Stock Focuser

I just purchased a TSA-120 and I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on using the stock focuser with a motor or does a premium-ish refractor really need a new focuser?

I've been using the stock focuser on my TOA-130 with an Optec FocusLynx focus motor attached for a year now. I have absolutely NO trouble with it. Works just great!

Tim

Hi Matt,
I'm using my TSA120 with ZWO EAF focuser connected to scope with a special Takahashi mounting kit you can buy at ZWO as an optional. I have no problems at all with that setup so I recently purchased the same focuser for my Tak FS60Q scope too and it works smoothly at that scope as well.

Clear skies,
Miroslav

Miroslav Kalinaj:
Hi Matt,
I'm using my TSA120 with ZWO EAF focuser connected to scope with a special Takahashi mounting kit you can buy at ZWO as an optional. I have no problems at all with that setup so I recently purchased the same focuser for my Tak FS60Q scope too and it works smoothly at that scope as well.

Clear skies,
Miroslav

I do have this motor and I have that kit coming in the mail. I guess I should try it before I go spend a few K, but its nice to hear what other people with experience are doing.

Hello Matt, I'm also using ZWO EAF with a TSA 102. I made the mounting part myself since I couldn't find no kit. Works great too, and I'm now able to refocus every 1°C of temperature change and get a very good focus. Taka focusers are really serious, I don't think there's any need for replacement. EAF is a really well made and cool device too (I found the temperature sensor very convenient). Hope this will help in making a decision. Take care and clear skies ! Brice

I swapped TSA-120 stock focuser out for a Starlight Instruments focuser and Posi drive motor. The stock one was slipping too much with my camera and filter wheel on there with the focal reducer. I had a motor but it wasn't holding it up.

I swapped TSA-120 stock focuser out for a Starlight Instruments focuser and Posi drive motor. The stock one was slipping too much with my camera and filter wheel on there with the focal reducer. I had a motor but it wasn't holding it up.

It would be the motors job to hold the focuser up since the tak is a geared rack and pinion not a friction like a lot of focusers. If I find my eaf doesn’t work, I will likely add that new starlight posi drive motor to the stock focuser also and it has a 56lb capacity.

I am using my Tak's ( FSQ 106 and FS-128 ) with FLI focusers ( PDF and Atlas).
While with FSQ 106 it is simply a convenience and not a necessity, the FS 128 focuser is not very suitable for astrophotography . Despite many hours of efforts I couldn't get its bearings stable and the whole focuser drawtube sways under the load of the camera. And here the use of FLI PDF is fully justified.
CS Maciej

I'm using the TSA120 with ZWO EAF focuser connected to scope with a ZWO monting kit. Load: 2600MM Pro + large 7x EFW + Reducer. No issues.

Best regards,
Dirk

An old thread, but just adding in case of use for anyone else. With an old FSQ106N I have put a Pegasus motor focuser - had to get the backlash dialled in as had only used belt-based autofocusers before with other scopes, but once that's done its excellent.

Hello all
Victor Beer from Tucson Arizona. Using a Tak. FSQ-106, Asiair , ZWO focuser , 2 inch filter wheel and shoot mainly with the Lpro and Antlia gold filters.
I have been using the zwo EAFi and getting very nice tight stars and excellent focus.
I adjusted the slow adjustment in the focus section of the ASiAir to 10 to get a more accurate focus .
Regards,
Vic
PS You can't beat the price and the mounting was easy.

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