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Tele Vue FocusmateDriver10:1 1

Tele Vue Focusmate Driver 10:1

by TeleVue
SKU TV-FDF-2004
CA$347.00 - CA$347.00
CA$347.00
CA$347.00 - CA$347.00
CA$347.00
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  • Mechanism: Motor drive for the 10:1 Focusmate fine focus knob
  • Control: Hand controller with arrow buttons and variable speed
  • Compatibility: Tele Vue focusers with the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly installed
  • Installation: Motor bracket attaches to the Focusmate with two screws
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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 (FDF-2004) is an electronic, variable-speed motor drive that turns the fine focus knob of the 10:1 Focusmate on Tele Vue refractors, giving hands-free, vibration-free focusing for high-magnification viewing and astrophotography. At the slowest setting, a quick click of the driver moves the focus about half a thousandth of an inch (0.0005"), so you can reach critical focus without touching the telescope. This isn't a luxury, it's a fundamental tool for accessing the full resolution of your telescope.

    Drives the 10:1 Focusmate Fine Focus Knob

    The driver works with the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly, which must already be installed. Its motor-driven wheel, fitted with O-rings, contacts the Focusmate's fine focus knob and turns it for you. 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.

    An Add-On Motor for the Installed Focusmate

    The Focusmate Driver does not replace your pinion assembly; it is an add-on motor that mounts on the installed 10:1 Focusmate. The motor bracket attaches with two button head screws, and slotted holes let you center the O-ring contact on the fine focus knob. Loosen the Motor Lock Knob and rotate the motor to disengage the drive wheel whenever you want to focus by hand.

    The 10:1 Focusmate keeps its manual coarse and fine knobs, and the driver adds motorized control on top. Because you do not touch the focuser while focusing, no vibration is transferred to the telescope.

    Manual and Motorized Focusing

    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. With the driver engaged, the final adjustments are made from the hand controller, with no hand on the focuser.

    In practice, reach rough focus by hand with the motor disengaged, then engage the driver and use the hand controller's arrow buttons to dial in the focus. There is no fumbling, just a seamless transition from rough to critical focus.

    Hand Controller and Power

    The hand controller runs on the included 9V battery and connects to the motor with the supplied cable. Push either arrow button for the direction of travel, and turn the knob to vary the speed.

    The battery cover goes on more easily if the battery sits in the hand controller with its connector wires facing the cover.

    Engineered for a Seamless Retrofit on Your Tele Vue Telescope

    The Focusmate Driver is not a universal-fit accessory. It is made for Tele Vue refractors fitted with the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly, including the TV-76, TV-85, NP101is and NP127is. Installation is straightforward with the two included Allen keys (5/64" and 3/32").

    The motor bracket uses the two plug-screw holes on the bottom of the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly. 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 to drive the fine focus knob of Tele Vue's 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly, which must already be installed. It is not a universal fit.

    Is the Focusmate Driver difficult to install?

    Installation is straightforward. Remove the two plug screws from the bottom of the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly, attach the motor bracket with the two supplied screws, slip in the motor, connect the cable and fit the 9V battery in the hand controller. Instructions are included.

    How do I focus by hand with the driver fitted?

    Loosen the Motor Lock Knob and rotate the motor housing so the O-rings disengage from the fine focus knob. After reaching rough focus, rotate the motor back into contact and retighten the Motor Lock Knob.

    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 Electronic variable-speed motor drive for the 10:1 Focusmate
    Reduction Ratio For the 10:1 Focusmate (required, not included)
    Mechanism Motor with O-ring drive wheel on the Focusmate fine focus knob
    Compatibility Tele Vue focusers fitted with the 10:1 Focusmate pinion assembly (TV-76, TV-85, NP101is, NP127is)
    Controls Hand controller with two arrow buttons and a speed knob
    Installation Tools 5/64" and 3/32" Allen keys (included)
    Step resolution Approx. 0.0005" per button click
    Type Electronic motor drive

    • Motor, Motor Bracket, Hand Controller and Cable

      × 1

    • 9V Battery, 2 Allen Key Screws, 5/64" and 3/32" Allen Keys

      × 1

  • Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty