JMI ASCOM Compatible MotoFocus Deluxe for Celestron RASA 8, C8, C9.25 and Related Models

Product Overview

The JMI MotoFocus Deluxe for Celestron RASA 8″, C8 and C9.25 class telescopes is an electric focus motor paired with a battery-operated hand control. The motor attaches to the shaft of the focuser knob, or to the knob itself, and drives focus at high power without the telescope being touched. The Deluxe generation is ASCOM compatible, so the same motor can be driven from astronomy software as well as from the hand control. JMI publishes a weight of 1.1 lb for the item.

Who It's For

This is a good match if you image or observe with a Celestron RASA 8″, C8 or 9.25″ class SCT and want focus you can drive from a hand controller or from ASCOM-aware capture software rather than by hand at the eyepiece.

Key Features & Design

• ASCOM compatible: Focus can be commanded from astronomy software that supports an ASCOM focuser driver.
• Wide Celestron fitment: JMI lists this version for eighteen Celestron models, from the RASA-8 and the original Polaris C8 through to the CPC 900 HD.
• Vibration-free focusing: The motor moves the focuser, so the image is not disturbed by hand contact at high power.
• Variable speed: The hand control offers variable speed for coarse and fine adjustment.
• Electronic braking: Precise positioning is accomplished through electronic braking rather than mechanical drag.
• Published weight: 1.1 lb for the motor and controller.

Mechanical Design

The motor clamps onto the shaft of the existing focus knob, or over the knob itself, so the telescope's own focuser stays intact. Mounting involves no drilling and no tapping of the optical tube. Drive passes through the standard focus shaft, which leaves the original focus travel available if the motor is taken off again.

Recommended Uses

• RASA 8″ wide-field imaging, where the fast focal ratio leaves little depth of focus to work with.
• Planetary and lunar imaging on a C8 or C9.25, where focus is refined at high magnification between captures.
• Deep-sky runs where focus is re-checked as the corrector plate and tube cool through the night.
• Visual observing at high power, where hand-focusing shakes the view.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

JMI lists this version for the Celestron RASA-8; C8, C8+, C8-S and C8-SGT; Classic 8; Celestar 8; CGE 800; G-8; Great Polaris C8; NexStar 8 GPS; Polaris C8; Powerstar 8; Super C8 and Super C8+; Super Polaris C8; the early dual fork arm C5; Ultima 8 and Ultima 2000; the CPC 9.25; and the CPC 900 HD. The C11 and C14 take a separate version, as do Meade SCTs, which are split again by round or hexagonal knob. The Deluxe motor pairs with the Deluxe hand unit; it is not backward compatible with earlier MotoFocus or MotoFocus+ hardware, and the two generations are not interchangeable. Tell us your telescope model and we'll confirm the fit.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Model-specific fitment. JMI publishes a named model list for this version; telescopes outside it are covered by one of the other MotoFocus Deluxe variants.
• Deluxe generation only. The Deluxe motor and the Deluxe hand unit work as a pair; MotoFocus and MotoFocus+ parts belong to the earlier generation.
• ASCOM is the software side. Computer control happens through an ASCOM-aware application. The hand control operates the motor on its own with no computer in the setup.
• Published weight. JMI lists 1.1 lb for this item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to install?

Installation consists of attaching the motor to the focuser knob shaft or over the knob itself. JMI states that mounting is easy and requires no drilling or tapping.

Does it work without a computer?

Yes. The battery-operated hand control drives the motor directly, with variable speed for coarse and fine adjustment. ASCOM control through a computer is an additional option rather than a requirement.

Does this version cover a C11 or a C14?

Those telescopes take the C11/C14 version, which JMI lists as a separate product.

Will it fit a CPC 900 HD?

Yes. The CPC 900 HD and the CPC 9.25 are both on JMI's published model list for this version.

Bottom Line

In short: a 1.1 lb ASCOM-compatible focus motor and battery hand control covering eighteen Celestron models from the RASA-8 to the CPC 900 HD, with variable speed, electronic braking, and no drilling at installation.