EAF Retracting out issue

mBuxx

Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any advice here. When retracting my focuser out, I am often met with a double beep, and the motor stops. Sometimes 5000, 10000, 15000 steps and it stops. Never consistently in the same spot or even close, appears to be completely random. I push go again and it resumes moving with no issues.

I have my settings set at 0 point, for focuser (almost) all the way in, and 22000 for focuser (almost) fully extended. I have determined a backlash of 55 and entered that accordingly.

The EAF never has an issue pulling the focuser all the way back in the scope, which you would think would be more strenuous.

EAF is mounted on a GT81 with an R&P Focuser

Things I have tried:

-Verified latest firmware
-Making sure grub screws are seated on flat part of both motor shaft, and focuser shaft
-Verifying bracket and motor are aligned perfectly with no binding.
-Verified flexible coupler is not rubbing on either motor box, nor focuser.
-Tried different USB cables.
-Tried different power sources.
-Tried PC using ASI studio, tried ASIAIR Plus.
-Removed EAF to assure focuser turns freely in both directions the full stroke of the focuser, it does.
-Finally, held EAF in my hand, while applying a small amount of tension with my fingers to the coupler, It would appear the focuser has less torque in the direction I am seeing failures.

Now with that being said, this was noticed during the testing and setting up of the EAF, in order to find backlash, max steps settings etc. I have found rough focus, and had one night out with the eaf. It was a short 2 hour period, but it did complete the initial autofocus, and the 1 hour refocus with no issues what so ever.

Are these issues something I am likely to run into once rough focus is achieved, since the focuser actually appears to move so little?

Could this be a result of a motor over heating from such a long run of extension to find max steps, and possibly something I will never run into in a real world situation?

I am wondering if this is a defective unit, which will have compromised longevity.

w7ay

mBuxx Never consistently in the same spot or even close, appears to be completely random. I push go again and it resumes moving with no issues.

Use ZWO's firmware updater to check the version number of the EAF Firmware. There was a bug that is somewhat identical to what you reported in Firmware 3.3.3 (randomly stops when slewing, emitting a double beep).

Then, if you are very brave (or have no other alternative), you can try to download Firmware 3.3.5.

Warning -- there was one report of bricking an EFW while trying to update an EAF. I updated 8 of my EAF using a MacBookPro with no problem. But it is up to you whether you want to chance it. Do not connect any other ZWO devices (like an EFW) to the computer while you are downloading EAF firmware.

If you are willing to download new firmware (or just to check the firmware version), go here:

https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software-drivers

There is a FW Update tab on that page and you should be able to choose your computer platform and device whose firmware you want to update.

If it is a new unit, return it to the dealer to have them update the firmware. They have no business sending you a unit that has known bad firmware.

Chen

Tech@ZWO

mBuxx -Finally, held EAF in my hand, while applying a small amount of tension with my fingers to the coupler, It would appear the focuser has less torque in the direction I am seeing failures.

Does the EAF work fine in both directions if you remove it from the focuser?

What software do you use to control the EAF? Can the EAF Retract the focuser if you check the' reverse' option?

mBuxx

Unfortunately I did check the firmware, and can verify it is 3.3.5.

w7ay

mBuxx Unfortunately I did check the firmware, and can verify it is 3.3.5.

Is there a locking bolt for the R&P focuser?

Chen

mBuxx

w7ay yes it has been removed

mBuxx

Tech@ZWO I use the Asiair, but I have tried asistudio on pc. The behavior is still the same in reverse.

It works fine in both directions with no force applied to it. It’s like it hits its overload capacity for no reason periodically.

Edit: just heard back from dealer. Dubbed it defective and is swapping out when they receive more stock.