MoonLite
Telescope Accessories

Please note: MoonLite Only manufactures motorized versions of all of our focusers. We no longer make manual focusers and do not have any left in stock. We are updating our web page to reflect this at this time. All Crayford model focusers come with a choice of 10 different Motor options to pick from that can handle everything from Visual to automated needs. Please check out the new V3 integrated controller style HIgh-Res motor, that is our most popular version.

Software / Instructions / Operation

MoonLite offers both Non ASCOM Software programs and a universal ASCOM driver to operate all MoonLite focusers and controllers.


  • MoonLite Stepper motor Software / operation instructions for the Mini V2 controller and DRO dual port display controller can be downloaded here: High Res Stepper Motor Combo 2015

  • MoonLite Mini V2 controller Quick Guide can be downloaded here: Mini V2 Quick Guide

  • MoonLite Software and Troubleshooting guide can be downloaded here: MoonLite Software download and troubleshooting guides

  • MoonLite Motor hardware options can be seen here: http://focuser.com/motorfocus.php

  • MoonLite Single Focuser V1.4 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for "Manual" focus control using a PC. No ASCOM is required. It works with all MoonLite brand SINGLE PORT controllers such as the current Mini V2 controller, original Mini controller, and original DRO Display single port controller.


  • MoonLite Dual Focuser V2.2.0.0 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for "Manual" focus control of 2 focusers using a PC. No ASCOM is required. It works with MoonLite's Dual port DRO display controller only. Please note, it will not work with two single port controllers.


  • MoonLite Dual Rotator V2.2.0.0 - Is an Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for "Manual" focus / rotator control of one focusers with both a focuser motor and rotator installed using a PC. No ASCOM is required. This software only works with MoonLite's Dual port DRO display controller.

    MoonLite Stepper Motor Belt Rotator installation document can be downloaded here:
    Stepper motor Belt Rotator

    MoonLite Stepper Motor Belt Rotator hardware installation video can be seen here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0WYadI2IDE&feature=youtu.be


  • MoonLite 32/64 bit universal ASCOM driver requires ASCOM Platform 6.0 and can be downloaded here:
    MoonLite DRO Setup.zip
    Our one driver works with all controllers and focuser configurations, Single port, Dual port, and Rotator.

    TheSKYX Pro has a direct plug in for MoonLite Mini V2 controllers and Nitecrawler focusers.
    See Daily Build to download.


  • How to configure the MoonLite ASCOM driver to run 2 separate focusers instead of a focuser with a rotator: Instructions


  • Setting up your MoonLite with FocusMax Online tutorial


  • All Moonlite controllers ( Mini V2, DRO Display, and NiteCrawler/ LiteCrawlers ) require a modern Uart driver to connect to the PC using the USB port. If you are using an older PC or it is not connecting, please download the lastest drivers from: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm


  • MoonLite Driver for Linux - INDI is a cross-platform system designed for automation and control of astronomical instruments. INDI drivers are available for MoonLite Focusers. INDI supports autoguiding & autofocus and runs on multiple clients such as KStars, and Sky Charts. Read more about INDI and download the latest version directly from the INDI Web Site.


    NiteCrawler

    NiteCrawler focusers can be operated with ASCOM, Moonlite's Utility program, and the SKYX direct plug in.

    MoonLite NiteCrawler Utility Program is a Non ASCOM Focuser Control Program for operating the NiteCrawler 2 axis rotating worm drive focusers. No ASCOM is required to operate the focuser with this utility program. This program operates all 3 sizes of Nitecrawlers, WR25, WR30, and WR35 format.
    NiteCrawler non ASCOM utility program - NC_Remote_1_1_14.zip (March 2017)


    NiteCrawler and LiteCrawler ASCOM driver version 6.2.6939 ( works with all 3 NiteCrawler format sizes) updated 12-31-2018
    NiteCrawler ASCOM driver NiteCrawler Setup 6.2.6939.zip

    Multiple NiteCrawler and LiteCrawler Beta ASCOM driver version 6.2.8652 (Allows 2 NiteCrawlers or Litecrawlers to operate on the same PC at the same time) updated 09-09-2023 Multiple NiteCrawler and LiteCrawler Beta ASCOM driver version 6.2.8652

    NiteCrawler ASCOM Driver help PDF


    TheSKYX Direct plug in. (See Daily Build on SB site) Works great !


    NiteCrawler Driver for Linux - INDI is a cross-platform system designed for automation and control of astronomical instruments. INDI drivers work with all 3 size Nitecrawler rotating focusers. INDI supports autoguiding & autofocus ,Rotation, and runs on multiple clients such as KStars, and Sky Charts. Read more about INDI and download the latest version directly from the INDI Web Site.


    Setting up your NiteCrawler with SGP

    1) Select the "NiteCrawler Focuser" and "NiteCrawler Rotator" in the corresponding areas of the SGP Sequencer Window:

    2) For Auto Focus you will likely need to increase your step size considerably because of the extremely fine resolution of the NiteCrawler. (previously this setup required 50 steps and is now at 1500). A more in depth discussion for determining auto focus parameters can be found here: http://mainsequencesoftware.com/Content/SGPHelp/SequenceGeneratorPro.html?UnderstandingAutoFocus.html

    3) Next test the rotation direction of your setup. Moving from 0-30 degrees should cause the rotator to move clockwise as viewed from behind. If this is not the case reverse the direction inside of the ascom driver:


    Videos:

    For a look at the new NiteCrawler Focusers, see Video here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azcv1b6u3jo

    For NiteCrawler / TAK refractor installation, See Video here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Ftg5Sjrqk