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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.
Tele Vue FocusmateDriver10:1 1

Tele Vue Focusmate Driver 10:1

by TeleVue
SKU TV-FDF-2004
$248.00 - $248.00
$248.00
$248.00 - $248.00
$248.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Mechanism: 10:1 Planetary Ball Reduction
  • Control: Dual-Speed Coarse and Fine Knobs
  • Compatibility: Tele Vue Refractors with 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focusers
  • Installation: Direct Bolt-On Replacement
  • Construction: Machined Aluminum and Stainless Steel
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Find Critical Focus at Any Power with the Tele Vue Focusmate Driver

    The Tele Vue Focusmate Driver 10:1 is a dual-speed focuser upgrade that replaces the standard pinion block on Tele Vue refractors, delivering the mechanical precision required for high-magnification planetary viewing and critical astrophotography. It translates every turn of the fine-focus knob into a minuscule, repeatable movement of the drawtube, allowing you to snap the image into perfect focus without overshoot or backlash. This isn't a luxury, it's a fundamental tool for accessing the full resolution of your telescope.

    The 10:1 Planetary Ball Reduction System

    At the heart of the Focusmate is a planetary ball reduction gear. Turning the fine focus knob engages this system, reducing the movement by a factor of ten compared to the coarse knob. This mechanism is essential for high-power observing where the critical focus zone, the tiny range where an image is perfectly sharp, can be just a few microns deep.

    The practical result is the elimination of focusing frustration. When observing Jupiter at 250x, you can move from a soft edge to a perfectly defined limb with a slow, deliberate touch. For imagers, this allows for precise V-curve analysis in focusing software, ensuring you nail the point of sharpest stars across the entire frame.

    A Complete Dual-Speed Pinion Block Assembly

    Unlike simple add-on knobs, the Focusmate Driver is a complete replacement for your telescope's stock pinion assembly. This integrated design ensures perfect alignment and zero-slop engagement with the focuser rack from the start. The entire block is machined for a direct fit, maintaining the robust, stable feel Tele Vue focusers are known for.

    By replacing the entire unit, you gain a system that was designed from the ground up for dual-speed operation. This prevents the flexure and play that can be introduced by less integrated solutions, a critical factor when supporting the weight of a heavy eyepiece or a full imaging train.

    Intuitive Coarse and Fine Control Knobs

    The Focusmate retains the familiar large, rubber-gripped knobs for coarse focusing, allowing you to find initial focus quickly. Concentric to the right-side knob is the smaller, finely knurled fine-focus knob. This ergonomic arrangement allows you to make large and small adjustments without ever moving your hand from the focuser.

    This workflow becomes second nature in the dark. You can rack the focuser out to switch eyepieces with the coarse knob, then place your fingers on the fine knob to dial in the focus as your eye adapts to the new magnification. There is no fumbling, just a seamless transition from rough to critical focus.

    Adjustable Tension for Heavy Loads

    A key feature of the pinion block is an adjustable tension screw. This allows you to set the amount of drag on the drawtube, tailoring the focuser's feel to your preference and equipment load. You can add just enough tension to prevent a heavy eyepiece or camera from causing the focuser to drift, without making adjustments feel stiff.

    This is the system's primary limitation and a point of deliberate design. The tensioner provides friction to hold a position, but for very heavy, long-exposure imaging setups, it may not provide an absolute lock against minute creep. It is designed for the loads of typical visual accessories and light-to-medium weight imaging cameras used with Tele Vue's smaller refractors.

    Engineered for a Seamless Retrofit on Your Tele Vue Telescope

    The Focusmate Driver is not a universal-fit accessory. It is specifically engineered as a drop-in upgrade for Tele Vue refractors that use their 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser, including the TV-76, TV-85, and NP101is models. The installation is straightforward, requiring only a few minutes and the included hex wrench.

    This model-specific design ensures that the gear pitch, screw-hole pattern, and block dimensions are a perfect match for your optical tube. It preserves the original mechanics and feel of the telescope while adding a layer of precision that transforms its high-power performance, making it feel like a completely new instrument.

  • Will the Focusmate Driver fit my non-Tele Vue telescope?

    No, the Focusmate Driver is designed specifically as a direct replacement for the pinion assembly on certain Tele Vue refractors with 2-inch rack-and-pinion focusers. It is not a universal fit.

    Is the Focusmate Driver difficult to install?

    Installation is straightforward for most users. It involves removing the original focuser block with a hex wrench and bolting the new Focusmate assembly in its place. Instructions are included.

    Can I switch the fine-focus knob to the left side?

    The standard configuration places the fine-focus knob on the right side of the focuser. While it can be switched to the left, this is a more involved process that requires disassembling the unit.

    What is the benefit of a 10:1 focuser for visual observing?

    At high magnifications (150x and above), the depth of field becomes extremely shallow. A 10:1 fine focuser allows you to make tiny, controlled adjustments to hit that critical point of focus without overshooting it, which is common with single-speed focusers.

    Is this necessary for wide-field, low-power viewing?

    It is less critical for low-power observing where the focus zone is more generous. The primary benefit is seen during high-magnification planetary, lunar, and double-star observation, and for critical focusing in astrophotography.

    How does this compare to a Crayford-style focuser?

    The Focusmate upgrades a rack-and-pinion focuser, which uses a gear to move the drawtube. Rack-and-pinions have high load capacities. Crayford focusers use friction and can feel smoother, but may slip under very heavy loads if not properly adjusted.

  • Product Type Dual-Speed Focuser Pinion Assembly
    Reduction Ratio 10:1
    Mechanism Planetary Ball Reduction
    Compatibility Tele Vue 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focusers (TV-76, TV-85, NP101, etc.)
    Controls Right-side concentric fine-focus knob, dual coarse-focus knobs
    Material Black Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel hardware
    Installation Tools Hex Wrench (included)

    • Focusmate 10:1 Pinion Assembly

      × 1

    • Hex Wrench for Installation

      × 1

  • Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty