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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3 SC Robotic Focusing Motor

PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3 SC Robotic Focusing Motor

by PrimaLuceLab
SKU PLL-SESTOSENSO3SC
$299.00 - $299.00
$299.00
$299.00 - $299.00
$299.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Robotic focusing motor for SC, EdgeHD, and RASA telescopes
  • Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) for backlash-free, slip-free connection
  • Integrated encoder allows for manual focusing without losing position
  • USB-C port and built-in WiFi for dual control options
  • ASCOM and PLAY software compatible for full remote automation
  • Automatic calibration routine designed for internal mirror focusers
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • SESTO SENSO 3 SC Robotic Focusing Motor

    The SESTO SENSO 3 SC is an advanced robotic focusing motor engineered specifically for Schmidt-Cassegrain, EdgeHD, and RASA telescopes with internal mirror focusers. Its innovative Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) system provides a backlash-free connection to the focus knob, while an integrated position encoder maintains perfect positional awareness even after manual adjustments. With both USB-C and built-in WiFi, you gain flexible, reliable remote focus control from a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

    Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC): Backlash-Free Coupling with Manual Override

    The core of the SESTO SENSO 3 SC is its Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) mechanism. This system provides a secure, slip-free connection to your telescope's focuser knob, eliminating the backlash common in other motor designs. This ensures that every command from the software translates into precise, repeatable mirror movement.

    Crucially, the DPC works in concert with an integrated position encoder. This allows you to manually turn the focus knob at any time—for quick visual adjustments or switching eyepieces—without the system losing its calibrated position. The SESTO SENSO 3 SC always knows where it is, giving you the freedom of manual control with the repeatability of robotic automation.

    Dual Control: USB-C and WiFi with Virtual HandPad

    The SESTO SENSO 3 SC offers two robust methods for control. A modern USB-C port provides a secure, reliable cabled connection to any Windows computer or PrimaLuceLab EAGLE unit, preventing accidental disconnections during an imaging run. This is the ideal connection for a permanent observatory or a complex portable setup.

    For wireless freedom, the focuser has built-in WiFi, creating its own network. You can connect directly with a smartphone or tablet and use the web-based Virtual HandPad to make focus adjustments right at the telescope. This is perfect for initial setup, visual observing, or when you don't want to be tethered to a laptop.

    SC-Specific Automation: Remote Calibration and Position Recovery

    Unlike external focusers, internal mirror focus systems lack hard mechanical stops, making remote calibration a major challenge. The SESTO SENSO 3 SC solves this with an exclusive Automatic Calibration mode that intelligently detects the focuser's full travel range without manual intervention. This makes it a uniquely reliable solution for unattended, remote observatories.

    For added security, an Automatic Position Recovery function can be enabled. If the focus knob is accidentally moved, the system will automatically return to its last known position after a user-defined delay. This feature is invaluable in public observatories or educational settings where multiple users might handle the equipment.

    Seamless Ecosystem Integration: ARCO, EAGLE, and ASCOM Control

    The SESTO SENSO 3 SC is designed to be the hub of your imaging train. A dedicated ARCO port allows you to connect a PrimaLuceLab ARCO rotator with a single cable for both power and data, dramatically simplifying cable management. When paired with an EAGLE computer, you can enable GHOST mode for wireless control from your PC and DARK mode to automatically extinguish all status LEDs during an exposure.

    Beyond the PrimaLuceLab ecosystem, the focuser is fully ASCOM compliant. This ensures out-of-the-box compatibility with all major astrophotography software, including NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, and MaxIm DL, allowing you to integrate it into your existing workflow without compromise.

    SESTO SENSO 3 SC vs. Standard Models: Why Automatic Calibration Matters

    While other SESTO SENSO 3 models provide exceptional focusing, the SC version contains a key feature that makes it essential for telescopes with internal focusers. The Automatic Calibration routine is what sets it apart, as it is purpose-built to handle the unique mechanics of a moving-mirror system.

    • Standard Focusers: Have a defined, limited travel range with hard stops, making them easy to calibrate manually.
    • SC/EdgeHD/RASA Focusers: The primary mirror can be moved over a very long range with no fixed endpoints. Manually finding these limits is impractical, and impossible to do remotely. The SESTO SENSO 3 SC automates this discovery process, a feature not available on other models.

  • What makes the SESTO SENSO 3 SC different from other robotic focusers for SCTs?

    The SESTO SENSO 3 SC's key differentiators are its Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) for a backlash-free connection and its integrated encoder. This combination allows you to make manual focus adjustments at any time without the system losing its position, a feature missing from many competing focus motors. Furthermore, its exclusive automatic calibration routine is designed specifically for the challenges of internal mirror focusing systems.

    Can I still manually focus my Celestron EdgeHD 8 with the SESTO SENSO 3 SC installed?

    Yes. The DPC system is designed to allow full manual control. You can turn the focuser knob by hand whenever you need to, and the integrated encoder will track the movement. The system will instantly know the new focus position without needing to be re-calibrated, making it seamless to switch between imaging and visual use.

    How does the SESTO SENSO 3 SC handle remote operation in an observatory?

    It is built for remote use. The Automatic Calibration feature allows the focuser to learn the travel limits of your telescope's mirror without you needing to be there. Control can be handled reliably over a wired USB-C connection to an observatory computer, and the ASCOM driver allows it to be integrated into any remote automation software.

    What software is compatible with the SESTO SENSO 3 SC?

    The SESTO SENSO 3 SC works with PrimaLuceLab's own PLAY software for an integrated experience, especially when using an EAGLE computer. It is also fully ASCOM compliant, meaning it works with virtually all popular third-party astrophotography applications, including:

    • NINA
    • Sequence Generator Pro (SGP)
    • MaxIm DL
    • and others that support the ASCOM focusing standard.

    Do I need an EAGLE computer to use the SESTO SENSO 3 SC?

    No. An EAGLE is not required. You can connect the SESTO SENSO 3 SC directly to any Windows 10/11 computer via its USB-C port. You can also control it completely wirelessly using its built-in WiFi and the Virtual HandPad on any smartphone or tablet. However, an EAGLE computer unlocks advanced features like GHOST mode (wireless control from the EAGLE) and automatic DARK mode activation.

    How does the SESTO SENSO 3 SC integrate with the ARCO rotator on my RASA 11?

    Integration is incredibly simple. The SESTO SENSO 3 SC has a dedicated ARCO port. You connect the ARCO rotator to this port using a single, short cable that provides both power and data. This eliminates extra cables running to your computer, streamlining your imaging train and reducing the potential for cable snags.

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