High-precision telescope focusing for astrophotography
Askar WAF Electronic Focuser
The Askar WAF electronic focuser delivers precise, repeatable telescope focusing for deep-sky astrophotography and visual astronomy. Its worm-geared stepper motor, 1:99 reduction drive and 0.0182° minimum resolution support fine focus adjustments, while a rated equivalent load of up to 20 kg is designed for demanding imaging trains. Control it from N.I.N.A. over a direct USB Type-C connection or wirelessly with the Askar app.
Precision electronic focusing without a proprietary PC driver
Fine, repeatable focus control
A high-torque stepper motor and precision worm-and-gear transmission provide smooth, low-noise motion and accurate small-step positioning. The 1:99 reduction ratio and 0.0182° minimum resolution are suited to the fine adjustments required for critical astrophotography focus.
Built for heavy imaging trains
Balanced Mode supports a rated 15 kg equivalent load for everyday observation and imaging. High Performance Mode raises the rated equivalent load to 20 kg for heavier cameras, filter wheels and accessories. Some motor warmth in High Performance Mode is normal.
Wired N.I.N.A. autofocus
Connect the WAF directly to a computer by USB Type-C and select Askar-WAF from N.I.N.A.'s ASCOM Alpaca device list. ASCOM Alpaca support means no separate local WAF driver is required for N.I.N.A. 3.0 or later.
Wireless Askar app control
Use the Askar app to make single-step or continuous focus movements, move to a target position, reverse travel, change step size, set maximum travel and switch motor modes over a local network.
Universal quick-release fitting
The adjustable socket and interchangeable gear mounts fit a wide range of telescope focusers. The WAF body can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the focuser for a tidy installation.
Flexible travel configuration
Set maximum travel from 100 to 1,000,000 steps. One complete WAF output-shaft rotation equals 19,800 steps, giving a practical reference when matching travel to a telescope focuser.
Askar WAF product gallery
Telescope focuser compatibility
The WAF's universal adjustable socket is designed for broad compatibility. The supplied gear mounts cover 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm inner bores; the 6 mm Sharpstar universal mount is installed at the factory. Confirm the shaft diameter and mechanical clearance of your focuser before installation.
| Brand | Compatible focuser models |
|---|---|
| Askar / Sharpstar | Full focuser range |
| Sky-Rover | Full focuser range |
| Sky-Watcher | Newtonian and Dobsonian focuser ranges |
| Other supported focusers | German TS refractor focusers and Astro-Tech focusers |
Askar WAF specifications
| Motor type | Worm-gear stepper motor |
|---|---|
| Gear reduction ratio | 1:99 |
| Minimum resolution | 0.0182° |
| Maximum output torque | 20 kgf·cm |
| Rated equivalent load | 15 kg in Balanced Mode; 20 kg in High Performance Mode |
| Output speed | 2.6 rpm |
| Power / data ports | DC-044 12V / USB Type-C |
| Minimum input current | 1 A |
| Body dimensions | 101 × 47 × 43 mm |
| Body weight | 373 g |
| Maximum travel range | 100 to 1,000,000 steps; factory default 100,000 steps |
| Rotation reference | 19,800 steps per complete WAF output-shaft rotation |
| Communication protocols | ASCOM Alpaca and INDIGO |
| Supported software | Askar app and ASCOM Alpaca-compatible software, including N.I.N.A. |
| Mobile requirements | Android 8.0 or later; iOS 13.0 or later |
Product dimensions
How to install the Askar WAF electronic focuser
- Use the appropriate wrench to remove the telescope focuser's coarse-focus knob.
- Insert the two M4 screws into the connecting bracket without fully tightening them.
- Select the gear mount that matches the focuser shaft and tighten its locking screws with the 2 mm hex key.
- If changing the gear mount, use the supplied T6 and T8 Torx wrenches to remove the socket screws and fit the correct mount.
- Secure the socket to the bracket, then tighten the M4 bracket screws.
- Insert the WAF body in a parallel or perpendicular orientation and adjust the coarse-focus knob until the body seats securely.
- Tighten the securing screws, connect 12V power and connect USB Type-C for wired operation if required.
Wired autofocus and wireless app control
Using Askar WAF with N.I.N.A.
For wired control, connect the focuser to the computer by USB Type-C. In N.I.N.A., open Devices > Electronic Focuser, scan for devices and choose Askar-WAF from the ASCOM Alpaca list. Connect the camera and other imaging equipment, enable mount tracking, bring a star close to focus manually, and then configure N.I.N.A.'s autofocus routine.
The manual suggests an initial autofocus step size of 1,000 and an R² threshold of 0.8 as starting points. These are not universal settings: refine them for the telescope's critical focus zone, seeing, filter and camera sampling.
Using the Askar app
Pair the WAF to an available local Wi-Fi network from the app's Device Pairing screen, then open its focuser control card. The app supports fine steps, continuous travel, target positions, emergency stop, 1–1,000 step increments, reverse travel, maximum-travel settings and motor-mode selection. If pairing fails, hold the WAF reset button for three seconds; two beeps confirm the network reset.
What's included
- Askar WAF electronic focuser body
- Connecting bracket and two M4 × 10 mm cap-head screws
- 5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm inner-bore gear mounts
- 2 mm and 3 mm hex keys
- T6 and T8 Torx wrenches
- Network reset pin
- 1 m USB Type-C cable
- 1 m 12V power cable
- User manual
Askar WAF manuals and software
- View or download the Askar WAF Detailed User's Manual (PDF)
- Download the official Askar App for Android — Opens the Sharpstar Optics download centre.
Install Android apps only from a source you trust. Android 8.0 or later is required. iPhone and iPad users should search for “Askar” in the Apple App Store; iOS 13.0 or later is required.
Askar WAF product video
