Replacement Crayford - SW 10"

[skygawker]

Guys - got a Skywatcher 10" Dob and want to replace the standard and very basic (came with set screw ep clamps) crayford with a better quality 10:1. Has any one already done this mod for this type of scope and if so what did you replace it with? My major concern is that I'll still have the correct range of travel for focusing.

[DaveO]

SkyGawker

I did exactly that. I purchased a BinTel crayford, but you need to contact the guys at BinTel in Melbourne to get an adapter plate, because the std crayford BinTel sell doesn't match the holes in the scope. The adapter plate brings it all together beautifully.

[skygawker]

thanks DaveO - did your SW come with a 2":1.25" adaptor that's also a 35mm extension? Mine did. All the 2":1.25" adaptors I've seen don't add any extension.

[DaveO]

SkyGawker

That's right. I have had no problems with back focus since the change.

[skygawker]

so DaveO, with the Bintel focuser you don't need to use those 35mm extensions anymore?

[DaveO]

Not that I recall. Rain here recently and a bsuted knee has meant the scope is sitting in the trailer. But I will be unpacking everything this week in preparartion for AstroFest, so will check what the configuration is exactly. However I have been using it as installed ever since. The only thing I noticed was that my 2" barlow + 2" 33 SWAN didn't come to focus, but only played with it once, so not sure. Will get back to you.

[proudy]

DaveO, I drilled new holes for the 10:1 crayford, but I would prefer an adapter plate as you described. So does Bintel actually have them?

[DaveO]

They had them a year ago. You need to contact Roger in the Melbourne store.

[proudy]

Thanks Dave,
He still makes them for $60 and has a low profile mounting plate version as well!!