SESTO SENSO 3 SC robotic focusing motor for SC type telescopes

SESTO SENSO 3 robotic focusing motor for external focusers - main features:

• NEW Compact all-in-one chassis designed to be installed on SC type telescopes with internal focusers
• NEW Integrated encoder for position tracking and manual movement without losing motor position with Automatic Position Recovery option
• NEW Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC) with backlash-free, pulley-driven coupling for precise motorized focusing and manual adjustment
• High resolution motor with 2 million steps for precise control of internal mirror focusers
  
• USB-C connectivity to control from computers with astronomy software
• Wi-Fi connectivity to control it from smartphone or tablet with the included Virtual Hand Pad, without the need of computer or physical hand pad
• Compatible with PLAY software to control focus position, also with autofocus
• Provided with ASCOM drivers to let you control through third party astronomy software
• ARCO rotator port to directly connect the ARCO without the need for additional data or power cables
• DARK mode with dimmable LED lights, that can even be turned off completely
• GHOST mode to remove USB cable when used with EAGLE computer
• Temperature sensor port to automatically compensate focus caused by environmental temperature change
• Developed and manufactured in Italy
• Weight: 440 gr.

Compact, lightweight and all-in-one design

SESTO SENSO 3 SC features a compact and lightweight enclosure that houses all control electronics, with ports conveniently located on the side. The unit includes dimmable status LEDs, which can be turned off completely to minimize stray light during night-time observing or imaging sessions. Connectivity is streamlined and efficient: a USB-C port allows connection to an EAGLE or any Windows® computer using the included USB cable; the dedicated ARCO port enables both power and control of an optional ARCO camera rotator through a single cable; the 12V power port (5.5/2.5mm, centre-positive) supplies power to both the motor and internal electronics using the included cigarette lighter-style cable (or by using an optional cable for direct connection to the EAGLE); and a temperature sensor port lets you connect the optional probe for use with third-party software that supports automatic focus compensation based on ambient temperature changes.

Easy installation with Direct Pulley Clamp (DPC)

SESTO SENSO 3 SC features the new Direct Pulley Clamp, specifically designed for telescopes with internal mirror focusing mechanisms such as Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain (6” to 14”), EdgeHD (8", 11" and 14"), RASA (8” to 14”) and SkyWatcher MAK180. This innovative pulley-based design eliminates mechanical backlash and ensures smooth, precise motorized focusing. It also allows manual focusing at any time using the telescope’s knob, while the integrated encoder always keeps track of the focuser’s position – even after manual adjustments. Thanks to the adapters included in the package, SESTO SENSO 3 SC is compatible with many telescopes like (but not limited to these):

• Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain 6” to 14"
• Celestron EdgeHD Aplanatic SC 8” to 14" (except EdgeHD 9.25")
• Celestron RASA 8” to 14"
• SkyWatcher MAK180PRO

Integrated encoder: precise control with freedom of movement

SESTO SENSO 3 SC integrates a high-precision position encoder that continuously monitors the motor shaft, even when the focus is adjusted manually with the provided knob in the Direct Pulley Clamp. This allows full freedom of movement while maintaining accurate position tracking — ideal for telescopes with internal mirror focusing systems like Schmidt-Cassegrain, EdgeHD, or RASA. Whether you’re switching between visual and imaging setups or simply need to make manual adjustments, SESTO SENSO 3 SC ensures that the focus position is always known and reliable.

A key feature exclusive to SESTO SENSO 3 SC is the Automatic Calibration mode, which works in synergy with the integrated encoder to automatically detect the minimum and maximum travel positions of your SC-type focuser. This makes SESTO SENSO 3 SC an ideal solution even for remote observatories, since you can calibrate the focuser remotely without manual intervention — a capability not available in other SESTO SENSO 3 models. Please note that the encoder tracks motor shaft rotation only and cannot detect focus shifts caused by mirror flop or internal mechanical play. Another advanced feature is the Automatic Position Recovery function, which if enabled automatically restores the previous focus position if focuser movement is detected. This is especially useful in public or educational observatories, where users may manually turn the focuser knob, or if the focuser is accidentally moved. When this function is enabled, you can set a customizable recovery delay (from 0 seconds for instant reaction up to 20 seconds) before SESTO SENSO 3 SC returns to the previous focuser position.

USB-C connectivity to control it from a computer

SESTO SENSO 3 features a modern USB-C port for direct connection to your control device, whether it’s a standard Windows 10 or 11 PC or the EAGLE computer. The USB-C interface offers a range of benefits over traditional USB connections: it’s reversible, making it easy to plug in even in low-light conditions, and it ensures a secure and reliable connection that’s resistant to accidental disconnections—especially useful in mobile or remote observatory setups. Plus, the wide compatibility with standard USB-C cables makes it easy to integrate SESTO SENSO 3 into any modern astrophotography workflow without the need for proprietary connectors.

Seamless integration with PLAY astrophotography software

SESTO SENSO 3 SC is fully compatible with PLAY, the astrophotography software developed by PrimaLuceLab to make astrophotography easier and more effective. With its user-friendly interface, PLAY lets you precisely manage the focuser remotely from your EAGLE computer or any Windows 10/11 PC. The software includes powerful tools like AutoFocus, which evaluates star sharpness and automatically adjusts focus to achieve perfect image clarity. Additional features such as temperature compensation, customizable focus pre-sets, and real-time monitoring ensure accurate and consistent focusing throughout your imaging session — making PLAY the ideal companion for astrophotographers.

Full compatibility with ASCOM drivers and third party software

SESTO SENSO 3 SC supports the ASCOM standard, allowing seamless integration with many leading third-party astronomy applications. Whether you prefer using NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, MaxIm DL, or other programs, this focuser adapts perfectly to your setup. Its broad software compatibility gives astrophotographers and research observatories the freedom to use their preferred tools without compromise. With reliable performance and precise control across different applications, SESTO SENSO 3 SC is built to meet the needs of demanding imaging sessions, night after night.

Wireless control via built-in WiFi and Virtual HandPad

With integrated Wi-Fi functionality, SESTO SENSO 3 SC lets you operate your focuser wirelessly—no need for a computer or physical hand controller. The device generates its own Wi-Fi network, so you can connect directly using a smartphone or tablet and access the Virtual HandPad through your browser. This intuitive interface allows you to move the focuser with ease and even store custom focus positions for quick recall, making it ideal for both imaging and visual observation. Virtual HandPad control stays active even when the unit is connected to a computer, giving you flexible dual-control options from multiple devices.

Direct integration with ARCO rotator

SESTO SENSO 3 SC includes a dedicated port that allows a direct connection to ARCO, the high resolution camera rotator and field de-rotator developed by PrimaLuceLab. This lets you control your camera’s rotation remotely for accurate target framing, or apply automatic field de-rotation when using alt-azimuth mounts—removing the need for equatorial wedges during long exposures. SESTO SENSO 3 SC and ARCO are engineered to work perfectly integrate, using just one compact cable for both data and power. This streamlined setup simplifies your imaging train and enables the creation of a fully automated, compact, and high-performance astrophotography system.

DARK mode with dimmable LED indicators

SESTO SENSO 3 SC features onboard LED indicators that offer clear visual cues about the device’s activity and status. To support light-sensitive environments, the LED brightness can be finely adjusted—or completely turned off—by enabling DARK mode through the PLAY software or ASCOM driver. This helps protect your night vision and eliminates unwanted illumination during imaging. When paired with an EAGLE control unit, DARK mode can be triggered automatically: as soon as an acquisition sequence begins in PLAY, the system disables all LEDs to ensure a fully automated and light-controlled astrophotography session.

GHOST mode support and easy firmware updates

SESTO SENSO 3 SC takes full advantage of GHOST mode when paired with an EAGLE computer, allowing you to operate the focuser without a USB cable—perfect to simplify your setup. GHOST mode also acts as a fail-safe communication path: if the USB link is lost, the EAGLE can maintain control of the focuser so you can continue imaging without disruption. Plus, thanks to seamless integration with PLAY software, you can easily install firmware updates, keeping your SESTO SENSO 3 SC up to date with the latest features, performance enhancements, and compatibility improvements.

Temperature sensor port for optional external probe

SESTO SENSO 3 SC includes a dedicated port for an optional temperature sensor, enabling dynamic focus compensation based on ambient temperature variations during the night. By connecting the optional probe and running a calibration in the PLAY software, you can define how temperature affects focus position. Once this correlation is established, compensation can be applied automatically by PLAY or third-party applications via the ASCOM driver. This is especially valuable when using fast optical systems (e.g. faster than f/3), or in environments where temperature shifts significantly throughout your imaging session.