{"product_id":"askar-af-kit-for-fma180-pro","title":"Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnables Electronic Autofocus on the Askar FMA180 Pro\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for Seamless Integration with ZWO EAF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroadly Compatible with Most Electronic Focusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure, No-Slip Synchronous Belt-Drive System\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes Custom Mounting Bracket and Hardware\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 AF Kit for FMA180 Pro\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro provides the essential mechanical linkage to integrate your lens with a ZWO EAF or other electronic autofocuser. This kit replaces manual focusing with automated, repeatable precision, allowing you to achieve and maintain critical focus throughout an imaging session. It is designed specifically for the FMA180 Pro astrograph, ensuring a secure, no-slip connection between the focuser motor and the lens's focusing ring.\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\u003eAutomated and Precise Focusing for the FMA180 Pro\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy connecting an electronic focuser to your FMA180 Pro, this kit unlocks the ability for your imaging software to manage focus automatically. This eliminates focus drift caused by temperature changes and achieves a level of accuracy that is difficult to replicate by hand, improving the efficiency and quality of your data acquisition.\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 Purpose-Built Bracket and Belt-Drive System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Askar AF Kit is a rigid, black metal bracket engineered to support the electronic focuser securely. This bracket attaches directly to the body of the FMA180 Pro, replacing the original dovetail plate. A synchronous belt and pulley create a positive, direct-drive connection to the lens's focusing ring, preventing slippage and ensuring the motor's movements translate into precise focus adjustments every time.\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\"\u003eWhat is the Askar AF Kit for FMA180 Pro used for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit is an accessory that allows you to connect an electronic autofocuser, such as the \u003cstrong\u003eZWO EAF\u003c\/strong\u003e, to your \u003cstrong\u003eAskar FMA180 Pro lens\u003c\/strong\u003e. This enables automated, software-controlled focusing, which is crucial for maintaining sharp stars during long astrophotography sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the ZWO EAF or FMA180 Pro lens included with the Askar AF Kit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Askar AF Kit includes only the bracket, belt, pulley, and mounting screws required for installation. The Askar FMA180 Pro lens and the ZWO EAF (or any other electronic focuser) must be purchased separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this Askar AF Kit work with electronic focusers other than the ZWO EAF?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. While specifically designed for a perfect fit with the ZWO EAF, the kit is broadly compatible with most other electronic focusers available to amateur astronomers. The bracket provides a stable platform for various motor bodies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Askar AF Kit attach to the FMA180 Pro lens?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe installation involves removing the original dovetail plate and finder base from the FMA180 Pro. The new bracket from the kit then bolts directly onto the lens body. The EAF motor attaches to the bracket, and a synchronous belt loops around the EAF's pulley and the lens's focusing ring to complete the connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Askar AF Kit to keep my FMA180 Pro in focus while imaging the Orion Nebula (M42) all night?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, that is its primary purpose. When paired with an electronic focuser and control software, the kit allows you to run autofocus routines periodically throughout the night. This automatically compensates for focus shifts caused by falling temperatures, ensuring your stars remain sharp from the first sub-exposure to the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIf I mount the FMA180 Pro on a small star tracker, will the Askar AF Kit and an EAF add too much weight or bulk?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit and an EAF add minimal weight and bulk, but it is a consideration for payload-limited mounts. The main change is the profile of the lens, with the motor extending from the side. You will need to ensure proper clearance and re-balance your setup in both axes after installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\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 \u0026amp; Drivers\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":50974208360733,"sku":"ASK-ASKAF180P","price":87.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ASK-ASKAF180P-1.jpg?v=1772041888","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/askar-af-kit-for-fma180-pro","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}