!
Cuiv, is always nice to hear you explaining, very detailed, especialy friendly!!
😊😃😁🤩
Thank you so much! I do my best!
Thanks for the vid Cuiv! Very well explained as always.
ToupTek is coming out with an Asiair like comouter that has support for third party hardware.
It's good to see something else on the market it would be interesting to see how the high precision version fairs against the Focus cube zero? I have the zero mounted on my RASA & you can also manually focus with it connected as I think it directly drives from the stepper motor. However the issue I did find is torque is rather limited so it won't work directly on a focus shaft so if the QHY does then I'll definitely think about changing it over on all of my scopes.
So many things to test... Haha. I first need to get my hands on the high precision version!
Nice to have options, temp sensor and flex cable are nice touches. Thanks 🙏
Agree!
Maybe the steps on this is higher due to the driver setting cuiv , on my deepskydad Af3 which is available in different torque versions btw , you can alter the steps default is 1/2 step then 1/4 then even finer steps available so maybe qhy have a similar setting in the Driver setup
The driver has a high speed setting, which I assume will affect this!
Great review Cuiv, would love to see the precision version with the manual focus option as a review if you get the chance!
Cheers Si
Loving it - I want the Hi-Prec model tho'
I would really like to see the difference to the high precision model. Also, I except this cute focuser to be 3x more expensive in Germany 🙂
Interesting focuser. With the budget version, I think it is the same as the ZWO. If you are using an ASIair I would probably get the ZWO. Though, as you said, competition is always good. However, I really like the focusing knob on the high-precision focuser that feature would defiantly sway me in a purchase.
thanks for testing!
I just bought a second ZWO EAF😅 had great experience with first unit so no reason to look further. I’ll see 🙈
Hey, it works so no worries!
Interesting device and a nice review. QHY should work on a device similar to ASI AIR. Although i love NINA ASI AIR is the real game changer in the game of astro imaging.
Agreed - we need a good competitor
Thanks a lot for reviewing this focuser. A very exciting product, particularly considering that the high precision version with a clutch is only $229. Out of curiosity, did QHY tell you if they are going to support real operating systems or if they are going to stick to MS windows only and let the community figure out the INDI drivers?
I haven't heard about that yet, but having written a focuser driver from scratch before I saw it's pretty straightforward, so I assume it would be fairly easy for QHY to make an INDI driver.
Windows, for all its faults, IS a real OS, come on!
I'd love if you could take it apart so we can see the internals.
Since I have to send it back I don't really want to risk it, but I'll see if I could do that unnoticed (and hope QHY doesn't see this comment lol)
No mention of clear skies for patreons/subscribers or did I miss it? I really was considering it, given the weather in central europe but without guarantees... 😜
Hahaha I need to mention it each time lol
Nice work Cuiv…just one question. You mention several times that the manual focus knob coming with the high precision version, is a big ‘plus’. Since I have no idea why that’s a benefit, I must have missed one of your terrific tutorials. Could you explain the benefit of having manual adjustment as well as the typical autofocus function. Cheers Gary
I have the same question!! 😮
For the Askar V in particular, changing between focal reducer, field flattener, focal extender, or even primary objective lenses changes the focus significantly. Being able to manually change the focus via a knob is much, much faster than having to use a slower electronic focuser! There are other scenarios like that where being able to come in and adjust manually is a great QoL feature!
I have the Pegasus Focus Cube which can be manually focused via a hand controller. In visual mode, I do not need to disconnect my autofocuser as I can control the focus manually using the hand controller which works as a standalone (ie I don't need to boot up mini-pc or connect NINA) and it remembers the focus position so it's easy to return to the original focus for astrophotography when I'm done with visual. If this QHY focuser works the same way (either the manual knob on the precision version or via controller on standard version) then this would be a great welcome. The one question I would have is whether the QHY will count the changes in position when you make manual adjustments via the knob.
Thanks Cuiv!
ABOUT! And I’ve been considering it as a candidate for purchase for a month now... hold my hands))
Hahaha so now you may have to get it (and maybe the High Precision version - I haven't tested it, but but for just $30 more it sounds like a deal).
Удивительно, как много может стоить шаговый двигатель и адруинка в небольшом симпатичном корпусе
Is backlash from motor or mechanical part of scope focuser? Thus, I have been shocked when Optec focuser produced backlash on Esprit scope. Then, I rid of both and replaced with Moonlite system. Backlash is gone. Moonlite motor cost is the same as QHY. It is mechanical part that is expensive.
It's the total backlash of scope focuser+electronic focuser, difficult for me to gauge separately...
i can imagine if any of the other patrons saw him on the roof XD
Am late in discovering this very nice review. Do you know how the foucser would perform with solar or lunar imaging, where a point source target is lacking?
KAWAII! I wonder if the high precision version manual focuser is a clutch? Normally the EAF goes on the 1x side of the focusing pinion/rod so if you can release a clutch you still have course and fine on opposite side for manual focusing. I find if I attach EAF to fine focus knob the Crayford focuser slip. 🎉
I have several ASIAIR a but have recently started using AstroPC and MeLE 3Q so feel a greater sense of freedom!! Thanks Cuiv!!❤🎉
Congrats on your MeLe 3Q, taste the freedom!
I really need to get my hands on a high precision version of the focuser!
I have checked the web page of qhy an there you can see that the high precision focuser does not have a reduction gear. sounds more than a direct driven focuser instead having a clutch.
Great vid Cuiv.
I would like to see how large or small the difference is between this & the more advanced version.
Me too!
Isn't it possible to hand-rotate the wheel on the other side of the focuser while the autofocuser is attached but motor-hold disabled? Why is the need of a dedicated rotating knob on the autofocuser? P.S. Thanks for content!
No an autofocuser locks the draw tube
Same question here. Not all focuser are locking.
@@boaty1968 I wonder what is the reduction ratio on the reducer inside if they had to use a non-backdriveable reducer type. Personally i dont see why a 0.9 stepper with a 8 microstep driver + 1:4 belt reducer would not be accurate enough and it would be absolutely backdriveable.
Hmm, I just pre-ordered a Raspberry pi 5 for possible astro stuff. I wonder how well this focuser would work with it...
It will need an INDI driver first, I don't think it has that yet
The High Precision does not appear to work for me. 1st, the WO ZS73 has a shroud with dust cap on the fine focuser side. Removing the two focus knobs, leaves the shroud in place and there does not seem to be a way to remove the shroud without removing the focus mechanism. The challenge is, with the shroud in place, the mounting bracket for the Q-Focuser has a gap to the telescope base in excess of 1cm. Second issue, with the dust cap removed, the bearing for the focus shafts are exposed to the elements and dust will get stuck in the bearing race. No bueno. I've reached out to BackYardStargazer, as the FTF30 mounting bracket seems similar to a solution for my challenge. However, as is, doesn't work for me.
Nice review. Great mounting system/concept. Two questions: How smooth and easy is the manual focusing and secondly, any INDI drivers in sight?
Not having the high precision version I can't answer that but afaik no INDI drivers at this stage
Thanks. Let’s wait then.
Finally a competitor to ZWO! Maybe ZWO will lower their price of the EAF to remain competitive 🙂 Excellent review Cuiv! Clear Skies!
Or throw in the temp sensor with the main unit!
There is the Rigel N-Step system. It has been around for years. That's all I use. It never failed even down to -25°C. It can be loosening for manual focusing. They have holding brackets for most telescope. If not, they will custom make one for you.
Hi Cuiv,
Thanks for this test.
Have you carried out the following test: perform 3 consecutive autofocus sequences with NINA to see if the value found is the same for the 3 measurements?
In fact, slippage can occur with certain types of motor and/or driver.
Currently not at home but I've saved the focus runs and will double check on r back
Ok I checked via remote desktop and I had three successive runs on Vega, they were within 30 focuser steps of each other (so from EAF standards would be 3 steps from each other), so this is looking good
1198 Williamson Divide
Hi Cuiv - am late in discovering this good review. Do you know how the focuser would perform with solar or lunar imaging where a point source target is lacking?
Nice alternative to EAF. A few picky comments . These could benefit from a release clutch to allow manual focus. The "pro" version focus knob would worry me about inadvertent touching, changing focus. ALL rhe manufacturers need to provide an easy "release " feature, to allow one to swap them between imaging rigs! HELLO...
Let me ad that suppl cables are a BIG deal, in my opinion ! Does anyone know of a source for such cables in useful lengths? I like the ZWO flat cables provided, but most are too... long. The external EAF temp probe is also "suppl".
Looking at US prices (high point scientific) the high precission model is slightly cheaper than the full EAF (EAF with hand controller and temp probe). It might be worth looking at if I can somehoen make it compatible with Samyang 135 F2.
I have the ZWO EAF and had to purchase the temperature probe separately. Still haven't used it yet.... too lazy, I guess 😅 However, this little guy is interesting.... especially the high precision model...😊
Great video! But I got curious about your dewshield, where did you find it? Wanting to print one to my Explorer 250PDS (after adjusting size..)
Nice, Now if QHY would come up with a good filter slider system to use with their OSC camera. :)
And here i just bought two zwo eaf's that are literally in transit :-/ I totally would of gotten the high precision version of these instead!
Hahaha oh well the EAFs will serve you well anyway!
Nice! Could a system controller be far behind now? Something in between ASIAir and Eagle4?
Question I have the Skywatcher evolux 62ED the zwo focuser is not compatible with my telescope, will this focuser by QHY be compatible with my telescope. Another great video Cuiv.
Great video as always! I had to Google “kawaii” lol learned a new word tho thanks :) and yes it looks kawaii! Looks like good competition for Eaf. I personally use AsiAir primarily and the temp probe is important to trigger a refocus but not as reliable as looking at the data of course.
Hahaha - always good to see EAF competition!
Why do I suddenly predict a Raspberry Pi based small control unit in their future?
I really hope to see that!
Good Review Cuiv! Not sure its an EAF killer but looks like an equal. I like the idea of more/smaller steps but the USB-C I do not see as an improvement as the smaller these connectors get the more chance of damage to the cable or jack if a cable snag happens or it is impacted by walking past or in transport etc... It also can easier become loose from repeated use..... My cellphone uses USB-C and have replaced the cable several times due to just getting sloppy with use. I do like the manual knob on the advanced version but used to dealing without one on the EAF. Does it have a manual hand controller? They are handy for solar shooting?
Thanks Robert! Yeah it will be interesting to see how well the USB-C plug faces the test of time. Also the manual remote is planned but not released
my mount Ioptron gem28
First issue with the mount:
The mount control panel's time is always rushing. When synchronizing time with acomputer using the mount's drivers, the time occasionally freezes. As a result, I often have to perform a forced restart of the mount.
Second issue:
While observing, I frequently synchronize and re-center objects using the planetariumsoftware Sky Chart or N.I.N.A. When I synchronize more than 5 times, the mount freezes. A restart helps, but after restarting, the oldpointing coordinates are not saved and get replaced with other seemingly random coordinates.
Observing the mount's behavior, I've formed the impression that the mount's controlpanel has some sort of working memory that seems to get overwhelmed with synchronization requests and refuses to operate correctly.
Thanks for showing this.
I have 2 questions:
* Do you know if there are ( or there will be) also indi drivers ( for linux)?
* i like the added manual knob on the high-precision one to leave the ability to focus manually, but can they be connected to SCT's ( celestron or meade )? they dont have the 1/10 focus knob.
No idea on the first one, and for the second one I think we'd need a different adapter?
Only Backlash "out" set, nothing for "in"? Why is that?
Because it's overshoot backlash! It's applied in one direction only, and doesn't need to be precise!
Hey Cuiv, please elaborate on what you mean by problems when installing a driver when the focuser is connected. This is a common mistake that I made and it seems to be an unrecoverable error. Reinstalling the driver without it connected is not working.
Hey Cuiv have you ever thought about making a discord?
Cuiv, planning to test the high precision version? I have it pre-ordered but am having second thoughts. Looking at the photos on QHY, it looks like the gearing is exposed when connecting to the fine focus side. Exposed greased gearing… 😞
I'm thinking about it!
Wow the audio sounds amazing and it looks windy are you using premiere pro beta for the audio. Id pike to get my audio better
Using the DaVinci Resolve AI voice isolation!
Are you familiar with the MeowAstro Umi 17? I’m heavily considering purchasing this to replace my current mount and would greatly value your opinion
Sorry if someone has already asked but will you be doing a video with the focuser attached to your c6? Thnks
I like blue over red... blue is calming to me and red is angry... and I get angry enough over astronomy hardware as it is I don't need to see red when I look at my scope! 😖
Hahaha color shouldn't be a main reason for choice but I can't say I don't understand
Still very expensive. I got my focuser for $60 from China made by Astro8. It uses the same motor as ZWO EAF and it works amazing. So these can be made so much cheaper, but astro equipment is always at a ridiculous premium sadly.
Yeah the raw materials are not so expensive... Didn't realize it could be made that cheap though
Can you share the link to the cheap Astro8 focuser. I can’t find it anywhere. Thanks.
So it's a focus cube 2?
I've never used those so no idea! Can it work without 12V DC input?
Hello, thx for the video. Works for SCT telescopes??
I think you'd need a special adapter for SCTs, so QHY would have to come up with that?
I tried the Q-Focuser (high precision) on a Win11 Pro PC and made the mistake of connecting it before installing the driver. I was unable to get it to work after reinstalling. I was able to get the COM port to turn green in the interface but I could never get it to move the focuser and it always turned back to red if I went into NINA and back to the settings. So I tried again on another computer running Win10 and this time followed the instructions exactly. I got exactly the same failure so my installation mistake was never the issue. I contacted customer support at QHY a week ago and there has been no response. I had also contacted QHY a year ago about a camera issue and there was no response to that either. I am coming to the conclusion that QHY does not make reliable products and has no customer service.
That's weird and disappointing. Did you buy direct from QHY? I hope you can get your money back. I had no issues on either Win11 or 10, so maybe the COM adapter in your focuser is faulty?
@@CuivTheLazyGeek Thanks for the reply. I bought it from Agena and they suggested that I contact QHY directly but now that I think the focuser is faulty, I just contacted them again. It was within a 30 day window when I first contacted them about the problem so I hope they can resolve this.
So I made progress on this problem. I was hung up on this step of the Q-focuser installation instructions: c. Move: Enter a number in the box as the number of steps to move at once. The left arrow indicates moving X steps in one direction, and the right arrow indicates moving X steps in the opposite direction. Check “Revert,” and the rotation direction of the electric adjustment axis will be opposite to the default direction. Check “High Speed,” and the electric adjustment will move at a faster speed. I was never able to enter a number here or get it to move and did not proceed before. But if I just ignore this problem and try to connect inside of NINA it does connect and NINA can move the focuser. So I still don't understand what it means that this step doesn't work but maybe it doesn't matter for normal use by NINA. They should update the installation instructions to explain this issue.
Sadly, this has taken a turn for the worse. I am running into new issues with the focuser. It appears to be competing for the same COM port as my AM5 mount. They would both insist on using the same COM port. Sometimes it was COM5 and sometimes COM3. So I could only get one to work at a time. I noticed I was getting error code 38 for one of the COM ports in the device manager. With both devices plugged in I see in the device manager USB Serial Device (COM3) and GD32 Virtual COM Port (COM5). It would show COM5 in use and error code 38 says that Windows 11 could not load the device driver because a previous instance of the device driver was in memory. I am using a Mele Quieter 3 mini PC. I also tried to use the USB-C device connection on my astro camera that is supposed to run focusers. This didn’t show up in the device manager and it also didn’t work to connect the focuser. At this point I updated NINA and ASCOM and reinstalled the QFocuser driver but that made everything worse. Now I can’t get the focuser to work at all. Update: It turns out this is a known issue. It is a big mistake to trust the QHY installation instructions. Short answer is get a more recent ASCOM driver and don't install the Virtual COM port driver (or uninstall it if you did) See this thread for more details: www.cloudynights.com/topic/895299-multiple-usb-serial-port-conflictasi-am5-with-qhy-q-focuser/
Take it apart so we can see what hardware they are using. Take apart the ZWO EAF too.
I prefer not to! The QHY is a loaner so I don't want to damage, the EAF is my own but I don't have a backup (besides the QHY I need to return)
Very cool, if I may ask where did you get the dew shield for the Quattro 150p? Been looking for one for mine.
It's a 3D printed shield originally for the C6 - I am not allowed to share the design
Oh ok. Thanks for reply 👍
Any support for astroberry stellarmate Yet?
Cuiv, I'm curious in seeing a comparison of the Altair 3nm SHO filters vs the 2.5nm SHO filters. Would you be able to do a comparison? If not, people who own them, can you tell me what is the difference between the 2 sets?
I have no idea to be honest. The 2.5nm published tolerance is far too high for my taste...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek yeah it does seem like a little too much. I feel as the oiii signal could be a bit better with the 2.5nm but that also sacrifices some details(possibly) that a wider bandpass could capture.
Would it fit on a 6ich Celestron SCT?
Does the mounting hardware that comes with the QFocuser work for mounting it to a Celestron Edge HD 11 or similar format scopes?
I don't think so - they'd probably need to make a specific SCT adapter
Hi Cuiv! Thanks for another detailed, thorough, transparent & entertaining review of a new product! Much appreciated! I do have one question regarding this focuser:
From what I understand, some focusers (..e.g., the ZWO EAF...) only draw power when they are changing focus, but others (..e.g. PrimaLuceLab Senso 2..) continue to draw power in order to hold focus. Am I correct? If so, then which situation applies to the QHY focuser you tested? Will it also apply to the 'high precision' version? Thanks!
If you are really lazy, than you get a focuser for each of your scope so you dont need to remove it and add it to a different one :D So you can zave both the zwo and the qhy focuser in the same time and you dont need to ask the question to get this one and replace zwo or not :D
That's what I do lol
Funny how we care about color coordination! But we do!
Yep lol completely pointless and counter productive, but we absolutely do lol
is this focusser usable for planetary autofocus?
I'm not an expert on planetary, but I don't see why not
Is it possible to install this on an sct? I have a C6 just like you, and am wondering if this can be installed on it.
I think QHY would need to release special mounting plates
@@CuivTheLazyGeek ok. But would one of the couplers that comes with this work with the focuser knib.of the C6?
I don't understand, what is the point of a temp sensor entry point for a focuser ? I read it helps but I fail to see why, isn't the focuser made to focus no matter the why ? Is it something like ST4 port, to do something automatically rather than with a computer, I don't see how either ?
Edit : I have a theory : maybe, since temp scales the gear inside the focuser, it also scales the response of the focuser to commands... temp input might allow to it to scale this effect back.
The lenses and mirrors inside your telescope contract and expand with temperature so the focal point moves with temperature. The real reason its pointless is you can just set the software to refocus every 10 photo's or so anyway, which you would probably still do even with the temperature sensor.
I use a template sensor to refocus every 1.5 degree change so is very useful
@@backgammonbacon The temperature sensor can be set to refocus at a given temp change. While you can auto focus every 10 photos like you stated.....if the temperature isn't changing you don't need to refocus so that is time wasted. With Nina or similar you can create a temperature curve so you won't need to go through the entire focus routine....just go directly to the plotted focus point for that temperature as indicated by the temp. probe. However, I find that just setting the EAF to refocus at a 1 1/2 degree temp change works fine. Guess I am lazy like our host ;-)
It's been well explained in the comments:) main culprit for focus point change throughout the night is temperature change. If you know how much your focus point changes for each degree of temperature change, and you know the outside temp, you can automatically adjust for that
@@RobertKarlBerta ahhh, that is the thing I didn't think of, thx.
Nice, now if only QHY can fix their 7x36mm ascom driver 🤬
COSTRUCTIVE COMMENT: Please can I buy you a DJI mic with dead cat for wind? :)
Oh man I wish! I'm kind of having large unexpected expenses these days and am thinking about selling some of my gear to cover that, but I've been eyeing a Rhode or DJI wireless solution... In this case I do have a huge deadcat on my mic (on top of the camera) but I think for some reason the camera decided to use its internal mic instead... I'm worried it would do that from time to time even with a DJI setup...
Oxidation problems on the camera connector? @@CuivTheLazyGeek
QHY should have given you the focuser. If they are this cheap and greedy, expect them to screw over paying customers with warranty and customer service work.
In a way I appreciate being given strong rules like that, since it helps remove the impression of impropriety/being bribed :-)
oh man... nobody doing Astro stuff in lets say grey? black? these setups combined with green, red, orange, blue... I know all cats are grey at night but... man it looks so bad.
I can’t use an EAF because it doesn’t fit in the telescope case anymore. Isn’t there anybody who have thought about that?
I had the same problem for my both telescopes.
For the first, I bought a special case with adaptative foam.
For the second one, I oriented the telescope vertically so the EAF is oriented to the top and it fitted well with removing a little bit foam from the case.
Looks like the high precision option is only US $30 more from High Point Scientific. Now just need brackets for SCTs. Another great video. ZWO’s temp probe is US $10 and the refocus routines with NINA plugins really is super lazy.
The Askar V case actually has a special cut out you can slide in or out to accommodate an EAF or equivalent, so some scope makers seem to have thought of it!
Did you see Sean Nielsen comment on this?
Did you get the same requirements?
Very strange!!!
Pls read it.
Deserves a response from you
Where can I find those comments?? I have no idea what they are
@@CuivTheLazyGeek it’s a comment from Visible Dark, a post. Don’t know how to find it, as it’s not in the channel per se..
Have a pic of the post of you want it.
It’s on RUclips as a post.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek just messaged you through Facebook with a pic.
Just don’t know where to find it in you tube. It just showed up on my feed.
It’s a post.
Weird
@@Rafastro I found it in his community tab, no details on the terms, but I didn't really have anything abusive in my own terms that I can see
@@CuivTheLazyGeekI think many make the assumption that you all get the same terms and conditions from companies when asked to review their products.
They just lost me at USB-C.. They may be fast but they are flimsy and easily broken..I have had one camera ()ZWOasi120) and a phone fail because of USB-C. I wont buy anything anymore with that if I have other choices..
I hear a your sentiment from others from time-to-time, and it always astonishes me that someone can have such an opposite experience to me. I've never had one break and I've been using them for a long long time for many applications. Give me USB-C every time. Sorry you have had such a poor experience.
Sorry to hear that, all my usb c ports on various things are more reliable thus far. Guess we will see how the industry moves
@@timcorso6337 I have had zero issues ever with standard usb , i fail to see why they would choose a smaller more fragile system.. either way, I wont get one whilst its usb c
What? Probably 90% of electronic items now use USB-C. Take phones, you plug/unplug that charger hundreds of times and use the phone while charging. We are talking about a telescope... YOU NEVER BARELY TOUCH IT AND TOUCH IT CAREFULLY... how can you break the connector. Are you treating the telescope like it's a hammer? Be real, and complaining about USB-C is just dumb.
Interesting to hear you've had bad experiences... I've had issues with the USB-B plugs used in astro, with the central plastic part just coming out lol
I think you might have misjudged your viewers as I would certainly have been interested in seeing the high precision version and not the standard one. And I think QHY have made a bad error in not producing the best they can in a product too.
Nothings worth doing unless you have a little computer-controlled doodad to do it for you.
that's it. EAF in the trash. no red!
I wouldn't put the EAF in the trash haha. It's still a perfectly functional focuser