Mode

At the bottom center of the TCF-S Control window is a pull-down selector box titled Mode. Use this box to place the TCF-S focuser into either of the temperature compensation modes, Auto A or Auto B, or to place the focuser in a low-power Sleep mode. This is also the place to Wake the focuser from the low-power mode.

Manual

When this mode is selected, the IN and OUT pushbuttons control the position of the focuser. Select the number of steps to move by pulling down the Steps combo box and pick a number. If the Enter selection is picked, a custom value for steps can be entered. That value is then displayed in the steps list and will remain there until the program is terminated.

Auto A or Auto B

Select either of these two controls to start automatic temperature tracking for the TCF-S. All other controls are disabled with the exception of Manual which ends the automatic mode and returns the TCF-S to manual mode.

Sleep

Instead of turning power off to the TCF-S, the unit can be put to sleep by selecting this control. Power is turned off to the display and drive motor only. The current temperature and position are also stored in the EEPROM contained within the TCF-S. Power can then be removed from the units at this point if desired. See the Wake control.

Tip: Since no power is applied to the drive motor, make sure that the telescope is stored in a horizontal position so that the focuser does not loose position due to the weight of the camera.

Tip: After an observing session, the new focus for the next night can be found automatically only if the unit is put into the Sleep mode first before power is removed.

Wake

Once the Wake control is picked, the unit is powered up and the user has the option to find the new current position based on the current temperature or return to normal manual operation

Tip: If the user selects finding a new position based on the current temperature, a computer bell sound is heard when the focuser has reached the new position.