Some vixen questions

[LewisM]

I have a Vixen FL102S - a true classic fluorite refractor of incredible quality. I LOVE the stock focuser (though a LOT of people hate them), but would like to use a dual speed system on it.

For my VC200L, I had the Vixen dual speed knob adapter, which worked quite well. So, been considering adding one to my FL102S, just to get the MINUTE focus sharpening (even though the 102 SNAPS into focus, I want the astrophotograph precision). Plus, the stock focuser holds a metric tonne of weight without shift happily.

Does anyone know if the Vixen dual speed adapter will fit the older spindles? Remembering back to my newer VC200L, I THINK the spindle is of smaller diameter than the older series of Vixens.

I may email Steve Massey about it, but just wondering if anyone has any experience with them on the older Vixen focuser spindle shafts.

No,do NOT suggest a Moonlite focuser - me and Moonlite do NOT see eye to eye - I REMOVED the Moonlite that was retrofitted to this scope and installed the original (SO glad I asked the original focuser to be included!!!). Simon B now has my Moonlite :)

[Tinderboxsky]

Hi Lewis,

I have a Vixen ED103S on which I have fitted one of the two speed focusing accessory. It works very well indeed.

Measuring mine, these two speed focusing knobs are made for a spindle diameter of 6mm.

Cheers

Steve

[LewisM]

Darn it - the older Vixen spindle is 8.5mm dia.

I suppose it could be bored out, but that probably compromises the knob tube integrity if I remember how relatively thin wall they are.

Wonder if replacing the entire spindle with a more recent one would work, but would need to know if the pinion and rack would now mesh properly etc.

[rmuhlack]

maybe you could consider a Robofocus or JMI Motofocus drive for your existing focuser. These are two options I am now looking into for the VC200L that I have arranged to purchase.

[LewisM]

Thought about it Richard, and probably will. DEFINITELY not the Orion/Skywatcher motor focus though - useless IMHO.

Had a Robofocus on an ED127 with a Moonlite that worked fine (though the scope was never SHARP focus - always looked soft)

I have an aluminium bracket for a Robofocus that David Trap had on the VC200L I bought - if you want it, shoot me an email or PM and you can have it.

[rmuhlack]

thanks Lewis - PM sent

[LewisM]

Just got the email back from Steve Massey - yeah, needs the entire shaft replaced, and the knobs to the newer style.

The dual speed add-on is $270, and the shaft and knobs PROBABLY another $150 or so (I am guessing - Steve is finding out). Still cheaper than a Feathertouch.

[Terry B]

Not sure why you feel the orion focuser is useless. I have one on my VC200L and it supports my ST10XME, filter wheel and AO unit or my even heavier spectrograph. I almost never change the focus. It will go for many weeks without being touched. I just check it occasionally with a bahtinov mask but rarely move it.

[LewisM]

I tried one and decidedly did not like it. It was one an R200SS. Just not very precise adjustments - always seem to be over or undershooting, real guess work.

[LewisM]

Small things amuse small minds - I just found an original hammertone green finder shoe in the USA for my Vixen - this will be to hold the mini-guider. Colour coordination ya know :) (being serious, Orion metallic black looks odd against the Vixen white and hammertone brown-green)

Now if only Vixen made 50mm finder brackets in hammertone green :) Or find a paint stockist who can match the hue.