{"product_id":"askar-worm-and-gear-automatic-telescope-focuser-waf","title":"Askar Worm-and-Gear Automatic Telescope Focuser (WAF)","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20 kg Equivalent Load Capacity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.0182° Minimum Resolution Step Size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1:99 Worm-Gear Stepper Motor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative ASCOM Alpaca \u0026amp; Indigo Support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e373 g Body Weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAskar Worm-and-Gear Automatic Telescope Focuser (WAF)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar Worm-and-Gear Automatic Telescope Focuser (WAF) leverages a 1:99 gear reduction ratio to achieve a repeatable step resolution of just 0.0182°. Its worm-gear stepper motor provides an equivalent load capacity of 20 kg, ensuring no-slip focusing for heavy imaging trains, all within a compact body weighing only 373 g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA 20 kg Capacity Worm-Gear Drive with 0.0182° Resolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Askar WAF is its worm-gear drive system, which delivers a maximum output torque of 20 kgf·cm. This design inherently prevents backlash and maintains position without power, providing a rigid, no-slip connection capable of handling an equivalent load of 20 kg. With a minimum resolution of 0.0182° per step, you can achieve critically sharp focus and generate precise V-curves for automated focusing routines in software like N.I.N.A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e12V Power and Driverless ASCOM Alpaca Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WAF uses the ASCOM Alpaca protocol for direct integration into modern astrophotography ecosystems, eliminating the need for traditional, platform-specific drivers. This allows you to control the focuser over a network from virtually any compatible software or the dedicated Askar App. Power is supplied via a standard DC-044 12V input requiring at least 1 A, while the data connection is handled through a modern Type-C port.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAskar WAF vs. ZWO EAF: A 20 kg vs. 5 kg Load Capacity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the ZWO EAF is a benchmark for lightweight, 5V USB-powered focus control, the Askar WAF targets heavier imaging systems with its robust 12V motor and 20 kg load capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZWO EAF Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The EAF's 5V USB power system can simplify cable management for smaller setups, and its market tenure means a wider availability of third-party mounting brackets for various telescopes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAskar WAF Advantage:\u003c\/strong\u003e The WAF's worm-gear drive and 20 kgf·cm of torque provide superior holding power for heavy equipment, preventing slippage where lighter focusers might fail. Its native ASCOM Alpaca support also offers a more modern, driverless connection compared to the EAF's reliance on traditional ASCOM drivers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the Askar WAF handle a heavy imaging train on a large SCT, like a C11 with a filter wheel and cooled camera?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. With its \u003cstrong\u003e20 kg equivalent load capacity\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e20 kgf·cm output torque\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Askar WAF is specifically designed for heavy setups where focuser sag or slippage is a primary concern. The worm-gear drive ensures it holds the load firmly in position, even when the motor is not powered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Askar WAF's 0.0182° resolution help when focusing a fast refractor like an Askar 103APO?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe high resolution of \u003cstrong\u003e0.0182° per step\u003c\/strong\u003e allows for extremely fine adjustments, which is critical for fast optical systems that have a very narrow critical focus zone. This precision enables automated focusing software like N.I.N.A. to build accurate V-curves and achieve perfect, repeatable focus throughout an imaging session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat do I need to connect the Askar WAF to my computer and telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar WAF body has a 12V DC input and a Type-C data port. You will need to supply your own 12V power source (minimum 1A), a Type-C cable, and the appropriate mounting bracket and shaft coupler to attach it to your specific telescope's focuser. \u003cstrong\u003ePlease note that cables, brackets, and couplers are not included with the focuser body.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need to install special drivers to use the Askar WAF?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. The focuser uses the \u003cstrong\u003eASCOM Alpaca protocol\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is driverless. As long as your control software (N.I.N.A., SGP, etc.) supports Alpaca, it will discover and connect to the WAF over your network or USB connection without needing a separate driver installation on your computer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Askar WAF compatible with Indigo for macOS or Linux systems?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the communication protocol is listed as supporting both \u003cstrong\u003eASCOM Alpaca and Indigo\u003c\/strong\u003e. This provides cross-platform compatibility, making it a viable option for users running astrophotography software on macOS or Linux-based systems like Astroberry or Stellarmate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the benefit of a worm-gear drive in the Askar WAF?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA worm-gear drive provides two main advantages. First, it has \u003cstrong\u003ezero backlash\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning there is no play when changing focus direction, leading to more accurate positioning. Second, it has a high self-locking ability, so it holds heavy loads in place even when the motor is unpowered, preventing the focuser from slipping under its own weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMotor Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorm-gear stepper motor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGear Reduction Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1:99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0182°\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Output Torque\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 kgf·cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEquivalent Load\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.6 rpm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e373 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e101 mm × 47 mm × 43 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC-044 12V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData Interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType-C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 A minimum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommunication Protocol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASCOM Alpaca and Indigo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupported Software\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAskar APP, ASCOM Alpaca third-party software (e.g., N.I.N.A.)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar_WAF_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sharpstar-optics.com\/download_list_1\/7.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 640 512\" class=\"DAV-img-box\"\u003e\u003cpath fill=\"#0047a7\" d=\"M128 32C92.7 32 64 60.7 64 96l0 256 64 0 0-256 384 0 0 256 64 0 0-256c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64L128 32zM19.2 384C8.6 384 0 392.6 0 403.2C0 445.6 34.4 480 76.8 480l486.4 0c42.4 0 76.8-34.4 76.8-76.8c0-10.6-8.6-19.2-19.2-19.2L19.2 384z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e \n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Software\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/askar-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAskar 1-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52851346538781,"sku":"ASK-ASKARWAF","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Askar-Worm-and-Gear-Automatic-Telescope-Focuser-WAF-1_869d74c4-a479-4047-a773-3b8b8ee719fc.jpg?v=1788401917","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-eu\/products\/askar-worm-and-gear-automatic-telescope-focuser-waf","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}