Gemini and Hercules
Gemini and Hercules Focusing Rotator.Gemini and Hercules Focusing Rotator
Control software for the Optec Gemini and Hercules Focusing Rotator. Includes ASCOM Driver.
- Latest Release: 1.4.4
- Release Date: 3/12/2026
- Documentation
| Name | Requirements | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander Software and ASCOM Driver | Windows 10+ with .Net 4.8 and ASCOM Platform 6.6 and above | Download |
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4.4 | 3/12/2026 | Promoted internal AltAz mode to release |
| Improved rotator dial | ||
| 1.4.3 | 2/13/2025 | Fixed client connection issue when disconnecting from Setup Dialog |
| Fixed issue where Gemini Commander would end up connect to only one device | ||
| Improved logging for automatic reconnects | ||
| Increased maximum size of offsets and presets | ||
| Fixed issue where incorrect characters could be used for temperature names | ||
| Fixed installation issue | ||
| 1.4.2 | 7/30/2024 | Fixed issue where the Commander software would not connect after a force disconnect |
| Added AltAz beta support | ||
| 1.4.1 | 6/21/2024 | Added Hercules support |
| 1.4.0 | 3/5/2024 | Allow a second Gemini Driver to be activated |
| Store settings in the ASCOM Profile on Windows | ||
| Fixed issue with Temperature Compensation Wizard incorrectly calculating coefficient | ||
| Fixed issue where type conversion can throw on no probe | ||
| Fixed issue where the already open communication port could be opened a second time | ||
| Fixed issue where Temperature Compensation could be accessed by clients before connection completed | ||
| 1.3.3 | 2022-10-10 | Improved automatic recovery for connections |
| Improved logging for dropped commands | ||
| Fixed issue where NotImplemented exception could be thrown when a probe was disconnected | ||
| 1.3.2 | 2022-01-06 | Implemented support for Temperature Offsets |
| Fixed issue where the reverse state and UI would not match the ASCOM PA and direction | ||
| 1.3.1 | 2021-11-15 | Fixed an issue where heavily multithreaded access could result in the driver throwing an exception |
| Fixed an issue with IRotatorV3 Move command | ||
| Some internal cleanup | ||
| 1.3.0 | 2021-06-09 | Updated to ASCOM IRotatorV3, now supports rotator syncing |
| Updated to ASCOM IFocuserV3 | ||
| Setup now starts connected if any client is connected | ||
| Added warning if connecting to FocusLynx hubs | ||
| Added reboot button to firmware update tool | ||
| Allow mixed access mode for admin/user clients | ||
| Updated to .Net 4.8 to fix TLS issue | ||
| Minor UI improvements and bug fixes | ||
| 1.2.3 | 2020-11-04 | Allow Focusers up to 2048 steps of backlash |
| 1.2.1 | 2020-02-19 | General backend improvements |
| Fixed some incorrect UI strings | ||
| 1.2.0 | 2018-01-30 | Added WiFi connection support |
| Added WiFi settings support | ||
| Added WiFi scanning support | ||
| Improved connection recovery and stability | ||
| Added automatic reboot to firmware update tool | ||
| Added new update notifications | ||
| Minor UI improvements and bug fixes | ||
| 1.1.0 | 2017-08-14 | Requires Firmware 1.1.0 or higher |
| Fixed issue where the settings form would sometimes end up behind other files. | ||
| Added Async check that will report new updates on the bottom of the form. | ||
| Added Ethernet improvements. | ||
| Added Not Homed report. Will report a position of 0 to other clients while homing. | ||
| Improved support for firmware error messages. | ||
| 1.0.4 | 2017-02-01 | Added Homed and IsHoming monitoring |
| 1.0.3 | 2016-03-31 | Several UI bug fixes. |
| Improved WiFi Support. | ||
| Improved error handling. | ||
| Added mouse over position to rotator graphic. | ||
| 1.0.2 | 2015-06-25 | Moved the Sky PA Offset system to the driver level. |
| Fixed a bug in the rotator graphic. | ||
| 1.0.1 | 2015-06-02 | Fixed a concurrency issue that could occur with multiple clients. |
| Modified the temperature coefficient system. | ||
| 1.0.0 | 2015-05-18 | First released version. |
Gemini and Hercules Firmware
Firmware for the Optec Gemini and Hercules Focusing Rotators
- Latest Release: 1.3.2
- Release Date: 2025/08/20
- Documentation
| Name | Requirements | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main board firmware | Gemini or Hercules device | Download |
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3.2 | 2025/08/20 | Added settable limits |
| Added detection for crossed cables | ||
| 1.3.1 | 2024/08/22 | Added delayed homing on start |
| Tuned power profile for Hercules | ||
| 1.3.0 | 2024/06/11 | Added support for Hercules |
| Added Serial Numbers | ||
| Added Device Types | ||
| Improved ramp behavior | ||
| 1.2.5 | 2023/11/1 | Webpages now handle reverse correctly |
| Note: it is recommend to also update the internal webpages to 1.2.5 | ||
| 1.2.4 | 2023/01/19 | Increased speed for temperature compensation |
| Fixed issue with large temperature compensation moves | ||
| 1.2.3 | 2020/03/16 | Fixed issue where the Rotator would not home correctly from maximum position |
| Allow Focusers up to 2048 steps of backlash | ||
| Only apply backlash when changing directions | ||
| 1.2.2 | 2020/02/18 | Improved focuser homing |
| Improved handling of disconnected instruments | ||
| Changed rotator to move to 0 degrees after a factory reset | ||
| Fixed issue where the rotator would not home correctly when the sensor was tripped | ||
| 1.2.1 | 2019/09/11 | Improved rotator homing |
| Configured the rotator to start in reverse mode after a factory reset | ||
| 1.2.0 | 2018/01/25 | Added support for WiFi board |
| Improved connectivity for Ethernet | ||
| Added support for WiFi settings commands | ||
| Rotator returns to last parked position after homing | ||
| Increased total steps to reach home | ||
| 1.1.1 | 2017/10/12 | Fixed a bug where the internal settings could be automatically reset |
| 1.1.0 | 2017/08/10 | Requires Driver 1.1.0 or higher |
| Added Ethernet stack fix to improve stability | ||
| 1.0.5 | 2017/05/13 | When homing both the focuser and rotator report a position of 0 |
| Added memory monitor checksum (may reset device settings on update) | ||
| Added ramping and higher motor speeds | ||
| Changed rotator home position to 180. | ||
| 1.0.4 | 2017/01/30 | Added protections to stop un-homed devices from moving until the home has been completed |
| Fixed a bug where starting temperature compensation with negative temperatures would result in settings corruption | ||
| 1.0.3 | 2016/10/11 | New TCP/IP code to improve connectivity over Ethernet |
| Fixed a bug where the focuser moved slowly for some moves |