Askar WAF Electronic Focuser for Telescopes (Askar, SKU: WAF) is a precision telescope focuser drive designed to automate focusing during astrophotography and astronomical observation. The universal adjustable mounting socket and the included set of coupling sleeves for 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm shafts make it easier to adapt the device to many focusers available on the market. The WAF can operate through a wired connection to a computer or wirelessly within a local network, while control is provided by the Askar APP, ASCOM Alpaca and compatible software, including N.I.N.A.
• universal design with an adjustable connecting bracket and multifunctional mounting socket, suitable for use with many telescope focusers;
• quick-release construction allowing the WAF body to be installed and removed efficiently after the socket has been mounted on the focuser;
• possibility of positioning the drive body parallel or perpendicular to the focuser, depending on the available space within the setup;
• coupling sleeves with 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm inner bores, allowing the drive to be adapted to different focuser shaft diameters;
• precision stepper motor with a worm-and-gear transmission, providing smooth, stable and quiet focuser movement;
• single-step positioning accuracy below 0.005 mm, allowing very small focus corrections to be performed;
• maximum output torque of 20 kgf·cm and a rated load of up to 20 kg, suitable also for extensive imaging setups;
• two motor operating modes: Balanced for typical configurations and High Performance for heavier equipment;
• wired Type-C connection to a computer, requiring no access to a local network;
• wireless control from a phone or computer through a local network;
• support for ASCOM Alpaca and software compatible with this protocol, including N.I.N.A., without requiring an additional WAF driver;
• compatibility with the INDIGO protocol after the appropriate driver has been installed;
• control through the Askar APP, including single-step movement, continuous movement, travel to a specified position, emergency stop, direction reversal and motion parameter adjustment;
• possibility of naming devices, creating equipment groups and managing multiple devices in the Askar APP;
• support for wireless OTA firmware updates through the application;
• metal body with a matte sandblasted finish and a laser-engraved Askar WAF marking;
• status indicator and audible warning signal for abnormal operation or excessive mechanism load.
• Askar WAF electronic focuser body;
• adjustable connecting bracket;
• black M4 × 10 hex socket screws – 2 pcs.;
• coupling sleeve with a 5 mm inner bore;
• mounting socket with a factory-installed coupling sleeve with a 6 mm inner bore;
• coupling sleeve with a 7 mm inner bore;
• 2 mm hex key;
• 3 mm hex key;
• T6 Torx wrench;
• T8 Torx wrench;
• network settings reset pin;
• 1 m Type-C cable;
• 1 m 12 V power cable;
• user manual.
• device type: electronic telescope focuser drive with an autofocus function provided through compatible software;
• motor type: stepper motor with a worm-and-gear transmission;
• gear reduction ratio: 1:99;
• minimum angular resolution: 0.0182°;
• single-step positioning accuracy: below 0.005 mm;
• maximum output torque: 20 kgf·cm;
• rated load in Balanced mode: 15 kg;
• rated load in High Performance mode: 20 kg;
• output speed: 2.6 rpm;
• motor modes: Balanced and High Performance;
• power connector: DC-044, 12 V;
• required input current: at least 1 A;
• data interface: Type-C;
• wired operation: direct Type-C connection to a computer, without the need to use a local network;
• wireless operation: control from a phone or computer within a local network;
• supported communication protocols: ASCOM Alpaca and INDIGO;
• supported software: Askar APP, N.I.N.A. and other ASCOM Alpaca-compatible programs; INDIGO software requires the appropriate driver;
• step value adjustment range in the Askar APP: 1–1000 steps;
• maximum travel setting range: 100–1,000,000 steps;
• movement direction adjustment: motor travel reversal function;
• control functions: precision movement, continuous movement, travel to a target position and emergency stop;
• management functions: device renaming, device grouping, parameter adjustment and OTA firmware updating;
• supported focuser shaft diameters: 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm using the included coupling sleeves;
• body dimensions: 101 × 47 × 43 mm;
• body weight: 373 g;
• body construction: metal, with a matte black sandblasted finish;
• operating elements: status indicator, network reset button, 12 V power input and Type-C interface;
• example compatibility specified by the manufacturer: Askar and Sharpstar focusers, Sky Rover focusers, Sky-Watcher Newtonian and Dobsonian telescope focusers, TS Optics refractor focusers and Astro-Tech focusers.
The precision mechanism, high load capacity, broad mounting possibilities and choice between wired and wireless control make the Askar WAF a convenient solution for automating focusing in both portable and extensive astrophotography setups.
