PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3 Robotic Focusing Motor

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Upgrade Your Focusing Routine with this SESTO SENSO 3!

The latest and most advanced version of the SESTO SENSO, this third generation blends high precision, ease of use, and effortless adaptability in a small, compact form factor! Pair the SESTO SENSO 3 with your Rack & Pinion or Crayford-style focuser with ease thanks to the new Self Centering Clamp 2 (SCC2), offering compatibility with focusers featuring 25 mm, 26 mm, 33 mm, and 37 mm shafts. This new SCC2 enables installation without the need for additional brackets or adapters, providing a streamlined, all-in-one design. Also included is a built-in encoder for ultra-precise positioning and freedom of movement. With this encoder, you’re welcome to manually adjust your telescope’s focus with your focuser’s original knob for quick, on-the-fly modifications. The integrated Automatic Position Recovery (when enabled) keeps your focus on lock, as it restores your previous focus position if focuser movement is detected.

This SESTO SENSO 3 is equipped with a plethora of qualities that make it a great choice for your automatic focusing needs. Two modes of connection are available: USB-C for computer control, and built-in WiFi for cable-free operation. The Virtual HandPad can be accessed by connecting your smartphone or tablet to the SESTO SENSO 3 WiFi network, enabling you to calibrate and precisely position your focuser for pinpoint stars. If using a PrimaLuceLab EAGLE (sold separately) to control your gear, this focuser supports GHOST mode for complete operation without the USB connection! The onboard motor is built for precision, offering 0.7 micron per step resolution. Not only is this optimal for astrophotography, but visual astronomers will be impressed by the level of accuracy delivered as well. Multiple LED lights are fitted on the body of this PrimaLuceLab focuser to provide useful feedback of device statuses. With DARK mode, these LEDs can be dimmed and turned off completely to eliminate stray light during imaging sessions. Ready to pair with PLAY software and ASCOM compliant out of the box, integrating the SESTO SENSO 3 into your astroimaging rig is a breeze!

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Effortless Installation with the Self Centering Clamp 2

Thanks to the innovation from PrimaLuceLab, installing your SESTO SENSO 3 to your telescope is a breeze! This electronic focuser clamps around your focuser’s outer shaft and attaches without the need for external brackets, simplifying assembly. An upgrade to the previous SESTO SENSO 2, the new Self Centering Clamp 2 (SCC2) on this advanced third generation offers compatibility with outer focusing shaft diameters of 25 mm, 26 mm, 33 mm, and 37 mm right out of the box. The instructions for installation are as follows:

(1) Remove both the fine and coarse adjustment knobs of your focuser, exposing the inner and outer focusing shaft.
(2) Select the appropriately sized bushing (red: 2.5mm diameter, black: 2.8mm diameter, blue: 2.4 mm diameter, green: 3.5mm diameter, silver: 3.1mm diameter, and gold: 4 mm diameter) from the package, and install it on the exposed inner shaft with the included grub screws and hex wrench.
(3) Next, select the appropriate adapter for the diameter of your outer focusing shaft (noting no adapter is needed for 37 mm diameter focusing shafts) and install it within the SESTO SENSO 3 body using the included longer grub screws.
(4) Insert two more grub screws into the red bushing found inside of the SESTO SENSO 3, without fully tightening them for now.
(5) Fit your SESTO SENSO 3 over your focuser shaft until it stops, and tighten the two grub screws placed within the red bushing to secure it in place.
(6) Lastly, tighten the main screw on the SCC2 to complete installation. You’re now ready for hands-free, automatic focusing with the PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3!

This electronic focuser is compatible with many telescopes, including but not limited to: SkyWatcher EVOSTAR, EVOLUX and ESPRIT, SkyWatcher Newton and Quattro, Takahashi FSQ85 and FSQ106 with fine focus knobs, Baader SteelTrack® Focusers, FeatherTouch Focusers, GSO Ritchey-Chretien with 2" and 3" focusers, and Explore Scientific Focusers. Not sure if your telescope is compatible? Be sure to check out our Measuring Your Telescope for an Electronic Focuser article on our Astronomy Hub!

Steps 1 & 2

Steps 3 & 4

Steps 5 & 6

The Most Advanced SESTO SENSO Model Yet

Building upon the previous generations of the SESTO SENSO robotic focusers, the SESTO SENSO 3 takes this series to new heights with its integrated position encoder and upgraded SCC2. Not only can you enjoy elevated accuracy, installation is a walk in the park! Read on as we take a look at more features offered by this PrimaLuceLab SESTO SENSO 3.

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Power & Ports
On the body of the SESTO SENSO 3 you’ll find a number of ports for streamlined connection to your astroimaging rig. To power your focuser, utilize the 12V power input port and included power cable. If using an ARCO rotator (sold separately), the onboard ARCO port enables a streamlined supply of power to your rotator without the need for additional power cables! Connection to your laptop computer or WiFi camera control device is facilitated through the USB-C port, and if utilizing a PrimaLuceLab EAGLE, enjoy cable-free operation of your focuser via GHOST mode. To assist with ultra-precise focusing, the temperature probe port accepts a user-supplied temperature sensor, helping you monitor temperature shifts and plan out your refocusing routine. Three status LEDs give insight to ARCO connection, power, and WiFi states, with these LEDs dimmable and can be turned off completely via DARK mode.

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Extensive Software Control
Numerous means of operation are available for this SESTO SENSO 3. A PrimaLuceLab EAGLE Control Unit (sold separately), is an excellent option, offering streamlined, remote control of your entire astroimaging rig. If you wish to manage your SESTO SENSO 3 with your laptop computer, easily do so with the provided PLAY software or a third-party ASCOM-complaint program. Popular image capture software such as NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, and many more work seamlessly with this PrimaLuceLab focuser. For cable-free operation, either connect your smart phone or tablet to your focuser with its WiFi network and utilize the Virtual HandPad, or utilize GHOST mode featured on PrimaLuceLab EAGLE computers.