"Helping Astronomers Measure The Stars Since 1979"
Optec is a design and manufacturing firm specializing in electro-optical products used in astronomy, atmospheric science and microscopy. We are located in the town of Lowell, Michigan near the banks of the Grand River. Our company is small but we utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in the design and manufacture of our products.
And now for something totally different...
TCF-LEO Low-Profile Temperature Compensating Focuser
Optec provided a sneak-peak of our new focuser at NEAF
2017 in New York. Visit our booth this year to see the new low profile
focuser in action. The TCF-LEO is the newest in our line of
temperature compensating focusers. This thin low-profile focuser
has a minimum thickness of only 1.25" and 0.35-inches of travel or about
9mm.
We anticipate the TCF-LEO will help many imagers struggling with minimal back-focus on scopes such as the Celestron EdgeHD C1100. TCF-LEO is designed to fit between the mirror lock-knobs on the C-11HD and will work well with the Innovation Foresight On-Axis Guider as well as the large Perseus 3-inch port. Click here for more information.
DirectSync SVX Integrated Motors
The
new All-in-One ThirdLynx DirectSync SVX30 motor
is an aftermarket add-on for the Stellarvue SVF25 2.5-inch
and SVF30 3-inch native focusers. The DirectSync SVX30 includes an integrated ThirdLynx control circuit with built-in temperature sensor. The new
DirectSync SVX30 motor provides a direct drive motor that can
be easily disengaged for manual focusing. DirectSync SVX30
is easy to install and provides a digital focusing solution that also
allows manual focus for visual observing.
Fully ASCOM Alpaca and X2 compliant using our FocusLynx driver and software. Full details and pre-order here.
New DirectSync Motors for FocusLynx
Optec
engineers have designed several new DirectSync motors for the FocusLynx
dual-focuser control hub. DirectSync motors replace the coarse
focus knob and provide a direct geared connection to the rack and
pinion. With our smooth clutch mechanism, manual focus control is
preserved. Engage the motor with a simple twist of the motor
housing and auto-focus is available using any ASCOM software client.
New motors include DirectSync SV35 for the new Stellarvue̓̓̓̓ 3-1/2 inch
focuser, DirectSync ES25
for Explore Scientific 2-1/2" HEX focuser, and our
DirectSync SW30 to
fit Sky-Watcher̓̓s premium 3-inch focuser for the Esprit series
apochromats. Visit the
FocusLynx page for
full details.
We̓ve made a priority of expanding our DirectSync motor selection to include the DirectSync APO, DirectSync TEC, DirectSync ACF, and DirectSync SV for the Stellarvue.
FocusLynx Hand Control upgrade
Optec
has
added a Fine Focus Knob to the FocusLynx
Hand Control for a much better experience at the telescope. With
three speeds and improved response of the IN and OUT buttons, you'll find using the Hand
Control much more enjoyable for visual observing. Single handed operation allows
you to adjust focus quickly and precisely without moving your eye away from the eyepiece.
If you're a visual user with the FocusLynx system,
you owe to yourself to try the new hand control.
Contact Optec Sales to arrange return of your hand control for upgrade at a special upgrade price. Includes the latest hand control firmware and works best with the current versions of FocusLynx Commander.
Guaranteed satisfaction - click here for full details or to order the upgrade.
Sky & Telescope Hot Product - Gemini Focusing Rotator
Introducing
a new heavy duty combination rotator and focuser now available for purchase.
Capable of handling extremely large camera loads, the Gemini Focusing
Rotator will offer a level of performance unparalleled by anything in
its price range.
The Gemini Focusing Rotator is now available from stock!
Visit our dedicated Gemini webpages for additional details and ordering information.
Based upon the success of the
FocusLynx Control
system, the new Gemini can be controlled through serial,
USB, wired Ethernet and 802.11b WiFi networks. Gemini features
two stepper motors with rotation and focus in one compact device.
At only 2-1/4" thickness and 1/2-inch of travel, the Gemini will fit
telescopes and long camera packages that previously could not be supported.
Contact us by email (sales@optecinc.com) or join the Optec Yahoo Group for notifications as details become available.
New! FocusLock Auto-Focus Software for the ONAG
FocusLock
Fast, Continuous Telescope Focus Control
Developed in partnership with
Innovations Foresight,
Optec's new FocusLock software integrates patent
pending
SharpLock Technology to provide an easy-to-use
focusing application that functions whenever guiding is active.
SharpLock has received a Sky & Telescope Hot Product
award for 2016.
When using the ONAG On-Axis Guider a cold-mirror
passes infrared light to the guide camera while reflectiing visible
wavelengths on to the imaging camera.
The cold-mirror
introduces a slight astigmatism to the guide image allowing FocusLock to
quickly determine on which side of focus the camera is currently
positioned.
Using the proprietary SharpLock technology, FocusLock can be used to quickly drive the focuser to the optimal focus position and maintain focus for weeks or months at a time.
UPDATED VERSION 1.0.2 NOW AVAILABLE.
Full details and Download links available on the
FocusLock webpage.
Optec's
TCF-Leo has been selected as one
of the Hot Products for 2019
by
