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Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro
Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro
Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro
Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro

Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro

by Askar
SKU ASK-ASKAF180P
CA$119.00 - CA$119.00
CA$119.00
CA$119.00 - CA$119.00
CA$119.00
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  • Enables Electronic Autofocus on the Askar FMA180 Pro
  • Designed for Seamless Integration with ZWO EAF
  • Broadly Compatible with Most Electronic Focusers
  • Secure, No-Slip Synchronous Belt-Drive System
  • Includes Custom Mounting Bracket and Hardware
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro

    The Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro provides the essential mechanical linkage to integrate your lens with a ZWO EAF or other electronic autofocuser. This kit replaces manual focusing with automated, repeatable precision, allowing you to achieve and maintain critical focus throughout an imaging session. It is designed specifically for the FMA180 Pro astrograph, ensuring a secure, no-slip connection between the focuser motor and the lens's focusing ring.

    Automated and Precise Focusing for the FMA180 Pro

    By connecting an electronic focuser to your FMA180 Pro, this kit unlocks the ability for your imaging software to manage focus automatically. This eliminates focus drift caused by temperature changes and achieves a level of accuracy that is difficult to replicate by hand, improving the efficiency and quality of your data acquisition.

    A Purpose-Built Bracket and Belt-Drive System

    The core of the Askar AF Kit is a rigid, black metal bracket engineered to support the electronic focuser securely. This bracket attaches directly to the body of the FMA180 Pro, replacing the original dovetail plate. A synchronous belt and pulley create a positive, direct-drive connection to the lens's focusing ring, preventing slippage and ensuring the motor's movements translate into precise focus adjustments every time.

  • What is the Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro used for?

    This kit is an accessory that allows you to connect an electronic autofocuser, such as the ZWO EAF, to your Askar FMA180 Pro lens. This enables automated, software-controlled focusing, which is crucial for maintaining sharp stars during long astrophotography sessions.

    Is the ZWO EAF or FMA180 Pro lens included with the Askar AF Kit?

    No. The Askar AF Kit includes only the bracket, belt, pulley, and mounting screws required for installation. The Askar FMA180 Pro lens and the ZWO EAF (or any other electronic focuser) must be purchased separately.

    Will this Askar AF Kit work with electronic focusers other than the ZWO EAF?

    Yes. While specifically designed for a perfect fit with the ZWO EAF, the kit is broadly compatible with most other electronic focusers available to amateur astronomers. The bracket provides a stable platform for various motor bodies.

    How does the Askar AF Kit attach to the FMA180 Pro lens?

    The installation involves removing the original dovetail plate and finder base from the FMA180 Pro. The new bracket from the kit then bolts directly onto the lens body. The EAF motor attaches to the bracket, and a synchronous belt loops around the EAF's pulley and the lens's focusing ring to complete the connection.

    Can I use the Askar AF Kit to keep my FMA180 Pro in focus while imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) all night?

    Yes, that is its primary purpose. When paired with an electronic focuser and control software, the kit allows you to run autofocus routines periodically throughout the night. This automatically compensates for focus shifts caused by falling temperatures, ensuring your stars remain sharp from the first sub-exposure to the last.

    If I mount the FMA180 Pro on a small star tracker, will the Askar AF Kit and an EAF add too much weight or bulk?

    The kit and an EAF add minimal weight and bulk, but it is a consideration for payload-limited mounts. The main change is the profile of the lens, with the motor extending from the side. You will need to ensure proper clearance and re-balance your setup in both axes after installation.

  • Askar 1-Year Warranty