Focuser What would you Buy

[Saturn%5]

Hi all,
I feel the time has come to replace my focuser on my 12" dob as was pointed out to me when the the scope was being collimated on the weekend that there was alot of movement in it which tends to make it a little more harder to get correct collimation.

What is a good focuser for the price,Or what focuser would you buy yourself for Xmas:confuse3:

[iceman]

I'll be watching this thread with interest too, because like you, my stock focusser in those GSO scopes isn't the best, and has a bit of slop and wiggles around if you don't have the screw tight.

I don't see there being any cheap options though, it's probably best to buy an expensive moonlight focusser or something. I think Gary has done something like that, hopefully he'll see this and reply :)

[Saturn%5]

Hi Mike,
Yes i hope to get some good reply's here as it has now started to get me mad:tasdevil: As i have just had the mirror replaced under warranty and now this problem, Makes you wonder somtimes:confused:


Here is a link for you on the focuser that hardin are putting on there new dobs.

http://www.speednetllc.com/dbaastronomyproducts/Crayford%20Focuser.htm

[mch62]

Hi guys you might want to have a look at these as a cheap alternative .

http://www.kineoptics.com/HC-2.html

$80.00 US bucks

There a helical crayford design , in that you turn the focuser tube to wind it in and out.
It uses a crayford bearing set up which allows for a faster screw motion than normal helical threads.
I actually got this given to me , and was going to get a Starlight instuments feather touch focuser as they use a Stainless steel tube so you don't wear grooves in them from the bearing , but have not seen the need with this unit .
You will have to be aware of the mounting distances though. , but that is easaly fixed.
The Kine handles a powermate and 30mm 80deg 2"eyepiece weight.
Mark

[Saturn%5]

Thanks Mark, you are the leading contender so far:2thumbs:

[mch62]

Graeme , if your on a budget you might want to give Andrews a go as he has some Crayford focusers for sale. There $150 but I have not seen one , so can't coment on quality.
They do look a lot like the cheap ones JMI are now keeping for people on a budget . Chinese I think ?

Mark

[mch62]

It might be helpfull Graeme If I let others with a GSO Dob know , to check there focuser alignment with a laser as we did with yours.
We had to space Graemes focuser on one side as the laser was pointing off to one side of the diagonal by about 15mm . I am not talking about didgonal off set either . This is towards the side of the tube not towards the mirror . Spacing was not a problem but the play in the focuser could not be removed .
The GSO focuser would be fine for a longer focal ratio scope but for an f5 or less you really need to have better accuracy in the set up and draw tube .
Your newly replaced mirror looks a lot better with out that cat urine mark on the surface . :eyepop:

Also nice NOT to see cleaning scratches on it where a dealer tried to clean it .
:eek:

Mark

[gbeal]

Hi Team,
I have been down this road, many times. I am more scrooge than all of you, but am the first to suggest one brand, and suggest it wholeheartedly. Moonlite.
Ron Newman is the guy, and he is an all round great guy. Personal service, attention to detail, and more than happy to deal with us south of the border.
If you want I can/will sort a few images out, but I have had two CR1 (single speed) models, and two dual speed.
I currently have the CR1 on the 10" newt, and the CS2 on the Mewlon. I have attached a quick shot of the rear end of the Mewlon, and can, if you wish shoot an image or two of the newt, although once you have seen one, they all look the same.
Cost? Not cheap, but if you want cheap, leave it like it is. Happy? You bet.
Any further info? Let me know.
Moonlites page is http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dstore.cgi?storefront=moonlite
Gary

[gbeal]

Further to my first posting, there may be a very easy solution, via Moonlite, they produce adaptors to fit their focusers to original equipment.
Try http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dstore.cgi?category=Orion+XT-Hardin+DSH-Skywatcher+Focuser+Upgrade+Adapter
If all else fails write to Ron, mention the thread, and ask him. I know he is keen to facilitate his product onto the everyday scopes in use, and he will know if yours (GSO?) is the same as those already catered for.
Good luck, let us know how it works out.
Gary

[Saturn%5]

Hi Gary
If they perform as good as they look that would do me:2thumbs: .

Thankyou for the link.

[gbeal]

Hi Graeme.
shoot Ron a message, explain the requirement, and see what he suggests. He was quoted on the CloudyNights Forum as suggesting to a potential dual rate buyer that all he needed was the single rate model, so if that isn't honesty I'll eat my hat, yuk!
Gary

[iceman]

That is one sweet looking focuser :eyepop: .. I'd love one of those.. How much are they gary?

[mch62]

Hay Graeme , if your going to blow the budget , have a look at these . These are the Roll Royce of focusers , won't wear due to stainless friction plates instead of Aluminium . As fitted to astro physics refractors . You might have to sell the scope to import one of these:D

http://www.adorama.com/SQFK15.html

[iceman]

The moonlight looks prettier! :) That red just looks awesome.

[gbeal]

Hi Mark,
wow, they do look nice, and yes they are considered the best.
I for some reason ended up with the Moonlite range, and haven't looked back.
In answer to Ice's enquiry I have just checked Moonlites page and the CR1 is US$165, and the CR2 is US$265. Ron tends to ship via Express (for tracking purposes) and from memory this runs to about $25 - $30 each package.
Gary

[mch62]

The $165 for the CR1 is better value than getting the unknow chinese version . A litle more expensive than the $150Aus but worth it for a better quality. I know Graemes scope is an F5 and he could benifit from the CR2 reduction ratio , but that is going up a bit in price.
Mark

P.S. Graeme that wish list is getting awfully big >>and expensive :eyepop:

[Starkler]

So what is the original complaint with the focuser as supplied on the GS dob ?

I improved mine greatly by dissassembling and cleaning out the gunky "glue grease". Neither metho or kerosine would disolve it, but paint thinner did.
I then used a small amount of automotive grease and tweaked the screws on the bottom plate.

The motion is much easier and smoother now, with just a hint of binding at a certain spot in the travel.

[Saturn%5]

Hi Starkler.
My Focucers is smooth to use but it has that much side play in it that it makes it very hard to align the scope, That is why im going to change the focuser other gso scopes maybe fine i just dont like it.

[Saturn%5]

Hi Guys
Thank you for all the great info and tips.I think i have made my mind up on what i will get, I just got to have a talk the minister or war:fight: .

Hey Mark well now i have a new mirror and will be getting the focuser i just need to change the tube and the secondary and it will be all brand new again:evil:


Maybe i should have got my scope at Kmart:violin:

[Saturn%5]

:eyepop:

[mch62]

Graeme as far as the tube goes and what we were talking about with a single truss , did you see the Moonlite truss components .

http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dstore.cgi?category=Truss+Component s

Good if you intend to break the tube down for transport . Not sure if you want to do that or you just want it like mine as a permanent structure.
If like mine than you don,t need em .
They would simplify things a bit but there not cheap.
The tube you can get locally .
Mark

[bytor666]

Whoaaa!!!.....those focusers look amazing...when I had my 12.5 in reflector from 1996-1999 it came with a CRAYFORD JMI NGF-3 and before that I was using a helical focuser which I'll never use again...those crayfords are a treat to use , especially at high powers.... I'll have to get another one some day..now that the 12.5 inch is gone !!!

[silvinator]

I just had a look at those moonlite focusers. Does anyone know why the upgrade kit for my LXD55 is only $64, whilst the crayford newtonian ones are $100 more? Which one should I get if I was looking for a new focuser? Not that I am...yet...they sure do look really nice and colourful!

Never mind!!! I just figured it out. If I was to upgrade my focuser, I would have to buy one of the CR1 or CR2 models and also purchase an upgrade kit. That would be a total of US$229 or US$329. YIKES!!! I only got confused because the picture in the upgrade kit shows the red focuser itself so I thought that was included in the kit. Then I read the fine print - foiled! Just goes to show it pays to read everything...

[Starkler]

My new GSO crayford focuser :)

Fits existing holes on the GSO dob, $125US shipped from dba astro.

Its a beaut ! First light tonight :)

http://gar.customer.netspace.net.au/scope2/crayf.JPG

This focuser will be available soon from Andrews in Sydney, price unknown at this time.

[wavelandscott]

I am very interested in your impressions of your new focuser Starkler...


Hope our first light goes well!

[Vermin]

I have some going very cheaply here (no longer needed as I'm now building an Astrosystems Telekit):

http://www.iceinspace.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=263

[Stevo69]

HI all. I thought I'd jump on the end of this post rather than start (and possibly repeat) a new topic. I am shopping for a focuser for my 18" Dobsonain Project.

I have been recommended a Moonlite focuser, the Moonlite CR2 (http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman.cgi?page=productdetail&plugin=dstore.cgi&product=CR2) (US$265).

The other option is a Feathertouch Model FTF2020CR (http://www.starlightinstruments.com/newtonianFocusers20.htm) (US$290) plus standard base (US$25) = US$315

How does the Moonlite brand rate against the Feathertouch? I would like to hear from anyone else who has either of these installed.


hoo roo

Steve

[rumples riot]

Moonlite or JMI gets my vote.

[Stevo69]

Thanks for that, rumples riot. I have now discovered another brand, JMI. The closest comparison in price is the JMI EV1N (http://myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-165) from myastroshop.com.au. Were starting to get a bit pricey now, and I did not want to buy all my ATM parts loaded up with all the "bells and whistles", but these three look like a good compromise, between bottom and top of the range.

1 - JMI EV1N (http://myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-165)
2 - Feathertouch Model FTF2020CR (http://www.starlightinstruments.com/newtonianFocusers20.htm)
3 - Moonlite CR2 (http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman.cgi?page=productdetail&plugin=dstore.cgi&product=CR2)

[Starkler]

I have a feathertouch on my new SDM truss dob and I can tell you that its rolls royce quality in every respect and silky smooth. I haven't experienced using a Moonlite but the feathertouch is that good that i cant see any focuser topping it.
FWIW, I havent been that impressed with jmi focusers, especially for the price.

[Glenhuon]

I'd better check the one on my newt as well, think its made by the same people. The slop in the draw tube can be removed, involves glueing some brass shim inside the body. Needed about 25 thou for mine, that is a lot of play. Two pieces the inside length of the focuser body and wide enough to leave space for the rack and the locking strip will take up the side and vertical play. No substitute for a good focuser but every little helps.

[mch62]

This focuser on my Newtonian is out of the ordinary and not for every one but has 0 slop , 0 slip , low 25mm profile , no intrusion into the tube lightpath ,no worries about extra in or out travel with 3" travel , handles heavy loads and adaptable to robo focus .
Drawbacks are $$$$$$$$$ and large foot print and more $$$$$$, but it's the best focuser I have used to date.

[Stevo69]

Does anyone know in which country the JMI and Feather Touch focusers are manufactured?

[ausastronomer]

Hi Stevo,

I have spent a lot of time using the dual speed Feathertouch and Moonlite focusers and several different versions of the JMI focusers. I rate the feathertouch as clearly superior to the other two and definately worth the extra money over the moonlite. The feathertouch is an engineering and machining work of art. It is the rolls royce to use and look at. That having been said the moonlite is an exceptionally good focuser. If you never saw and used a feathertouch you could live happily ever after with the moonlite CR2.

All 3 are made in the USA.

Rumples Riot,

If the JMI and Moonlite get your vote, it's obvious you have never used a dual speed feathertouch :D

Cheers
John B

[CoombellKid]

I'm still using a R&P lol ...and it's a pain in the *ss!! oh well what the heck
it does the job.

regards,CS

[Orion]

The feathertouch will be on my next telescope.

[Stevo69]

Just to round off my small part of this topic, it was a photo finish but I have decided on a (drum roll)........... Feather Touch FTF2020CR. I couldn't have come to such an informed decision without all the opinions and advice from you all. You have done it again.

hoo roo

Steve