I have a GSO 6" f/6 Newtonian and while it's great optically, I'm really starting to push the limits of what the standard Crayford focuser can handle. I'm looking for something that no only can handle higher loads but I'd love something lower in profile and with a threaded connection. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Replacement focuser
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This might be of interest: https://www.astrobin.com/forum/post/199456/
I have since ordered this: StellaLyra 2" R&P Focuser for Newtonian Telescopes - 176mm Diameter Tubes | First Light Optics
I have since ordered this: StellaLyra 2" R&P Focuser for Newtonian Telescopes - 176mm Diameter Tubes | First Light Optics
Thanks, that looks about perfect and the price isn't as bad as most.
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I was having issues with the stock focuser on my Askar 130PHQ so I replaced it with the Moonlight Nightcrawler focuser. Very expensive but my options were limited.
It's working very well & has a rotator, which is more useful than I expected.
It's working very well & has a rotator, which is more useful than I expected.
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Those are nice but I can't see spending as much on the focuser as I did on the OTA. I really wish someone would make a really low profile unit that doesn't extend into the light path. After all, how much focus travel do you need in an astrograph? Especially if you use a set imaging train. I have about an 1/8th inch of in-travel left with my current setup and that's more than enough range to compensate for temp. changes and filter offsets.
Tony Gondola:
I have a GSO 6" f/6 Newtonian and while it's great optically, I'm really starting to push the limits of what the standard Crayford focuser can handle. I'm looking for something that no only can handle higher loads but I'd love something lower in profile and with a threaded connection. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
HI Tony, what about this one ? R&P, low profile with m54x0.75 thread.
https://www.teleskop-express.de/en/telescope-accessories-5/focusers-adapters-motorfocus-296/focusers-and-micro-transmission-92/ts-optics-2-inch-unc-gen-2-newtonian-focuser-with-additional-thread-loads-up-to-5-kg-14361
Tony Gondola:
I have a GSO 6" f/6 Newtonian and while it's great optically, I'm really starting to push the limits of what the standard Crayford focuser can handle. I'm looking for something that no only can handle higher loads but I'd love something lower in profile and with a threaded connection. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
HI Tony, what about this one ? R&P, low profile with m54x0.75 thread.
https://www.teleskop-express.de/en/telescope-accessories-5/focusers-adapters-motorfocus-296/focusers-and-micro-transmission-92/ts-optics-2-inch-unc-gen-2-newtonian-focuser-with-additional-thread-loads-up-to-5-kg-14361
That certainly checks all the boxes. It's not a direct replacement so probably would need some shimming and sealing to make it fit. It does gain me a full 25mm of in focus without protruding into the light path though. That's enough that I could add a rotator at some point. Something I'd really like to do.
Doesn't work very well with standard EAFs.
andrea tasselli:
Doesn't work very well with standard EAFs.
The original Crayford on the GSO wasn't compatible as well, round body with no where to attach a bracket. I just mounted the EAF to the tube instead. I'm pretty sure that could be reconfigured to work with the TS Optics unit but I would need measurements to know for sure.
I've been very happy with the Baader Steeltrack and am using it on all of my newt builds. I have a heavier imaging train (QHY268m, Filter wheel, OAG, Wanderer Rotator, Nexus) and it's the only focuser I've found so far that doesn't flex. I've used Moonlite, Feathertouch, JMI and GSO and they were all inadequate. Baader makes a few different threaded adapters for the end of the drawtube. There is also the option of using the Clicklock adapter which is the only quick release barrel adapter I've used that actually maintains concentricity.
The steeltrack also lets you adjust the angle of the drawtube in multiple dimensions to get things absolutely 100% square.
You may have to track down an adapter for a 6" tube or stack some shims.
The steeltrack also lets you adjust the angle of the drawtube in multiple dimensions to get things absolutely 100% square.
You may have to track down an adapter for a 6" tube or stack some shims.
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Dan Watt:
I've been very happy with the Baader Steeltrack and am using it on all of my newt builds. I have a heavier imaging train (QHY268m, Filter wheel, OAG, Wanderer Rotator, Nexus) and it's the only focuser I've found so far that doesn't flex. I've used Moonlite, Feathertouch, JMI and GSO and they were all inadequate. Baader makes a few different threaded adapters for the end of the drawtube. There is also the option of using the Clicklock adapter which is the only quick release barrel adapter I've used that actually maintains concentricity.
The steeltrack also lets you adjust the angle of the drawtube in multiple dimensions to get things absolutely 100% square.
You may have to track down an adapter for a 6" tube or stack some shims.
Thanks Dan, I'll take a look.