Lynx Family
Complete Lynx family of focusers.Lynx Family Focusers
The Optec Lynx Family of focusers includes the FocusLynx, ThirdLynx and TCF-S LSI models. The FocusLynx software and drivers works for all members of the family.
FocusLynx Software
FocusLynx Commander, ASCOM driver and Alpaca driver. Supports the FocusLynx (includes TCF-S Lynx and Leo Focusers), ThirdLynx and LSI families of focusers. All drivers are multi-instance, they can support multiple focusers at the same time.
- Latest Release: 3.3.4
- Release Date: 4/23/2024
- Documentation
| Name | Requirements | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FocusLynx ASCOM Driver | Windows 10+, .Net 4.8, ASCOM Platform 6.5 SP1 and above | Download | |
| FocusLynx Alpaca Driver (Windows) | Windows 10+ | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (AMD64) | Linux with AMD64 CPU. AppImage support. | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (armhf) | Linux with armhf CPU. Tested on Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (aarch64) | Linux with aarch64 CPU. Tested on Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu | Download |
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3.4 | 4/23/2024 | Fixed issue when many devices existed and the number of COM Connections exceeded the driver limit |
| Fixed missing sign in TC text | ||
| Fixed issue with focuser settings and bad URLs | ||
| NavMenu scrolls if a large number of devices exist | ||
| 3.3.3 | 2023/09/06 | Fixed issue with serial port number collisions |
| 3.3.2 | 2023/08/31 | Fixed issue with serial port id read |
| 3.3.1 | 2023/04/03 | Displays serial type when available |
| Faster loads on Windows | ||
| Allow Firmware Updates without verifying connection | ||
| Fixed incorrect version being returned to ASCOM Clients | ||
| Fixed issue with ThirdLynx firmware update tool | ||
| Fixed Alpaca issue with Homing Focusers and Max Position | ||
| Updated to latest version of ASCOM Libraries | ||
| 3.3.0 | 2022/12/20 | Added KeyPad to FocusLynx Commander |
| Updated libraries | ||
| Fixed a thrown exception when no probe was present | ||
| Improved automatic connection recovery | ||
| 3.2.8 | 2021/05/24 | Added detection for TCF-S Classic devices |
| Allow Sagitta Focusers to set maximum position | ||
| 3.2.7 | 2021/01/06 | Updated to latest FocusLynx support |
| Added support for new device types | ||
| Improved logging | ||
| Added support for Home On Start | ||
| 3.2.3 | 2020/07/16 | Fixed an issue with unit conversions in FocusLynx Commander |
| 3.2.2 | 2020/07/02 | Fixed issue with Temp Comp settings and some computers |
| 3.2.1 | 2020/06/05 | Added more support for the LSI |
| 3.2.0 | 2020/05/22 | Updated device type descriptors for clarity with non-Optec motors. |
| 3.1.0 | 2019/06/27 | Major release |
| Added support for the new Thirdlynx devices | ||
| Added support for ASCOM Alpaca | ||
| Added support for multiple hubs | ||
| Added support for dynamic ASCOM drivers | ||
| 2.1.2 | 2018/04/05 | Added new device type TCF Long Travel |
| Fixed issue with the setup dialog and unknown device types | ||
| New and improved setup dialog | ||
| 2.1.1 | 2018/03/15 | Fixed an issue where some old firmware could not be updated with the firmware update tool |
| Changed message if temperature compensation could not start. | ||
| 2.1.0 | 2018/02/22 | Added improved error messages for connection failures |
| Added reboot button to firmware update tool | ||
| Updated Static IP to use new functions | ||
| Fixed internationalization issue in temperature offset | ||
| Fixed one case where it takes 2 tries to reconnect after a failure | ||
| Fixed issue where it shows both focusers connected while reconnecting | ||
| Reduced logging the absence of WiFi boards. | ||
| Improved firmware update tool | ||
| 2.0.8 | 2018/01/04 | Now supports UDP search for Ethernet and WiFi connected hubs |
| New NightMode for FocusLynx Commander | ||
| Reports on main form and on moves if no device is selected | ||
| Hides WiFi password / key until a show button is pressed | ||
| Can detect, report and automatically fix certain Windows program settings cache issues | ||
| Fixed issue where the status would report disconnected, even when connected | ||
| Fixed issue where both Focusers would be displayed when only one was to be displayed | ||
| 2.0.7 | 2017/12/11 | Cleared up naming for the Leo Hi-Speed option. |
| Added support for automatic reboots for firmware updates. | ||
| Improved WiFi connectivity. (For best results requires MBFW 2.2.2 and WiFi FW1.2.0) | ||
| Added Homed and Homing status messages | ||
| Fixed internationalization bug with temperature offsets | ||
| Fixed bug with temperature offsets functionality | ||
| Added support for new Gen 2 WiFi boards | ||
| Fixed possible crash when resetting WiFi boards | ||
| Fixed an issue with WiFi passwords longer then 16 characters | ||
| 2.0.6 | 2017/07/14 | Added TCF-Leo Hi-Torque focuser option. |
| 2.0.5 | 2017/06/22 | Added support for the Optec LEO Focuser (Requires MBFW 2.1.3) |
| 2.0.4 | 2017/05/04 | Now supports scanning for WiFi (require MBFW 2.1.2 and WiFi FW 1.10) |
| 2.0.3 | 2016/09/14 | Fix an internationalization issue where temperature might not display correctly in 2.0.2. |
| Shows if you have an in/out keypad connected. | ||
| Display if any updates are available at the bottom of the form. | ||
| Better handling of sub-forms with always on top set to true. | ||
| 2.0.2 | 2016/08/31 | Added support for Meade DirectSync Focusers (requires firmware 2.0.2) |
| Fixed several minor UI bugs | ||
| Added auto reconnection capabilities to the Ethernet connection | ||
| Improved Ethernet connectivity* | ||
| *(Note: to get the best performance with Ethernet you will need firmware 2.0.2. Although the enhancements improve the Ethernet experience they are not a replacement for a reliable connection.) | ||
| 2.0.1 | 2016/07/12 | Some messages reworded for clarity |
| Added support for the new LSI Focuser | ||
| Added support for 255 step backlash (requires firmware 2.0.1) | ||
| Absolute Focus Adjust now defaults to the midpoint | ||
| Now keeps some user settings after update | ||
| Updated signatures for Windows 7,8,10 compatibility | ||
| Fixed bug where the status message would display disconnected while (only) focuser 2 was connected | ||
| Fixed bug where if Focuser 2 was the only one displayed starting the setup dialog for Focuser 1 would open the setup dialog for Focuser 2 and vice versa. | ||
| Fixed bug where if Focuser 2 was the only one displayed the menu connects/dis connects would connect/disconnect the wrong focuser | ||
| 2.0.0 | 2015/10/02 | Increased focuser maximum movement range to 999,999 steps |
| Added user defined focuser ranges | ||
| Updated temp comp for homing focusers | ||
| Updated movement speeds for hand controllers | ||
| Added reverse for keypads | ||
| Added the Posidrive focuser | ||
| Added memory checksums and error recovery | ||
| Added detection and message for keypad use | ||
| Updated focuser control webpages | ||
| Added user defined step sizes | ||
| FW, WiFi FW, web pages and commander all synced to version 2.0.0 | ||
| 1.3.5 | 2015/08/26 | Added step size calibration. Improved reverse behavior and connection behavior. |
| 1.3.4 | 2015/03/25 | Added reverse to the FW and SW. |
| 1.3.3 | 2015/03/03 | Bug fix to correct failure for default DHCP Client to pick up valid IP address from DHCP Server upon power up |
| Added compatibility to read the DHCP client state with new firmware v1.0.8, | ||
| Improved parser for backward compatibility with older firmware versions. | ||
| 1.3.2 | 2014/12/12 | Minor communication bug fix, now drops when it should drop. Now changes Home/Sync on main form when focuser type is changed in the settings form. |
| Changed a minor issue where the focuser 2 temperature box flickered. | ||
| 1.3.1 | 2014/11/17 | Bug fixes for wired ethernet Static IP mode. |
| Added user prompt for firmware version update. | ||
| 1.3.0 | 2014/10/28 | Added Static and DHCP IP modes, menus and dialogs. |
| Static IP requires firmware v1.0.7 or higher. | ||
| 1.2.8 | 2014/10/23 | Added default center sync position of 32,766 for non-homing focuser types, |
| Improved layout for Sync/Home Button section of main form, | ||
| Updated FocusLynx Command Processing document to revision 3. | ||
| Updated FocusLynx.chm help file to revision 1.08. | ||
| 1.2.7 | 2014/07/01 | Various property changes to Sync input fields. |
| Renamed Focuser Device Types to reflect motor type. | ||
| Added DirectSync TEC Focuser Type. | ||
| 1.2.6 | 2013/04/24 | Added "Robo-Focus motor" selection using RA focuser profile. |
| Requires Firmware version V1.05 | ||
| 1.2.5 | 2013/03/14 | Changed Focuser Type selection list as follows: |
| Renamed "Starlight FTF Micro-Touch" to "FeatherTouch Motor Hi-Speed" | ||
| Renamed "Starlight MPA/TRF Micro-Touch" to "FeatherTouch Motor Hi-Torque" | ||
| Removed "Starlight FTM SCT Micro-Touch" selection | ||
| Removed "TCF-Lynx ET" extended travel focuser selection | ||
| Added "StellarVue Focuser" option | ||
| 1.2.4 | 2012/12/07 | Set all device types to ASCOM "Absolute" focusers, fixed Sync/Home button in FocusLynx Commander. |
| 1.2.3 | 2012/10/22 | Minor release update should be performed with Firmware update to V1.0.3. |
| Changed Absolute property to return true only if DeviceType[0] equals 'O'. | ||
| Added Sync Units to main form. | ||
| Added new device types for Optec Feathertouch motor assemblies - device types FA, FB and Televue TA | ||
| Renamed focuser designations, added SYNC/HOME to FocusLynx Commander main screen. | ||
| 1.2.2 | 2012/05/23 | Fixed "hanging server" issue by adding driver deconstructors. |
| 1.2.0 | 2012/04/11 | Added controls back in to ASCOM.LocalServer form. |
| Set WindowState to minimize and ShowInTaskbar set to false. | ||
| 1.1.9 | 2012/04/10 | Updated properly formatted help file and pdf. |
| 1.1.8 | 2011/16/11 | Added Sleep statement to receive thread in order to reduce the demand on CPU resources. |
| 1.1.7 | 2011/07/11 | First publicly released version |
Firmware Updates
FocusLynx Firmware
Firmware for the FocusLynx controller hub.
- Latest Release: 2.4.1
- Release Date: 2023/10/04
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.1 | 2023/10/04 | Increased torque for FastFocus during homes |
| 2.4.0 | 2023/06/02 | Fixed issue where a disconnected focuser could report homed until it failed to move |
| 2.3.9 | 2023/04/07 | Fixed issue with Sagitta 2 maximum position |
| 2.3.8 | 2023/01/31 | Improved homing for LEO and FastFocus Focusers |
| Only applies Backlash moves when changing directions | ||
| Improved temp comp for large temperature changes | ||
| 2.3.7 | 2021/05/24 | Added Sagitta 2 |
| Improved temp comp at start | ||
| 2.3.6 | 2021/01/26 | Added support to turn off Home on Start |
| 2.3.5 | 2020/09/28 | Fixed issue where reversed focusers could not move to extremes of range |
| 2.3.4 | 2019/07/23 | Adjusted speed for the Sagitta Off-Axis Guider to increase torque. |
| Added support for the new configuration webpages. | ||
| 2.3.3 | 2019/04/18 | Tuned TCF-Lynx3 motor speeds to improve sound and reduce vibration. |
| 2.3.2 | 2019/02/26 | Added device type OK, Sagitta Off-Axis Guider. |
| Changed backlash compensation behaviour. When active, BLC now only occurs with outward movements after a change in direction rather than on every outward move. | ||
| 2.3.0 | 2018/07/11 | Added device type OC, the TCF Long Travel Focuser |
| Changed temperature compensation for the Leo focusers | ||
| Changed temperature compensation values to default to 0 | ||
| Fixed bug where Sync would not return the correct message | ||
| Fixed issue where Leo focusers could fail to home from position 0 | ||
| 2.2.3 | 2018/01/05 | Increased Ethernet ram. |
| Fixed temperature compensation bug. | ||
| Removed Security Key for compatibility reasons | ||
| 2.2.2 | 2017/08/30 | Added code to detect if a FastFocus and a Leo are switched or have their device type set incorrectl |
| 2.2.1 | 2017/8/17 | Adjusted Leo Hi-Torque and Hi-Speed settings to better handle colder temperatures |
| Added code to halt FastFocus upon home if the switch is not detected | ||
| Added checks for disconnected cables and homing focusers | ||
| 2.2.0 | 2017/8/09 | Added support for TCF-LEO Hi-Torque Mode |
| Added REBOOT Command | ||
| Added check for disconnected FastFocus and Leo models | ||
| Majorly reduced ping time | ||
| Majorly reduced command processing time | ||
| Majorly improved Ethernet recovery | ||
| Fixed a save issue that could occur when halting and rebooting without moving again | ||
| Fixed a blocking issue in home switch | ||
| 2.1.3 | 2017/7/11 | Added support TCF-LEO |
| Added support for setting configuration through webpages | ||
| 2.1.2 | 2017/5/04 | Added support for WiFi scanning |
| WiFi webpages now support long travel focusers | ||
| WiFi webpages now support reverse | ||
| 2.1.1 | 2017/4/25 | Speed boost for the Optec FastFocus Focusers |
| 2.1.0 | 2017/4/12 | Added dynamic ramping to focuser motor speeds |
| Major improvements to Hand Control response times | ||
| 2.0.2 | 2016/8/25 | Added support for Meade DirectSync Focusers. |
| New TCP/IP code to improve connectivity over Ethernet | ||
| 2.0.1 | 2016/7/12 | Minor bug fixes and version sync |
| 2.0.0 | 2015/9/11 | Increased focuser maximum movement range to 999,999 steps |
| Added user defined focuser ranges | ||
| Updated temp comp for homing focusers | ||
| Updated movement speeds for hand controllers | ||
| Added reverse for keypads | ||
| Added the Posidrive focuser | ||
| Added memory checksums and error recovery | ||
| Added detection and message for keypad use | ||
| Updated focuser control webpages | ||
| Added user defined step sizes | ||
| FW, wifi FW, web pages and commander all synced to version 2.0.0 |
LSI Firmware
Firmware for the LSI 2" and 3" focusers.
- Latest Release: 3.0.2
- Release Date: 2021/07/29
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0.2 | 2021/07/29 | Added Home On Start flag to Focuser Config |
| 3.0.1 | 2021/07/07 | Fixed an issue with Temp Comp not working correctly |
| 3.0.0 | 2020/06/04 | First Release |
ThirdLynx Firmware
Firmware for the Optec ThirdLynx line of focusers.
- Latest Release: 3.0.3
- Release Date: 2022/12/21
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0.3 | 2022/12/21 | Correct temperature compensation bug for negative temps. |
| 3.0.2 | 2020/10/27 | Added support for Radian focusers |
| 3.0.1 | 2020/02/25 | Added support for power check LED |
| 3.0.0 | 2019/06/19 | Main release. |
FocusLynx Hand Controller Firmware
Firmware that runs on the Optec Hand Controller
- Latest Release: 1.3.0
- Release Date: 2018/1/29
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3.0 | 2018/1/29 | Added support for hiding menus |
| Added support for storing and retrieving settings from the hub | ||
| Fixed issue with blinking Temperature readout | ||
| Added Home option for Optec focusers | ||
| Added new message if syncing without a device type set. | ||
| Now sends firmware version to hub | ||
| Fixed issue where the position was being requested significantly faster than intended | ||
| 1.2.5 | 2017/5/04 | Added support for rotary encoders |
| Fixed menu jumping | ||
| Speed up transaction speed |