TCF Remote IN/OUT Keypad
For ease of use at the telescope, Optec has developed the hot-swappable Remote IN/OUT Keypad. Many users find the large, original TCF-S (and TCF-S3) focuser control box to be a bit cumbersome at the telescope. With three cables attached to the top of the control box, it can be difficult to use as a hand paddle. Most permanent installations leave the control box near the control PC or attached to directly to the OTA mounting plate such as the Paramount Mounting kits. To satisfy the desire for simple manual control of the TCF-S, the Remote IN/OUT Keypad was developed.
The all aluminum keypad device comes with a 3-foot cable (other lengths are optionally available) ending in a 6-pin DIN connector that plugs directly into the temperature probe socket located on the focuser body. Simply remove the temperature probe from the socket and plug in the Remote Keypad. Note that neither the serial control nor auto temperature compensation modes of the TCF-S focuser are functional while the remote keypad is in use. This keypad accessory is intended for manual hand operation of the focuser only. The connection is hot swappable so that the temperature probe can be plugged back in and normal TCF-S operation resumed at any time without a reboot or power cycle.
The remote keypad measures 1 x 1 x 6 inches and has two pushbuttons for IN and OUT functions. A stainless steel hook allows the unit to be stored by hanging on any available handle such as the hand hold on many Meade telescopes. Older TCF-S controllers must be running firmware version 2.32 or later for compatibility with the Remote Keypad. Contact Optec for additional details.
The Remote Keypad receives power directly from the main focuser control board. No batteries are required. Compatible with all TCF-S, TCF-Si, and TCF-Lynx 2" and 3" focusers.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1" x 1" x 6" long (25 x 25x 152mm),
- Cord Length: 32" (80 cm),
- Body Construction: 6061 aluminum, anodized red,
- Weight: 5.8 oz. (165g),
- Connector: 6-pin DIN,
- Connectivity: Hot-swappable in temperature probe port.
Compatibility:
- TCF-S and TCF-S3 focuser with firmware v2.32 or higher,
- All TCF-Si and TCF-S3i focusers,
- TCF-Lynx and TCF-Lynx3 focusers.
How to Order:
Contact any Optec dealer, call Toll-Free 1-888-488-0381, email, or click the button below to order directly through PayPal.
The #17680 Remote IN/OUT Keypad includes a 3-inch cable, 6-pin DIN connector and all-metal body with hook.
