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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.
Starlight Instruments Hand Controller for Manual Focuser Control
Starlight Instruments Hand Controller for Manual Focuser Control

Starlight Instruments Hand Controller for Manual Focuser Control

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FB-HANDCONTROLLER
$200.00 - $200.00
$200.00
$200.00 - $200.00
$200.00
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  • Provides manual focus control for the Focuser Boss II system
  • Tactile push-button interface for use at the eyepiece
  • Ideal for quick visual adjustments and initial focus finding
  • Complements automated software control
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Hand Controller for Manual Focuser Control

    This Starlight Instruments Hand Controller is the dedicated manual interface for any telescope equipped with the Focuser Boss II electronic focusing system. It allows for direct, tactile adjustments via integrated push buttons, giving you precise control at the eyepiece without needing to interact with a computer screen or mouse, streamlining your workflow for both visual observation and imaging.

    Tactile Focuser Control for the Focuser Boss II

    Designed exclusively for the Focuser Boss II, this hand controller provides an essential ergonomic upgrade to your focusing setup. By plugging directly into the control hub, you gain immediate, responsive push-button command over your electronic focuser. This is indispensable for visual observers who need to make rapid focus changes when swapping eyepieces or for imagers seeking to quickly establish rough focus before initiating an automated routine.

    Hand Controller vs. Software: Why You Need Both

    While the Focuser Boss II's software capabilities are unmatched for automated, temperature-compensated focusing runs, a physical hand controller serves a different and vital role. Software control requires a laptop at the scope, which can be cumbersome in the dark and disruptive to dark adaptation.

    The hand controller offers immediate, "no-look" operation. It allows you to keep your eye at the eyepiece while making fine adjustments, ensuring you never lose your target. It complements, rather than replaces, software control by providing a faster, more intuitive interface for the manual adjustments you make throughout an observing session.

  • What is the Starlight Instruments Hand Controller used for?

    This hand controller provides manual, push-button focusing for telescopes using the Starlight Instruments Focuser Boss II electronic focusing system. It allows you to make precise adjustments at the eyepiece without using a computer.

    Is the Starlight Instruments Hand Controller compatible with the EFS or Posi Drive systems?

    No. This controller is designed specifically for the Focuser Boss II system. It is not compatible with other Starlight Instruments electronic focusers like the EFS (Electronic Focusing System) unless they are being controlled by the Focuser Boss II hub.

    How do I connect the Hand Controller to my Focuser Boss II?

    The Hand Controller connects directly to the dedicated port on the Focuser Boss II control hub. This provides both power and data communication, allowing for immediate use once plugged in.

    Can I use this Hand Controller to achieve critical focus for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    This controller is excellent for quickly finding initial focus on bright stars near your target. However, for achieving the most critical focus required for high-resolution imaging, an automated software routine (like a V-curve analysis) run through the Focuser Boss II's ASCOM driver will deliver more precise and repeatable results.

    When observing Jupiter with my SCT, is it faster to use the Starlight Hand Controller or the software?

    For quick adjustments while visually observing planets like Jupiter, the Starlight Instruments Hand Controller is significantly faster and more intuitive. It allows you to tweak focus in real-time as atmospheric seeing changes, without ever taking your eye from the eyepiece or fumbling with a laptop in the dark.

    Does the Hand Controller replace the need for software control of the Focuser Boss II?

    No, it complements it. The hand controller is ideal for manual and visual use, while software control is necessary for advanced functions like autofocusing routines, temperature compensation, and remote operation. Most users employ both for a complete focusing solution.

  • Compatibility Focuser Boss II Electronic Focuser
  • Starlight Instruments 1-Year Warranty on Electronics