Motor de enfoque robótico PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3 para enfocadores externos

SESTO SENSO 3 for external focusers such as Crayford or Rack-and-Pinion.

SESTO SENSO 3 is the most advanced robotic focusing motor for Crayford or Rack-and-Pinion external focusers. Building on the success of the first and second generation motors, the SESTO SENSO 3 adds amazing new features, integrated into a single housing that houses all the elements that make up a motorized focusing system:

SESTO SENSO 3 robotic focusing motor for external focusers - key features:

• NEW compact all-in-one chassis designed to be installed on Crayford and rack and pinion external focusers
• NEW integrated encoder for position tracking and manual movement without losing the motor position with automatic position recoveryoption
• NEW self-centering clamp 2 (SCC2) for quick installation without brackets or other adapters for focusers with 25 mm, 26 mm, 33 mm and 37 mm shafts
• High precision motor with 0.7 micron resolution per step (on focusers with 1:10 reduction)
• USB-C connectivity to control from computers with astronomy software
• WiFi connectivity for control from smartphone or tablet with the included Virtual HandPad, without the need for a computer or physical handpad
• Compatible with PLAY software to control the focus position, also with auto focus
• Supplied with ASCOM drivers to allow you to control it through third-party astronomy software
• ARCO rotator port to connect directly to the ARCO without the need for additional data or power cables
• DARK mode with dimmable LED lights, which can even be turned off completely
• GHOST mode to remove the USB cable when used with an EAGLE computer
• Temperature sensor port to automatically compensate for focus caused by ambient temperature change
• Developed and manufactured in Italy
• Weight: 370 g (0.8 lbs)

Compact, lightweight, all-in-onedesign.

SESTO SENSO 3 features a compact, lightweight housing that houses all control electronics, with ports conveniently located on the side. The unit includes dimmable status LEDs, which can be turned off completely to minimize stray light during nighttime observation or imaging sessions. Connectivity is streamlined and efficient: a USB-C port allows connection to an EAGLE or any Windows® computer via the included USB cable; the dedicated ARCO port allows power and control of an optional ARCO camera rotator via a single cable; the 12 V power port (5.5/2.5 mm, center positive) powers both the motor and internal electronics via the included cigarette lighter cable (or via an optional cable for direct connection to the EAGLE); and a temperature sensor port allows connection of the optional probe for use with third-party software that supports automatic focus compensation based on ambient temperature changes.

Easy installation with self-centering clamp 2 (SCC2)

SESTO SENSO 3 uses the new Self Centering Clamp 2 (SCC2), an evolution of the original SCC system, to easily connect the motor to the shaft of most focusers without the need for external brackets. SCC2 now supports multiple shaft diameters (25 mm, 26 mm, 33 mm, 37 mm), allowing faster installation and improved mechanical coupling with a wider range of focusers, without the need for additional adapters. In fact, SESTO SENSO 3 now connects directly to 37 mm shafts and, by adding one of the included adapters, it can also be connected to 25 mm, 26 mm and 33 mm diameter shafts. Another advantage of the SCC2 technology is that you can always use the manual (coarse) knobs of your focuser, even if SESTO SENSO 3 is installed, and thanks to the integrated encoder you will not lose the motor position if SESTO SENSO 3 is active. SESTO SENSO 3 is compatible with many telescopes (bushings included: red for 2.5 mm diameter, black for 2.8 mm diameter, blue for 2.4 mm diameter, green for 3.5 mm diameter, silver for 3.1 mm diameter, gold for 4 mm diameter), such as (but not limited to these):

SkyWatcher EVOSTAR, EVOLUX and ESPRIT
SkyWatcher Newton and Quattro
Takahashi FSQ85 and FSQ106 with fine focus knob
Baader SteelTrack® focusers
FeatherTouchfocusers
GSO Ritchey-Chretien with 2" and 3" focusers
Explore scientific focusers

Integrated encoder: precise control with freedom of movement

SESTO SENSO 3 integrates a position encoder that tracks the movement of the focuser axis with extreme precision. This allows the user to manually move the focuser, with the SESTO SENSO 3 installed and turned on, using the original focuser knob without losing the motor position. Ideal for users who alternate between visual and imaging sessions, this also streamlines and improves the calibration process.

Another advanced feature is Automatic Position Recovery, which, when enabled, automatically restores the previous focuser position if focuser movement is detected. This feature is especially useful in public or educational observatories, where visitors or users may be tempted to manually turn the focuser knob or if the focuser is accidentally moved. Another useful application is when the focuser tube moves under load (note that the SESTO SENSO 3 encoder only detects shaft movements, not internal focuser slippage, which cannot be corrected by the focuser motor alone, but depends on the focuser itself). If you enable this function, you can set a recovery delay (from 0 seconds for instantaneous reaction up to 20 seconds) after which SESTO SENSO 3 automatically moves the focuser tube to its previous position.

USB-C connectivity for control from a computer

SESTO SENSO 3 features a modern USB-C port for direct connection to your control device, be it a PC running Windows 10 or 11 or the EAGLE computer. The USB-C interface offers several advantages over traditional USB connections: it is reversible, making it easy to connect even in low light conditions, and ensures a secure and reliable connection that is resistant to accidental disconnection, especially useful in mobile or remote observatories. In addition, the wide compatibility with standard USB-C cables makes it easy to integrate SESTO SENSO 3 into any modern astrophotography workflow without the need for proprietary connectors.

Easy control with PLAY astrophotography software

SESTO SENSO 3 integrates seamlessly with PLAY, the powerful astrophotography software developed by PrimaLuceLab to simplify and enhance your astrophotography. PLAY offers an intuitive interface that allows you to remotely control the focuser position with precision, directly from your EAGLE or Windows 10/11 computer. PLAY offers advanced features such as Auto Focus, which automatically analyzes the dimensions of stars and adjusts the focuser position for optimal focus. In addition, PLAY includes features such as temperature compensation, focus presets and real-time status monitoring, making it the ideal solution for astrophotographers.

Advanced control with ASCOM drivers and third-party software

Thanks to the included ASCOM driver, SESTO SENSO 3 is fully compatible with a wide range of third-party astronomical software, giving you maximum flexibility in controlling your focuser. Whether you use applications such as NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, MaxIm DL or others, SESTO SENSO 3 integrates seamlessly into your workflow. This level of compatibility makes SESTO SENSO 3 the ideal choice for advanced astrophotographers and observatories that demand performance and software freedom. Whatever your preferred platform, you can rely on SESTO SENSO 3 for accurate results night after night.

WiFi connectivity for control without the need for a computer or physical controller

SESTO SENSO 3 features an integrated WiFi module that creates its own wireless network, allowing you to control the focuser from any smartphone or tablet - no cables or computer required! Simply connect your device to the SESTO SENSO 3 WiFi network and launch the integrated Virtual HandPad. You will be able to move the focuser with your smartphone or tablet as you would with a traditional handheld controller. Thanks to the practical preset positions, you can easily save and return to specific focus points, ideal also for visual observation. WiFi control remains active even when SESTO SENSO 3 is connected to a computer, allowing simultaneous control from two devices for greater flexibility.

Full compatibility with the ARCO rotator

SESTO SENSO 3 features a dedicated port for direct connection to ARCO, the robotic camera rotator and field rotator developed by PrimaLuceLab. With ARCO, you can remotely adjust the rotation angle of your camera to achieve perfect lens framing. If you use a altazimuth mount, ARCO also allows you to de-rotate the field during long exposures, eliminating the need for an equatorial wedge. SESTO SENSO 3 and ARCO are designed to work seamlessly, requiring only a short cable for power and data. No additional drivers or connections are required, making it easy to create a compact, fully integrated and automated imaging system for advanced astrophotography or scientific applications.

DARK mode with dimmable LED indicators

SESTO SENSO 3 is equipped with LED indicators on its body that provide useful visual information on the status and diagnostics of the device. The LEDs are fully dimmable and, by activating the DARK mode (via PLAY software or ASCOM driver), you can turn them off completely to preserve your night vision and eliminate stray light during astrophotography sessions. When using SESTO SENSO 3 with an EAGLE control unit, DARK mode activation can be automated in PLAY: as soon as an image sequence starts, all LED lights are automatically switched off, allowing fully autonomous operation with complete light safety.

GHOST mode support and firmware upgrades

When used with an EAGLE control unit, SESTO SENSO 3 supports GHOST mode, allowing full operation without the need for a USB cable for cleaner setup. GHOST mode also acts as a backup communication channel: if the USB cable stops working, you can access SESTO SENSO 3 through EAGLE and continue your imaging session without interruption. In addition, firmware updates are easily installed via PLAY software, ensuring that your focuser always benefits from the latest features, enhancements and compatibility improvements.

Temperature sensor port for optional external probe

SESTO SENSO 3 supports temperature compensation when used with the optional external temperature probe, allowing you to calculate how the focuser position changes as the ambient temperature varies during the night. Once the probe is connected, you can calibrate the temperature directly in PLAY to determine the correlation between temperature and focus change. After calibration, temperature compensation can be automatically applied by PLAY or third-party software via the ASCOM driver, ensuring stable focus during extended imaging sessions, even with telescopes with a very fast focal ratio (e.g., greater than f3) and in fluctuating environmental conditions.

SESTO SENSO 3: dimensions and weight

SESTO SENSO 3 packs all these advanced features into a lightweight and compact all-in-one chassis, designed to be installed on your focuser without the need for external brackets. SESTO SENSO 3 weighs only 370 g (0.8 lb). See the image below for product dimensions.