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Esatto + Arco + flattener/reducer

Takahashi FSQ-85EDX Equipment Refractors
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Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
Is anyone here successfully using the FSQ85EDX with a PLL Esatto + Arco and either the 1.01x flattener or 0.73x reducer?

if yes, would you be able to share the various spacers/adapters that are needed?

PLL posted a YouTube video on this, but it’s a little vague on getting the standard 55/56.2mm spacing…

many thx,

d.
Engaging
Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
I should say, I am already setup with the Esatto and combined with a Precise Parts 12mm adapter and the tak 50.2mm extender before the 1.01x flattener I’m all good. I’m just trying to figure out what I need to change to add an Arco.

cheers again,

d.
Robert Žibreg avatar
Robert Žibreg avatar
Have you asked PrimaLuce? That telescope is quite often paired with those accessories so they would probably know.
Brian Diaz avatar
Brian Diaz avatar
Hi

here is a link to video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAQ4xn4ljP8&t=119s

CS , Brian
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Yes, I have used both successfully. Just put the Esatto directly on the FSQ adapter and attach the ARCO with the M72 Takahashi adapter on it and connect the reducer or flattener as you would on the Native FSQ. PLL will tell you to add their 40mm (I think) extender between the FSQ adapter and the Esatto if using the flattener but this isn't necessary…just put it together as you would on the native FSQ (the flattener after the Tak extension tube which gives you essentiallythe same distance from the flattener to to OTA).
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
And before I plunked down the big chunk of changes on the ARCO, I had PLL's 25mm M81 extension tube after the Esatto to make sure everything would work (flattener and reducer). The 25mm extension tube is almost exactly the same width as the ARCO so it was a good trial run test. You don't need (or want) the PP adapter, just use the PLL and Tak parts and all will be good.
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Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Do you connect with the Esatto via USB or wireless? If USB, make sure you go to the Silocon Labs website and download their latest drivers and don't be surprised if the first attempt at calibrating the ARCO in the Play software fails…just run it again and it should pass. If connecting wirelessly, it will pass every time.
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Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Check my page https://www.astrobin.com/users/bluemoon737/ and the Clamshell image is with the flattener and the Veil is with the reducer.
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Oh and everything after the reducer or flattener spacing (such as the 55/56mm spacing) wise has nothing to do with PLL…that is all based on your camera setup. The only thing PLL has to do with this is putting the reducer or flattener at the correct position for focus which is what I explained above.
Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
Jeffery Richards:
Yes, I have used both successfully. Just put the Esatto directly on the FSQ adapter and attach the ARCO with the M72 Takahashi adapter on it and connect the reducer or flattener as you would on the Native FSQ. PLL will tell you to add their 40mm (I think) extender between the FSQ adapter and the Esatto if using the flattener but this isn't necessary...just put it together as you would on the native FSQ (the flattener after the Tak extension tube which gives you essentiallythe same distance from the flattener to to OTA).

Thx for this info.

When you say “Tak extension tube” - are you referring to the 52mm extension tube?
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
The standard extension tube that is listed before the 1.01x flattener (item 50 on the most recent chart).
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
I will say you are right near the full insert position with the flattener. This could be why PLL recommends their 40mm extension vice the Tak tube which I think is 50mm.
Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
It’s 52mm.

i am surprised this works - as I said, I’m currently using a PP 12mm adapter with only the Esatto and am at focus. Adding the Arco is going to push this about another 16mm further back…
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Well the PLL M81 to M72 (Esatto to Tak accessories) adapter isn't 12mm, it's only 5mm.
Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
Jeffery Richards:
Well the PLL M81 to M72 (Esatto to Tak accessories) adapter isn't 12mm, it's only 5mm.

The Arco is double the depth of my PP adapter though.
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Dunk:
Jeffery Richards:
Well the PLL M81 to M72 (Esatto to Tak accessories) adapter isn't 12mm, it's only 5mm.

The Arco is double the depth of my PP adapter though.

That's my point. Get rid of the PP adapter and use the PLL one. Your setup should be the Esatto, the Esatto to ARCO connector, the ARCO, the PLL M81 to female M72 Tak adapter then connect your Tak parts (they will all screw into the M72 adapter).
Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
Jeffery Richards:
That's my point. Get rid of the PP adapter and use the PLL one. Your setup should be the Esatto, the Esatto to ARCO connector, the ARCO, the PLL M81 to female M72 Tak adapter then connect your Tak parts (they will all screw into the M72 adapter).

I never said I would continue to use the PP adapter with the Arco.....

Now: Esatto + 12mm PP adapter + 50.2mm Tak extension tube - thats 62.2mm after the Esatto.

Future: Esatto + 23mm Arco + 5mm PLL 81-71 + 50.2mm Tak extension tube - thats 78.2mm after the Esatto - 16mm more than today.
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Actually the ARCO is 24.5 with the Esatto connector ring. If you aren't comfortable with it, you could go with the PLL recommendation and use their 40mm front extension (in front of the Esatto) and ditch the Tak 50mm tube and connect the flattener directly to the ARCO.
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Dunk avatar
Dunk avatar
On watching the PLL video again, I can see they do recommend exactly what you are referencing above - the 40mm front extension and then threading the flattener directly into the ARCO.

Many thx for you help.

Cheers,

d.
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Good luck, it can be made to work either way.

CS,
Jeff
Jeffery Richards avatar
Jeffery Richards avatar
Just a point of reference, my Esatto/ARCO combo comes to focus with the 1.01x flattener at around the 120000 step mark so about 1/4" away from fully inserted.
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