News on Optec, Inc.

In memory of Jerry Persha

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It is with sadness that we must inform our many friends and customers of the death of Jerry Persha, the original founder of Optec. Jerry was a key part of Optec through 2010 when he left the company. He passed away at his home in La Luz, New Mexico September 4, 2025 at the age of 76.

Gerald Christopher Persha was born September 23, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Nickolas and Rheta Persha. Jerry had an inquisitive mind and a love for science and astronomy in particular. As a teenager Jerry was often found designing power supplies, electro-mechanical instruments and a unique Tri-Schiefspiegler telescope. He started DOAA Enterprises (Detroit Observation and Astronomical Association) in his parent’s basement while in college. After earning a degree in Physics at Oakland University, Jerry relocated his company to Lowell, Michigan to be near the James C. Veen Observatory and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA). In April 1979 Jerry incorporated the company as Optec, Incorporated.

New Product - Hercules Focusing Rotator!

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Optec is pleased to announce the availability of our new Focusing Rotator, the Hercules.

The Hercules is Optec’s first Focusing Rotator with fully integrated electronics. The Hercules fits a 3-inch clear aperture, 0.35-inch focus range, and a complete 360-degree rotation in a 1.81-inch-thick package. New integrated electronics offer improved functionality with native Ethernet, USB C and Hand Controller connectivity. The focuser offers 0.079-micron steps and the rotator offers 7.7 arc second steps, allowing for extremely precise focus and rotation.

New Product - Aquila 88!

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Optec is pleased to announce the availability of our new 3-inch class rotator: the Aquila 88.

At 600 steps per degree the Aquila 88 offers more than 4.6 times the step resolution of our Pyxis 3”, while having a body that is 0.65” thinner with an almost 0. 5” larger clear aperture. New electronics offer improved functionality with native Ethernet and USB C connectivity. Unlike the Pyxis 3” the Aquila supports firmware updates without requiring an update chip.

Gemini and Hercules 1.4.2 software released!

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Optec is pleased to release an updated driver for our Gemini and Hercules products. This version adds support for the Hercules Focusing Rotator and the ability to activate a second copy of the driver allowing multiple devices to be controlled from a single computer. This also contains the beta of the new integrated AltAz mode for the ASCOM driver. This allows you to connect to an AltAz telescope and run de-rotation without requiring any other software. Please give it a try and send any feedback to Optec Support.

Rotator Commander 3.3.0 released!

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We have released the new 3.3.0 Rotator driver. This version adds support for the Aquila 88 Rotator and a bunch of improvements to the UI and functionality. This also contains the beta of the new integrated AltAz mode for the ASCOM driver. This allows you to connect to an AltAz telescope and run de-rotation without requiring any other software. Please give it a try and send any feedback to Optec Support.

Welcome to our new Website

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Optec’s new website. As we progress you will find our documentation and drivers here. You can also find us at our web store at optecinc.us.

Please pardon our dust as we finish moving everything over.

If you can’t find something you need or you have a suggestion please contract support.

Follow this space for updates!