{"product_id":"askar-waf-electronic-telescope-focuser","title":"Askar WAF Worm-and-Gear Electronic Telescope Focuser","description":"\u003carticle class=\"waf-product\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Product\"\u003e\u003cheader class=\"waf-product__header\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"waf-product__eyebrow\"\u003eHigh-precision telescope focusing for astrophotography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 itemprop=\"name\"\u003eAskar WAF Electronic Focuser\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"waf-product__lead\" itemprop=\"description\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAskar WAF electronic focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrecision electronic focusing without a proprietary PC driver\n\u003csection id=\"waf-features\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"waf-product__feature-grid\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFine, repeatable focus control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBuilt for heavy imaging trains\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalanced 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWired N.I.N.A. autofocus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect the WAF directly to a computer by USB Type-C and select \u003cstrong\u003eAskar-WAF\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWireless Askar app control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUniversal quick-release fitting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlexible travel configuration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-gallery\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-gallery-title\"\u003eAskar WAF product gallery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"waf-product__gallery\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/common\/design\/detail\/7c308601-547b-4964-bceb-d5f95824700c.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF electronic telescope focuser product overview\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eAskar WAF high-precision electronic focuser for telescope imaging systems.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/common\/design\/detail\/e364082a-b661-4e04-9b76-f09047ae24c8.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF electronic focuser features and controls\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePrecision focusing, wired control and wireless operation in one compact metal body.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/fe556e7b-2fc1-401a-9366-140e249cc668.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF worm-gear stepper motor focusing system\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eWorm-geared stepper motor with a 1:99 reduction ratio.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/common\/design\/detail\/97d4644f-7747-4e1b-b571-1bcb1aea31a0.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF mounted to a telescope focuser\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eAdjustable, quick-release installation on a compatible telescope focuser.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/common\/design\/detail\/af19791d-3ec3-45f4-a42a-783a72baaf4d.jpg\" alt=\"Askar app wireless controls for the WAF electronic focuser\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eWireless focus movement and device settings in the Askar app.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/7d977955-4012-4d53-8ad9-45ea60cfb648.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF USB Type-C and 12V connections\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eUSB Type-C data and DC-044 12V power connections.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/477e7253-ef18-4d4c-9205-80eaac80b898.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF telescope focuser installation accessories\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eInstallation hardware and interchangeable gear mounts help fit different focuser shafts.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/995da617-db50-45c9-8f52-a50195363dfe.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF electronic focuser package contents\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eWAF body, bracket, tools, cables, gear mounts and documentation.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-compatibility\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-compatibility-title\"\u003eTelescope focuser compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"waf-product__table-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eFocuser ranges listed as compatible in the Askar WAF user manual\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCompatible focuser models\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eAskar \/ Sharpstar\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull focuser range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSky-Rover\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull focuser range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSky-Watcher\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNewtonian and Dobsonian focuser ranges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOther supported focusers\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGerman TS refractor focusers and Astro-Tech focusers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-specifications-title\"\u003eAskar WAF specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"waf-product__table-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eTechnical specifications for the Askar WAF electronic telescope focuser\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMotor type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorm-gear stepper motor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eGear reduction ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1:99\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMinimum resolution\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0182°\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMaximum output torque\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 kgf·cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eRated equivalent load\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 kg in Balanced Mode; 20 kg in High Performance Mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eOutput speed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.6 rpm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePower \/ data ports\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC-044 12V \/ USB Type-C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMinimum input current\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBody dimensions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e101 × 47 × 43 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eBody weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e373 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMaximum travel range\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 to 1,000,000 steps; factory default 100,000 steps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eRotation reference\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19,800 steps per complete WAF output-shaft rotation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eCommunication protocols\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASCOM Alpaca and INDIGO\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eSupported software\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAskar app and ASCOM Alpaca-compatible software, including N.I.N.A.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMobile requirements\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAndroid 8.0 or later; iOS 13.0 or later\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct dimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/899a1382-08b4-46ad-b66a-714338cb3e35.jpg\" alt=\"Askar WAF electronic focuser dimension drawing in millimetres\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eAskar WAF body dimensions: 101 × 47 × 43 mm. See the drawing for mounting details.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-installation\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-installation-title\"\u003eHow to install the Askar WAF electronic focuser\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the appropriate wrench to remove the telescope focuser's coarse-focus knob.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsert the two M4 screws into the connecting bracket without fully tightening them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelect the gear mount that matches the focuser shaft and tighten its locking screws with the 2 mm hex key.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf changing the gear mount, use the supplied T6 and T8 Torx wrenches to remove the socket screws and fit the correct mount.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure the socket to the bracket, then tighten the M4 bracket screws.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsert the WAF body in a parallel or perpendicular orientation and adjust the coarse-focus knob until the body seats securely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTighten the securing screws, connect 12V power and connect USB Type-C for wired operation if required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/omo-oss-image.thefastimg.com\/portal-saas\/pg2024111409483993253\/cms\/image\/6bc1d33a-74ce-42c0-a497-8ae306f7d947.jpg\" alt=\"Step-by-step Askar WAF electronic focuser installation instructions\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eFollow the illustrated installation sequence and use the mount matching the focuser shaft.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003caside class=\"waf-product__notice\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant operating notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a compatible 12V supply rated for at least 1 A.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not exceed the rated load for the selected motor mode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the unit gives a continuous high-pitched alarm or its indicator turns red, disconnect 12V power immediately and check the load and focuser movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not disassemble the WAF unless you are an authorised service technician.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/aside\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-control\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-control-title\"\u003eWired autofocus and wireless app control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUsing Askar WAF with N.I.N.A.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor wired control, connect the focuser to the computer by USB Type-C. In N.I.N.A., open \u003cstrong\u003eDevices \u0026gt; Electronic Focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e, scan for devices and choose \u003cstrong\u003eAskar-WAF\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUsing the Askar app\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-package\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-package-title\"\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAskar WAF electronic focuser body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnecting bracket and two M4 × 10 mm cap-head screws\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 mm, 6 mm and 7 mm inner-bore gear mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 mm and 3 mm hex keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eT6 and T8 Torx wrenches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNetwork reset pin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 m USB Type-C cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 m 12V power cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-downloads\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-downloads-title\"\u003eAskar WAF manuals and software\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/WAF_Detailed_User_s_Manual_1.pdf?v=1786091492\" rel=\"noopener\" type=\"application\/pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e View or download the Askar WAF Detailed User's Manual (PDF) \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sharpstar-optics.com\/download_list_1.html\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Download the official Askar App for Android \u003c\/a\u003e \u003csmall\u003e — Opens the Sharpstar Optics download centre.\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eInstall 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.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"waf-video\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"waf-video-title\"\u003eAskar WAF product video\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"video-box\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/KKe6wz0bM9Y?si=G0t0Eb8MW6cGfDlf\" title=\"Askar WAF electronic focuser product video\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Askar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55626262839672,"sku":"ASK-WAF","price":199.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/skar_waf_3.webp?v=1786090558","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/askar-waf-electronic-telescope-focuser","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}