{"product_id":"tele-vue-focusmate-driver","title":"Tele Vue Focusmate Driver 10:1","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMechanism: 10:1 Planetary Ball Reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eControl: Dual-Speed Coarse and Fine Knobs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatibility: Tele Vue Refractors with 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focusers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstallation: Direct Bolt-On Replacement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: Machined Aluminum and Stainless Steel\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\u003eFind Critical Focus at Any Power with the Tele Vue Focusmate Driver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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\u003eThe 10:1 Planetary Ball Reduction System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 Complete Dual-Speed Pinion Block Assembly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\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\u003eIntuitive Coarse and Fine Control Knobs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\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\u003eAdjustable Tension for Heavy Loads\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\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\u003eEngineered for a Seamless Retrofit on Your Tele Vue Telescope\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\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 Focusmate Driver fit my non-Tele Vue telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Focusmate Driver difficult to install?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I switch the fine-focus knob to the left side?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 10:1 focuser for visual observing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs this necessary for wide-field, low-power viewing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does this compare to a Crayford-style focuser?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual-Speed Focuser Pinion Assembly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReduction Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10:1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMechanism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlanetary Ball Reduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTele Vue 2-inch Rack-and-Pinion Focusers (TV-76, TV-85, NP101, etc.)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRight-side concentric fine-focus knob, dual coarse-focus knobs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel hardware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstallation Tools\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHex Wrench (included)\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\"\u003eFocusmate 10:1 Pinion Assembly\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\"\u003eHex Wrench for Installation\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\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\/Tele_Vue_FocusMate_Driver_10-to-1_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\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/tele-vue-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TeleVue","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51223885054237,"sku":"TV-FDF-2004","price":248.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Tele_Vue_Focusmate_Driver_10to1_1.jpg?v=1777515023","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/tele-vue-focusmate-driver","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}