What are the main features of the ESATTO 4"?
A 10 kg payload capacity on a Crayford-style design with 40 ball bearings, 0.04 micron per step resolution, a 102.2mm free aperture, 35mm travel, and remote control via USB or WiFi.
How does the 10 kg payload capacity of the ESATTO 4" benefit astrophotography?
The manual explains that when a focuser lacks load capacity, heavy cameras and accessories slip and move the sensor out of focus, especially with the telescope pointed at the zenith. The ESATTO 4" carries up to 10 kg.
Can I control the ESATTO 4" focuser without a computer at the telescope?
Yes. The ESATTO 4" has built-in WiFi that creates its own network. You can connect to it directly from any smartphone, tablet, or laptop and use the included Virtual HandPad to move the focuser and save focus positions, also for visual use.
What do I need to connect the ESATTO 4" to my Takahashi FSQ-106?
You will need the optional Adapter ESATTO 4" for Takahashi FSQ-106 (PL3600310). With it, the ESATTO 4" has the same thickness as the original focuser so you reach focus. The optional M110 to M92 female adapter matches the original focuser's thread, so your photographic adapters still work. PL3600310 is not compatible with the FSQ-106EDX 3 and 4.
How does the ARCO port on the ESATTO 4" simplify my imaging setup?
The dedicated ARCO port allows you to connect a PrimaLuceLab ARCO robotic rotator directly to the focuser with a single cable. No additional USB or 12V power cables go to the rotator.
Does the ESATTO 4" require manual calibration when I first set it up?
No. The ESATTO 4" uses internal sensors to automatically detect its travel limits. It comes pre-calibrated from the factory, and this data is stored in the focuser's internal memory.
How does temperature compensation work on the ESATTO 4"?
Focus can shift as the temperature changes during a session. The internal sensor reads the motor temperature; the optional external probe is the one for focus temperature compensation. With it connected, autofocus can be set to run after a temperature change.
What is the difference between powering the ESATTO 4" via USB-C versus the 12V input?
The ESATTO 4" can be powered over USB-C, but the manual says a computer USB port delivering less than 0.5A can make the focuser stop abruptly; then also connect a 12V power source (5.5/2.5 connector, positive tip; maximum 350mA at 12V) with the included cable.
When should I choose the ESATTO 4" instead of the smaller ESATTO 2" or 3" models?
PrimaLuceLab designed the ESATTO 4" for large professional telescopes and astrographs with a large corrected image circle, like the Takahashi FSQ-106, that need a large free aperture (102.2mm). The 3" (76.3mm, 1345 g) and 2" (51mm, 835 g) are smaller and lighter.
What software can I use to control the ESATTO 4" focuser?
You can control the ESATTO 4" with several software options. PrimaLuceLab provides the dedicated PLAY software for Windows. Additionally, a full ASCOM driver is available, for control from third-party software (tested with ASCOM platform 7).
I see a tiny shift in the star field when my ESATTO 4" moves. Is it defective?
No, this is normal. The ESATTO 4" uses a modified Crayford design with 40 ball bearings to achieve its high 10 kg load capacity. The manual says a very small image shift during focuser movement is normal and caused by this modified Crayford design.