Motor focusing the Bresser Messier AR 102xs f/4.5 refractor

The Bresser Messier AR 102xs f/4.5 refractor is a fast, ED, short tube refractor with a novel zero image shift hex-focus system with a helical gear rack, reducing backlash in the focuser. The focusing system is very good for visual observing but falls short for imaging. Whilst turning the focusing knobs the image rapidly goes through focus and it takes a long time to achieve a satisfactory focus. There is an optional slow motion focuser that can be retrofitted. However, I was unable to get it to work properly and after many attempts, plus speaking to the distributor, it was decided to return the slow motion system. I do not know what the problem was, maybe with my scope or with the focuser. I decided that if this scope is to be used for imaging, the purpose for which it was intended, I would have to attempt to fit a motor focuser, although it was not immediately obvious how this could be done, as the underside of the focuser is by no means standard.
I decided to use a Skywatcher auto-focuser and to modify the bracket with which it attaches to the scope. The modification involved drilling a hole in the bracket large enough to accommodate the large, black locking knob on the base of the scope and to use a large washer to distribute the force. This worked fine and the two photographs below show the motor focuser attached to the scope. Two strips of double-sided tape were used either side of the black knob between the bracket and the scope before the black knob was tightened down, to help resist turning of the assembly during focusing.
With the motor focuser in place, there is no need to lock the focuser once focus is achieved as this is done by the friction of the motor.

The system works, and now it remains to be seen how easily focus can be achieved with a camera attached. The advantage of this system is that the modification is to the motor focuser bracket and not to the scope. The first tests will probably be done with the SVBONY SV305 camera.