- Set up exposure for speed of the AF run, and gain for the number of stars selected in Multi-Star Auto Focus to be a high enough count to start.
- Backlash -
- Do not try to tirelessly figure out the exact amount of backlash your focuser has.
Instead get a close approximation or simply estimate worst case scenario.
- For my ZWO EAF all indicators from other owners are it is going to be around 100 or so.
- Now go into File-SharpCap Settings-Hardware-Focuser. Set the radio button to Overshoot, approach in the (I choose positive) direction. The reason I choose positive is because of bullet list below.
- I then set the overshoot to well over my estimated backlash. So in my ZWO EAF case I set my overshoot to 200.
This is effectively the same as putting in the exact amount and having SC overshoot by that exact amount. The amount of time saved in putting the exact backlash in is minimal as the time difference from going from 100 overshoot to 200 overshoot. The idea is to make sure you go far enough in overshoot to absorb the backlash.
- Do not try to tirelessly figure out the exact amount of backlash your focuser has.
- Be out of focus Negative when starting autofocus and then start the SC autofocus routine with the Positive button.
- I try to get close to focus then I hit the Negative button so it takes me back at least 200 steps. Even when I back it up 500 steps things work perfectly.
- Doing this negative starting point by pushing the focuser negatively, and then starting AF with the Positive button ensures that backlash has been consumed before the AF procedure even begins.
- Then SC will continue in the positive direction where there is no need to worry about backlash.
If someone can make my procedures clearer please comment.