Requirements
Note, installing the TCF-S Commander program will also install the ASCOM Local Server which requires the ASCOM Platform. TCF-S Commander will act as an ASCOM client and creates the instance of the Local Server when opened. Other clients may connect and disconnect to the Local Server with immediate updates to the TCF-S Commander client interface. Additionally, other client programs will create the initial instance of the Local Server object if TCF-S Commander is not running. The program uses very little of the system resources and should not interfere with any other operating programs. Neither printer nor graphic functions are used by TCF-S Commander. It is necessary that the computer have an available COM port for communication with the TCF-S focuser. If the computer has no native COM ports, a USB-to-Serial port converter adapter may be used. Optec offers our USB/Serial cable in various lengths, or stock no. 17690, a USB-to-Serial converter known to work well with Optec devices. Any FTDI based converter should work equally well.
The connection from the TCF-S, TCF-Si, TCF-S3, or TCF-S3i Temperature Compensating Focuser to the PC requires a modular 6-wire cable with the appropriate 9-pin DB9 (serial port) and 6-pin RJ-12 connectors. Optec can supply this cable in any length along with stock no. 17695, our modular to DB9 converter for the modular Reverse cables. Users wishing to fabricate their own cables are referred to Appendix A of the TCF-S Technical Manual.
The program automatically sets the communications port settings to operate at 19.2K baud. At this data rate, the cable length should to be 100-ft (30m) or less and of good quality. Erratic operation may be due to communication errors when the serial connections are not secure.
Of course, an Optec TCF-S focuser is also required. The TCF-S focuser should be turned on with the temperature probe connected when attempting to "Connect" to the device within TCF-S Focuser software. Note that use of the Remote IN/OUT Keypad is not compatible with serial communications and the software will disconnect when using this device. Disconnecting the IN/OUT Keypad will allow the software to connect once again.