TCF-S Order

(1) Under TELESCOPE MOUNTS FOR IFW & TCF-S FOCUSER select the adapter for your telescope. If you are mounting the focuser to the IFW, which is conneted first to the telescope, use #17461 to connect the TCF-S to the IFW. The TCF-S3 is to large for mounting on the IFW however, the IFW can mount on the drawtube of the TCF-S3. Mounts for the TCF-S3 are listed in the section labled TELESCOPE MOUNTS FOR TCF-S3 AND PYXIS 3-INCH. Optec can make custom mounts for telescopes not listed if requested.

(2) Determine the length of cable needed to connect the control box to the TCF-S/TCF-S3 unit on the telescope. Select the control cable under CONTROL CABLES FOR IFW, TCF-S and TCF-S3 on page 6.

(3) If you wish to connect the TCF-S/TCF-S3 to a computer, determine the length of cable needed to connect the control box to the computer. Normally, the control box is mounted close to the computer so a short cable is needed. Select the computer cable under PC SERIAL CABLES FOR TCF-S, TCF-S3, IFW and PYXIS on page 6.

(4) In addition to the PC computer cable, the PC Serial Port Convert (#17695) must also be selected. This item converts the RJ-12 connector on the cable to the DB-9 style which is compatible with the standard COM port on most computers. Some newer computers do not have a 9-pin COM connector but USB only. In this case, select #17690 USB-to-Serial converter single port model or the #17691 4-port mode in addition to #17695.

(5) The TCF-S will fit any standard 2" accessory so you may not want any other adapters. However, review the items in ADAPTERS FOR TCF-S, TCF-S3 AND PYXIS 3-INCH on page 5 to see if they would be of use. The 2" to T-thread, #17664, will allow most CCD cameras to couple directly to the TCF-S. The 2" adapters will fit the TCF-S3 with the addition of #17804 3" to 2" reducer bushing.

(6) The standard 20 inch temperature probe is adequate for most telescopes. If you telescope is very large, you can select a longer probe. Refer to #17661 under TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING FOCUSER SYSTEM on page 5 for cost and description. Cables up to 6' can be supplied. #17661 is an upgade item to the included probe and not a separate temperature probe.

(7) Finally, consider purchasing the remote keypad #17680 if you wish to control the focuser at the telescope. The control box for the TCF-S/TCF-S3 is not really intended for hand use and with the three cables coming out the back would be awkward in any case. The remote keypad is made from aluminum alloy and is very robust. It plugs into the temperature probe connector on the focuser and is used like the IN and OUT buttons on the control box.