{"product_id":"rb-focus-merlin-hd-3-0-heavy-duty-electronic-focuser","title":"RB Focus Merlin HD 3.0 Heavy Duty Electronic Focuser","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy Duty version of the Merlin 3.0, NEMA 17 motor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.7 micron precision\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16,000 steps per revolution for extremely fine adjustments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB 2.0 and Bluetooth connectivity for wired or wireless control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eASCOM and INDI compatible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature sensor included\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\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\u003eRB Focus Merlin HD 3.0 Heavy Duty Electronic Focuser\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RB Focus Merlin HD 3.0 is the Heavy Duty version of RB Focus's Merlin 3.0 focus motor. It automates your telescope's existing focuser with a NEMA 17 motor, 16,000 steps per revolution (0.7 microns), USB 2.0 and Bluetooth, and runs on 12V DC. RB Focus makes it in Spain, CNC-machined from aluminum, and says it works with any camera from DSLRs to mono cameras.\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\u003e0.7 Micron Precision from 16,000 Steps Per Revolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlin HD 3.0 moves your focuser with a resolution of 16,000 steps per revolution, or a precision of 0.7 microns. RB Focus says autofocus with it reaches focus more precisely than a Bahtinov mask, without slewing the telescope to a bright star.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts DirectDrive (direct transmission) avoids the mechanical play common in other products, and RB Focus notes it even lets you focus manually when you have no computer at hand. The InteligentSilentDrive system actively adjusts the motor's force for completely silent operation.\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\u003eSensorless AutoHoming and Magnetic Tension Sensing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensorless AutoHoming automatically calibrates the focuser in several directions. If the tube is moved by accident, or you rack the focuser in by hand at the end of the session, it returns the focuser to the last focus point applied by your capture program, so position is not lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA magnetic-field sensing system ensures the correct tension on the focuser mechanism, avoiding unwanted slippage.\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\u003eDual-Core Processing and Auto-Off IPS Display\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Dual Core processor runs autofocus without interruption while it refreshes the display and handles its other functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full-color IPS LCD screen, with automatic on\/off, lets you check that the focuser is working correctly, review saved settings and follow its movements in real time without looking at your computer.\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\u003eUSB 2.0, Bluetooth, and Mobile App Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlin HD 3.0 connects to your computer by USB 2.0, and its Bluetooth antennas reduce cables and weight on your setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're observing visually or doing planetary imaging, you can bypass a laptop entirely. The RB Focus mobile app connects to the Merlin HD 3.0 via Bluetooth, giving you an intuitive interface for making manual focus adjustments directly from your smartphone.\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\u003eNative ASCOM and INDI Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the ASCOM and INDI standards, the Merlin HD 3.0 works with the capture programs RB Focus names: APT, SGP, N.I.N.A., Voyager, KStars and Ekos.\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\u003eBrackets and Adapters for SCT, Crayford, and Takahashi Focusers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlin HD 3.0 is designed to motorize your telescope's existing focuser. The kit includes a versatile self-aligning shaft coupler and adapters for common shaft diameters of 2.5mm, 4mm, and a 3.5mm adapter specifically for Takahashi focusers. An adapter for dual-speed Crayford focusers with a 27mm reducer is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the bracket format for your focuser: Standard format (Sky-Watcher models with dual-speed focuser, TS, GSO, William Optics and similar), Large format (Feather Touch and similar), Mak 127 base, SCT base (Mak 150 and larger), or the Takahashi adapter (27 mm with 3.5 mm shaft).\u003c\/p\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\"\u003eWill the RB Focus Merlin HD 3.0 fit my Celestron 8\" SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the SCT base version. RB Focus lists Celestron and Meade SCTs and Sky-Watcher Maksutovs for its SCT format and asks you to confirm the size, so ask us before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat makes the Merlin HD 3.0 \"Heavy Duty\"?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRB Focus presents it as the Heavy Duty version of the Merlin 3.0 but does not detail what differs from the standard model. Ask us if you need to compare them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need to buy a separate power adapter for the Merlin HD 3.0?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. No power adapter is included (RB Focus sells one separately). It runs on 12V DC through a 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC jack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the included temperature sensor work with the Merlin HD 3.0?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sensor reports temperature to your capture software, so software that supports it can refocus as the temperature changes during the night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I still focus my telescope manually with the Merlin HD 3.0 installed?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRB Focus says the DirectDrive transmission lets you focus manually even when you have no computer at hand, and the mobile app allows manual electronic focusing over Bluetooth. RB Focus does not say whether the focuser knob can be turned by hand with the motor fitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is Sensorless AutoHoming on the Merlin HD 3.0?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRB Focus's Sensorless AutoHoming automatically calibrates the focuser in several directions. If the tube is moved by accident or racked in by hand, it returns the focuser to the last focus point applied by your capture program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Merlin HD 3.0 effective for focusing a DSLR on an f\/4 Newtonian?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. RB Focus says the Merlin works equally well with color cameras and DSLRs as with mono cameras, on reflectors and refractors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat software do I need to use the RB Focus Merlin HD 3.0?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merlin HD 3.0 requires imaging software that supports ASCOM (on Windows) or INDI (on Linux\/macOS) focusers. Popular compatible programs include N.I.N.A., Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), APT, Voyager, and KStars\/Ekos. You will need to install the appropriate ASCOM or INDI driver for the Merlin HD 3.0.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I control the Merlin HD 3.0 with Bluetooth?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the RB Focus mobile app on your phone for manual focusing over Bluetooth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the advantage of the 16,000 steps per revolution on the Merlin HD 3.0?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA high step count of 16,000 steps per revolution allows the motor to make extremely small, precise rotational movements. This fine control is what enables the focuser to achieve its high precision of 0.7 microns per step, ensuring it can hit the exact point of critical focus identified by your software.\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNEMA 17\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrecision\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.7 microns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStep resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16,000 steps per revolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDisplay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull-color IPS LCD with automatic on\/off\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 2.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWireless\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBluetooth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASCOM and INDI software\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V DC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower connector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.1 x 5.5 mm DC jack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature sensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded\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\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eRB Focus electronic focus motor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTemperature sensor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eUSB Type-A to USB Type-C cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSelf-aligning shaft coupler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eShaft adapters 4 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm (Takahashi)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 set\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAdapter for dual-speed Crayford focusers with 27 mm reducer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/rb-focus-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRB Focus 2-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"RB Focus","offers":[{"title":"Mak 127 Base","offer_id":67881968730397,"sku":"RB-MERLINHD3-MAK127","price":353.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"SCT Base (Mak 150 and Larger)","offer_id":67881968763165,"sku":"RB-MERLINHD3-SCT","price":353.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard Format (27 to 33 mm)","offer_id":67881968795933,"sku":"RB-MERLINHD3-STD","price":329.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large Format (Feather Touch and Similar)","offer_id":67881968828701,"sku":"RB-MERLINHD3-LARGE","price":370.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Takahashi Adapter (27 mm, 3.5 mm Shaft)","offer_id":67881968861469,"sku":"RB-MERLINHD3-TAK","price":329.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/78d234_efe0c014df3e4b2382063cb030122a8f_mv2.jpg?v=1793070890","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-int\/products\/rb-focus-merlin-hd-3-0-heavy-duty-electronic-focuser","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}