Beefocus is an Open Source Hardware/ Software Telescope Focuser The goal of the project is to create a high quality DIY focuser that's relatively easy to build and modify.
It's similar in spirit to other open source focuser projects. For example...
- https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/
- http://www.scopefocus.info/arduino-focuser-2
- https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinomoonlitefocuserclone/?source=directory
- https://github.com/aruangra/PnP-Focus
- Originally, I needed a custom focuser solution for my telescope. I have a Celestron C11 with a Hyperstar. When I started this I couldn't find a good out of the box solution.
- I want to try using an ESP-8266 internet of things micro-controller instead of a traditional arduino. I've found that every wire you get rid of simplifies your telescope setup and observing
- I want to open-source the hardware design under a permissive license.
I'm intrigued by the idea of open-source hardware. I'm including the Eagle CAD files for the hardware under a Creative Commons 4.0 license. The goal is to make builds as inexpensive and easy as possible. - This project is a good personal learning experience.
- I have a physical prototype. It's been field tested and it worked almost flawlessly. The issues that I want to fix before "Version 1.0" are tracked on the Github Project Issues Page.
- The Prototype ESP8266 Firmware is posted.
- There is a Prototype INDI Driver. I need to refactor the INDI driver once I'm finished making changes to the firmware and ask to have my driver pulled into the Main INDI Project.
- I've published a Prototype Board Design. I made my prototype using a CNC circuit router. I've sent the board off to be professionally fabricated, and I'm waiting for the results.
