SCT fine focus knobs

[mental4astro]

Hi all,

I have a number of round plywood off-cuts from a couple of projects on the go. If anyone would like one of these to put over their SCT focus knob for greater focus control let me know. Just need the diameter of your focus knob, and the clearance between the focus knob and the visual back of the scope.

I made one of these to great effect for my C8. You'll find a write up on this in this link:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=127861

I'll make the knob & clean it up, but leave it to you to paint & finish it if and how you like.

No charge on my part - just ask you to pay postage.

[Amaranthus]

I'd love one Alex, for a C8 as well (Nexstar SE model). I'm currently using a vegemite jar lid, which could do with an upgrade!

[mental4astro]

No problem Barry. Happy to make one for you. Sent ya a PM.

I'd be able to make these for Maks too. As for SCT's, I just need to know the diameter of the existing focusing knob and the distance available between the knob and the visual back.

[Amaranthus]

Well, I just received one from Alex for my 8SE SCT -- it's excellent, and fitted perfectly! :thanx:

In case other people need to know, the specs for the new Celestron 8SE (i.e., the one with the rubber focus knob) is a 22mm diameter inner hole and 74mm diameter for the outer circle (this just brushes against my f/6.3 focal reducer).

[killswitch]

Hey Alex

Could you make me one too for my C8? Ill grab it off ya next meet. Cheers

[mental4astro]

No worries Ed.

I'll let you know when its ready all the same.

Alex.

[Greenswale]

Alex deserves a serious pat on the back for offering these devices to the IIS community. I have just received one to suit my C9.25, fit is spot on, and i get to 'pimp' it as I will.

Thanks Alex, a great initiative!!!!

[godina06]

Hi Alex,

Could you make me one please for my Mewlon 180?

Thanks

Tom

[mental4astro]

Thanks Tom. Happy to make one for you. I've sent you a PM.

Alex.

[Akwestland]

Alex,

I am wondering if you are still making these. I have a Celestron Nexstar 4SE and have just bought an eyepiece set, what a pain to focus.

If this is possible let me know and I will get the measurements for you, unless you have them already.

My wife has arthritis and I can see the larger diameter and screws would give her greater control.

Cheers
Andrew

[mental4astro]

Hi Andrew,

Yes, I continue to make these.

I will be needing the dimensions from you as I don't have them for the scope you mention. I will be needing the diameter of the existing focus knob, and the distance between the knob and the visual back. You can PM me these details.

It had not occurred to me that a larger diameter focus knob would help arthritic hands. I'm glad to see this added bonus.

Cheers,

Alex.

[mental4astro]

Happy to make these complete :)

I've had some people ask me if I could make these completely finished. Happy to. But alas I do need to ask for a fee - $45 done to the same design and finish as the one pictured in the fist post of this ad. Fee includes postage. Will be made out of marine grade ply and marine grade varnish - nothing less for this! :D

As for the naked disk, I need the diameter of the scope's focus knob, and the distance between the visual back and the focus knob.

Installing the disk should just be a matter of a gentle push over the scope's focus knob. It should not be too firm, but neither too loose, but easy enough just to grip, do its job, and be able to be removed without too much pull - you really don't need much effort to turn the focus knob once one of these disk's is installed!

If you are happy to finish off the disk yourself, I'm still happy to supply these just for the cost of postage.

[Solanum]

Tried out my handsome new fine focus adapter last night. I have to say, it really makes a remarkable difference in ease of focus and minimising mount wobble. Much bigger impact than I expected, I used the scope with and without it last night as well, just so that I wasn't going from memory, and it helps enormously.

It fit perfectly over the existing rubber coated focus knob, with no slip and no shim needed.

Recommended!

See photo (sorry about the quality) for the beautiful job Alex did with the finish. Handmade, bespoke item!