ZWO EAF with a Tak E-160? - Forums

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

My Tak arrived and is sitting in its shipping box in garage while I sort out a lot of stuff.

Is anyone here able to use their ZWO EAF with the E-160ed? Is there a bracket that fits it? Yes, I have seen that there are EAFs used with this scope that cost nearly as much as the scope did, and that wasn't cheap. I am not eager right now to double my investment if there is a reasonable alternative that is used by guys getting good results.
If there is no alternative to a $3k EAF, I might consider selling the Tak unopened.

Engaging

Dan Brown

Mar 15, 2023

My 160 just arrived too. I have an optec leo that I will be installing on it this weekend. Doubt you could use it with zwo though.
Dan

Aygen

Mar 15, 2023

Hello Paul,

The most reliable option is the Leo - and this comes with a price. Most of people that I have spoken with only recommend the Optec.

I have also heard some positive feedback with the MFOC (lacerta).

Regardless of your decision, I would also recommend to consider something like the octopi or the photoncage to deal with potential tilt issues.

Good luck with your setup

Aygen

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

Ok, thanks. Wow the price of a camera. Well, a EAF with a scope like this is not really an option. There's very little info online about EAFs on a Tak.
I will work on back focus before I work on tilt. Tilt is a nasty thing to deal with, and I don't like the tilt correctors because they are only good for one camera.
I have 2 cameras, an MC and an MM that I would like to be using on this scope. Two tilt correctors is a huge amount of money and seems an unfortunate limitation. Surely everyone with 2 cameras doesn't buy 2 tilt correctors.

andrea tasselli

Frequent contributor

Mar 15, 2023

Paul Wilson:
Surely everyone with 2 cameras doesn't buy 2 tilt correctors.

I do.

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

andrea tasselli:
Paul Wilson:
Surely everyone with 2 cameras doesn't buy 2 tilt correctors.

I do.

*** Lol. I asked for that comment didn't I?***

Dan H. M.

Mar 15, 2023

Don't sell your Epsilon over a focuser. You can definitely use it with the ZWO. The focuser on the E-160 just another Tak focuser, nothing special. Refer to this thread: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/824280-adding-autofocuser-to-takahashi-epsilon-130d-how/

You'll just need to buy a cheap coupler for it off Amazon. Andy in that thread provides the link. That thread is specifically about the 130D but, again, it's just a regular old Tak focuser.

Helpful Supportive

Dan H. M.

Mar 15, 2023

Also, judging by your images, it looks like you're using just APS-C. There is no need to worry about tilt on the Epsilon with APS-C in my experience, and I use a lot of "cheap" hardware like the Blue Fireball rotator.

Well Written Concise Supportive

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

Don't sell your Epsilon over a focuser. You can definitely use it with the ZWO. The focuser on the E-160 just another Tak focuser, nothing special. Refer to this thread: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/824280-adding-autofocuser-to-takahashi-epsilon-130d-how/

You'll just need to buy a cheap coupler for it off Amazon. Andy in that thread provides the link. That thread is specifically about the 130D but, again, it's just a regular old Tak focuser.

*** Thank you for your post. I went to the thread and saw the photos but not a link to that precise bracket. However, am relieved that I can at least try to get going with my little EAF and not spend another ton of money just to see where I am at. If I can make the ZWO EAF work on a trial basis that would be cool. I guess I could directly message "Andy" and ask him where he got it. Yes my cameras are ZWO ASI2600s. I had bought them for my RASA 8 thinking they would be a substantial upgrade but found out they were a poor match for that scope. I am thinking (hoping) they will work better on the Tak. ***

Dan H. M.

Mar 15, 2023

Paul Wilson:
Don't sell your Epsilon over a focuser. You can definitely use it with the ZWO. The focuser on the E-160 just another Tak focuser, nothing special. Refer to this thread: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/824280-adding-autofocuser-to-takahashi-epsilon-130d-how/

You'll just need to buy a cheap coupler for it off Amazon. Andy in that thread provides the link. That thread is specifically about the 130D but, again, it's just a regular old Tak focuser.

*** Thank you for your post. I went to the thread and saw the photos but not a link to that precise bracket. However, am relieved that I can at least try to get going with my little EAF and not spend another ton of money just to see where I am at. If I can make the ZWO EAF work on a trial basis that would be cool. I guess I could directly message "Andy" and ask him where he got it. Yes my cameras are ZWO ASI2600s. I had bought them for my RASA 8 thinking they would be a substantial upgrade but found out they were a poor match for that scope. I am thinking (hoping) they will work better on the Tak. ***

That bracket should have come with your EAF. The only additional part you need is the coupler.

Well Written

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

Paul Wilson:
Don't sell your Epsilon over a focuser. You can definitely use it with the ZWO. The focuser on the E-160 just another Tak focuser, nothing special. Refer to this thread: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/824280-adding-autofocuser-to-takahashi-epsilon-130d-how/

You'll just need to buy a cheap coupler for it off Amazon. Andy in that thread provides the link. That thread is specifically about the 130D but, again, it's just a regular old Tak focuser.

*** Thank you for your post. I went to the thread and saw the photos but not a link to that precise bracket. However, am relieved that I can at least try to get going with my little EAF and not spend another ton of money just to see where I am at. If I can make the ZWO EAF work on a trial basis that would be cool. I guess I could directly message "Andy" and ask him where he got it. Yes my cameras are ZWO ASI2600s. I had bought them for my RASA 8 thinking they would be a substantial upgrade but found out they were a poor match for that scope. I am thinking (hoping) they will work better on the Tak. ***

That bracket should have come with your EAF. The only additional part you need is the coupler.

*** Ah, ok, I should still have that then. I originally had to order the one for the RASA 8. So just the standard "Tak" coupler works? ***

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 15, 2023

I found the stock bracket, amazing I didn't space it out with all the junk I have accumulated. I see the original box came with 4 couplers. Any of em work?

Dan H. M.

Mar 15, 2023

Paul Wilson:
I found the stock bracket, amazing I didn't space it out with all the junk I have accumulated. I see the original box came with 4 couplers. Any of em work?

I don't think any of them will fit. This is the one you need: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HCS7YK8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 16, 2023

Paul Wilson:
I found the stock bracket, amazing I didn't space it out with all the junk I have accumulated. I see the original box came with 4 couplers. Any of em work?

I don't think any of them will fit. This is the one you need: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HCS7YK8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

*** Thanks again, I was able to message "Andy" and he also provided the link to the coupler. I ordered it at once. I am relieved that at least right off the bat I can use my current EAF and not quickly add more huge expense. Perhaps when I get everything going I will feel the need to upgrade. Another guy a while back got me going on "Blue Fireball" parts to make up my back spacing instead of going the route of Precise Parts. Already, from them I ordered the M54 to M42 adapter and the M54 spacer set. Also a set of metal precision shims that will likely be necessary for fine tuning of the back focus. This is the first thing I will be working on. I also appreciate your reassurances about using the ASI2600s which had proven such a disappointment with my RASA 8. The sensor was too big for the RASA image size and the corner stars were shredded. I had sold my ASI533 and had to purchase a ASI294 to make the RASA images look better. The 294 is doing a better job.***

Torben van Hees

Mar 17, 2023

Before comitting to the EAF check its backlash. My two samples have axles that you can feel the play if trying to turn them by hand. If yours does, too, it won‘t be exact enough for the Epsilon. I‘ve attached a Pegasus FocusCube to my Epsilon which has smaller steps than the EAF and only very limited backlash.

Helpful Concise

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 17, 2023

Torben van Hees:
Before comitting to the EAF check its backlash. My two samples have axles that you can feel the play if trying to turn them by hand. If yours does, too, it won‘t be exact enough for the Epsilon. I‘ve attached a Pegasus FocusCube to my Epsilon which has smaller steps than the EAF and only very limited backlash.

*** Well thank you for comment. Actually I am not committing to the ZWO EAF, I already own one. I have been using it on my f/2 RASA 8. And yes, it has backlash. But using NINA for my AF routine, there is a backlash compensation that can be added to the calculations and I have been using that. When there is AF backlash, it shows on the AF graph. I was able to eliminate it. Also, I am going to be "experimenting" with this new scope while I slowly try to get to know it and get it going. If I shoot some star fields and feel more adjustments are needed, (likely) then I will go from there. The reason I started this thread was simply out of reacting to people saying that I needed to purchase a $1400 AF'er to make the 160 work well. If that is the case, it's not something I wish to do without first testing more affordable options. Yes, the Pegasus is still far more affordable than the Optec and I would definitely consider it. Using it had already occurred to me. I will eventually be setting up a new "profile" in NINA for the Epsilon and it's accessories that will be loaded up every time I use the Tak. Hopefully I have learned some things about back focus and tilt from struggling with the RASA for several years now. It was my first AP scope and I knew zero! Now I know not a lot but a few things. ***

Helpful Engaging

Torben van Hees

Mar 17, 2023 · Edited: Mar 17, 2023

I know about backlash conpensation. It doesn‘t cut it on the Epsilon. But maybe you‘re lucky. The main reason to switch to the Optec is that the stock Tak focuser is not exact enough for full-frame cameras and barely adequate to handle APS-C. I spent a few hours dialing it in and it needs frequent readjustments.

Concise

Dan H. M.

Mar 17, 2023

The stock focuser can also be replaced with a Moonlite. The only thing this won't solve is the inability to rotate the focuser without throwing collimation off.

Well Written Concise

Paul Wilson

Topic starter

Mar 17, 2023

Torben van Hees:
I know about backlash conpensation. It doesn‘t cut it on the Epsilon. But maybe you‘re lucky. The main reason to switch to the Optec is that the stock Tak focuser is not exact enough for full-frame cameras and barely adequate to handle APS-C. I spent a few hours dialing it in and it needs frequent readjustments.

*** I plan to give this Epsilon a fair shot. I will pay attention to details as best as I can, a simple amateur and not a scientist or optics specialist. I will use what experience I have and I am on this forum and others to ask questions. If the Tak ends up being a perpetual "moon shot" of complexity that is too much for me to handle, then I will sell it. I know I wouldn't be the first. I realize that some people have quickly doubled the high price of the scope with upgraded focusers and Auto-focusers. The back focus and then the collimation are my immediate concerns. And yes the AF is very important. Some people who own the scope have reassured me that they are using it successfully with the APS-C cameras. We will see, my RASA 8 was not ok with them and I was forced to bail out, while others claim to be using them without problems. Im still using the RASA but now with the ASI294***

Torben van Hees

Mar 17, 2023

The stock focuser can also be replaced with a Moonlite. The only thing this won't solve is the inability to rotate the focuser without throwing collimation off.

I don‘t think you‘ll find any rotator that‘s exact enough to not introduce tilt/miscollimation at f/3.3 and below for use with 3.75um pixels.

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