Optec, Inc.

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.

Network Access any Optec Device using a Raspberry Pi!

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Sometimes you would like to be able to connect remotely to a device, either over ethernet or WiFi. However, not all devices support ethernet or WiFi natively. Phones may not be able to directly connect to a device via USB or Serial. This article demonstrates how to use an Optec ThirdLynx (or any other Optec product with an Alpaca Driver) over the network using a Raspberry Pi to host the driver. It will show configurations for when there is an existing network and how to configure a new WiFi network from the Raspberry Pi.

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!