Hello

I have a Celestron Edge 8HD with an EAF attached. This is run by an ASIAir (as well as the ZWO camera and guidecam).

When I do an autofocus run, the curve is very shallow and doesn't make much of a U shape. This is causing my focus to be very random. The autofocus step size is set to 200, which as you know is the maximum value that can be entered on the ASIAir app. It feels like I need an autofocus step size of about 300-400.

Can you increase the max steps size please? I'm not really sure why it would have a max step size.

Thank you

David

    bambi851 Can you increase the max steps size please?

    It is available with the latest firmware. But you need to update the EAF firmware (Windows, macos, Linux versions available). Search the ZWO web site.

    Be sure the EAF is the only ZWO product that is connected to your computer when you update it, or you may brick the other devices, like bricking an EFW (happened to at least two people on this forum so far).

    Then use ASIStudio to change the max step size in the Focuser control's advanced menu. You may already have firmware that can handle it, in which case, just change the max step size in ASIStudio.

    I'm not really sure why it would have a max step size.

    Its to keep the EAF from hitting one of the mechanical focuser's limits. You may not like it, but some people use it as a security blanket. Step of 0 is set to one of the limits of the draw tube travel, and max step size is set to the other limit of the draw tube travel. This way, the EAF will not hit one of the mechanical limits.

    No, as standard with ZWO's practice, there are no instructions. You get what you paid for (low bidder).

    Chen

      Hi Chen

      Thank you for your reply.

      I updated the firmware on the EAF this morning, but ASIAir is still saying the maximum Step Size is 200.

      Does this only work if I have my PC with ASIStudio connected?

      Thanks again

      David

      • w7ay replied to this.

        bambi851 Does this only work if I have my PC with ASIStudio connected?

        What I said earlier... please read carefully again.

        Then use ASIStudio to change the max step size in the Focuser control's advanced menu.

        Chen

          Well that's a pain.

          I don't use ASI Studio... that was the whole point of buying an ASIAir.

          You can set this in ASIAir too. I had this issue with my SCT, but the new EAF firmware solved it.

          I have the latest Asiair app and latest eaf firmware, and it still has a limit of 200.

          • w7ay replied to this.

            bambi851 it still has a limit of 200.

            Did you even try editing that field? With an iPad running ASIAIR, tap on the Limit box, and the virtual keyboad pops up, allowing you to edit the Limit, if your EAF is current.

            The ASIAIR however, cannot change the name of the EAF (some of us have multiple EAF, and different names allow us to select the right one to control). You have to do that with ASIStudio.

            Are you against downloading ASIStudio for some reason? Many of us avoid the ASIAIR because of its limitations.

            Chen

              Yes, of course I have tried editing that field loads of times. If I try to put in 300, it says the maximum is 200. (Updated ASIAir app and Firmware on the EAF).

              • w7ay replied to this.

                bambi851 If I try to put in 300, it says the maximum is 200. (Updated ASIAir app and Firmware on the EAF).

                Huh?

                This is done on ASIAIR:

                Chen

                  On the ASI Air, it says the max step size in the Auto Focus is 200. This isn't enough to get a good curve on the SCT.

                  I'm talking about autofocus step size, not manual focus.

                  Hey Chen

                  Is there something obvious I'm not getting?

                  My autofocus curve is almost flat. I have the auto focus step size set to 200, which is the maximum allowed on the autofocus settings on asiair

                  Thank you

                    bambi851

                    Hello there, I am following your issue since a while, and I did actually check myself the issue you have and you have totally right, when I connect the EAF to ASIAIR APP and then go to EAF settings in ASIAIR and then click on AUTOFOCUS and there under STEP SIZE the maximum allowed step size is limited to 10-200 ( for me it is more than OK )

                    And if you want to have the step size to 300 then, Then you should ACTUALLY address your matter to ZWO SUPPORT TEAM directly and explain them the problem so THEY can give you support by making them aware of your issue..

                    @bambi851 has, and give answer to @bambi851

                    Good luck @bambi851
                    Martin

                      Yes, the autofocus works ok for me with my Small Refractor, but using the SCT the max autofocus step size of 200 isn't enough. (under the autofocus menu)

                      Sorry, at time I was writing, and not finished, there was an outage !!

                      Hello there @bambi851, I am following your issue since a while, and I did actually check myself the issue you have and you have totally right, when I connect the EAF to ASIAIR APP and then go to EAF settings in ASIAIR and then click on AUTOFOCUS and there under STEP SIZE the maximum allowed step size is limited to 10-200 ( for me it is more than OK )

                      And if you want to have the step size to 300 then, Then you should ACTUALLY address your matter to ZWO SUPPORT TEAM directly and explain them the problem so THEY can give you support by making them aware of your issue..

                      @ZWO_User "#p1459 and @bambi851 has an issue with the maximum step size, can you please support?

                      Good luck @bambi851
                      Martin

                      bambi851 The AF steps in the ASIAIR app is 200, it should be enough for most telescopes, and we also tested on some SCT scopes, work fine as well.
                      Could you share some V curve of the AF for confirm the problem? that will be nice if there is a video of the whole AF process. thank you.

                        10 days later


                        Here are screenshots of the end of an EAF run. I have a video, but it's refusing to upload.
                        Does this look normal?
                        When I use the EAF with my small refractor, the curve is much more V shape and the resulting focus more accurate. But on the SCT it is very fuzzy.

                          bambi851 Don't worry, ASIAIR will calculate the final focus position and move there, it won't affect the accuracy.

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