I have been waiting to purchase a ZWO EAF and now Agena lists both the regular 12V and 5V as discontinued from the manufacturer. Anyone have any further updates? It seems that everyone is out of stock.
EAF 5V Discontinued?
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I just saw this on Agena Astro. It looks like an updated version is in the pipeline.
https://agenaastro.com/zwo-eaf-electronic-automatic-focuser-pro.html
https://agenaastro.com/zwo-eaf-electronic-automatic-focuser-pro.html
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I really hope not! Well at least in Europe most stores have them in stock.
I think I'll put one in the basket before they are gone, if this is true.
Thank you for the heads up.
Cesar
I think I'll put one in the basket before they are gone, if this is true.
Thank you for the heads up.
Cesar
Thanks Bob - I hadn’t seen that update but it makes sense that they would discontinue the old one in favor of the new. Thanks for posting the link.
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I think I heard recently from Cuiv the Lazy Geek that they're releasing a new wireless EAF
I don't like the concept though; I think the battery could explode if it's hot outside, no? A weather cover will probably only increase the heat inside; also, what if the battery runs out in the middle of the imaging session? could you still power the EAF with a cable? idk.
I don't like the concept though; I think the battery could explode if it's hot outside, no? A weather cover will probably only increase the heat inside; also, what if the battery runs out in the middle of the imaging session? could you still power the EAF with a cable? idk.
The status of the ZWO EAF varies on different vendor websites. I just placed an order for one at Highpoint Scientific. Expected availability late May/Early June. That said, I suspect that ZWO will be pushing everyone to the new model which has battery power and needs a USB-C connection for operation. The battery is designed to run multiple nights before need a recharge. Importantly, it has manual controls to adjust focus if you transport your OTA, a useful feature. No information on price, but I expect it to be more expensive. We are all in a bind with the tariff-induced supply chain disruptions. I haven't seen any availability for 2nd hand options on Cloudy Nights.
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Get a Gemini EAF…third of the price. It's excellent.
Michael Jarvis:
The status of the ZWO EAF varies on different vendor websites. I just placed an order for one at Highpoint Scientific. Expected availability late May/Early June. That said, I suspect that ZWO will be pushing everyone to the new model which has battery power and needs a USB-C connection for operation. The battery is designed to run multiple nights before need a recharge. Importantly, it has manual controls to adjust focus if you transport your OTA, a useful feature. No information on price, but I expect it to be more expensive. We are all in a bind with the tariff-induced supply chain disruptions. I haven't seen any availability for 2nd hand options on Cloudy Nights.
What a bad idea, adding features that nobody needs and that will make things less reliable, great...
The Gemini version cost me $100 (AUD). For non ASAIR users of course. It took about 2 weeks to arrive. It has a temp probe, remote control or USB connection (no batteries)- I run it from my camera USB hub. Even came with an Allen key. It's smaller and lighter than the ZWO equivalent and even looks better. Don't see any need to have manual adjustment just remember roughly where the focus was and connect. Not had any issues with mine and use it with Sharpcap autofocus no bother.
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I think the new version is really driven by feedback for needing manual adjustments from time to time, hence the batteries. Its a bummer that neither version is available now.
I looked at the specifications of the new design. I will likely never use these features. Simple is sometimes better.
CS
Jim
CS
Jim
I saw the new one over at NEAF in April. From discussion they seem to be trying to move further towards cableless connections. I like the idea personally, but i'm not sure complicating one of the better autofocusers available is the right choice. Regardless, they seem to have stopped production of the current units (i've been looking all over for availability)
I can only reason that the new battery/bluetooth model is intended to bridge the gap into visual astronomy as well?? (where they dont have much of a marketshare)
I can only reason that the new battery/bluetooth model is intended to bridge the gap into visual astronomy as well?? (where they dont have much of a marketshare)
The ToupTek AAF is half the price… Jusy sayin…
I think that is the most ridiculous design of an electric focuser with the buttons on the unit, I have ever seen, imagine having that on a long focal length scope where the slightest touch can cause huge vibrations in the image, it will be an absolute nightmare to use, 🤷🏼♂️
For me the new one looks a lot like a solution looking for a problem to solve, at least from an imaging perspective.
The only part I can get behind there is a move to a USB-C connection, provided that it is still a data connection and does not force you to use WiFi for operation by a PC. I have been using an EAF for years, first a 12V one which I replaced recently with a USB only one I bought secondhand, to eliminate a power cable that was otherwise not required. If they update the existing unit to have a USB-C port and sell this alongside as the "pro" version that would be one thing but as the only option it would have me looking elsewhere. As a replacement for a permanent imaging rig, having an internal battery and WiFi just looks like unnecessary complication and cost to me and I steer clear of wireless connections as much as I can.
For visual use a battery is probably useful but induced vibration has already gotten a mention here, and for that reason I personally would prefer a hand paddle to integrated buttons, the only use I could see for buttons on the unit would be if I had forgotten to "Park" the drawtube racked in before I shut down.
The only part I can get behind there is a move to a USB-C connection, provided that it is still a data connection and does not force you to use WiFi for operation by a PC. I have been using an EAF for years, first a 12V one which I replaced recently with a USB only one I bought secondhand, to eliminate a power cable that was otherwise not required. If they update the existing unit to have a USB-C port and sell this alongside as the "pro" version that would be one thing but as the only option it would have me looking elsewhere. As a replacement for a permanent imaging rig, having an internal battery and WiFi just looks like unnecessary complication and cost to me and I steer clear of wireless connections as much as I can.
For visual use a battery is probably useful but induced vibration has already gotten a mention here, and for that reason I personally would prefer a hand paddle to integrated buttons, the only use I could see for buttons on the unit would be if I had forgotten to "Park" the drawtube racked in before I shut down.
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