Low profile focuser

[multiweb]

Hi guys, would you have recommendations on a low profile 2" (or more) focuser that would fit within a 40mm to 50mm gap (all inclusive of threads). Travel doesn't have to be much. I'm interested in compactness and stifness. TIA. :thumbsup:

[Atmos]

FLI PDF or FLI DF2, both are only available on the second hand market but have 3” openings and are stiff.

[JA]

Hi Marc,

If you want to go to an astrocam on one end of the focuser, especially one with an M42 x 1mm thread, perhaps you could try an M42 Helicoid focuser, which is typically M42 male at one end and M42 female at the other end; however, and it may suit you, other threads are also available.

As an example....
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brass-M42-to-M42-Mount-17mm-31mm-Adjustable-Focusing-Helicoid-Adapter-Macro-Tube/132661179960?hash=item1ee338f638:g: 2RUAAOSwFSxZ5wux

That is a 17-31mm extension, but you will find shorter and longer examples.

Best
JA

[multiweb]

:lol: Thanks Colin. Haven't won lotto yet. ;)



Thanks mate, actually I googled helicoid focuser today and ended up on ebay (https://www.ebay.com.au/i/383279592014?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&itemid=383279592014&targetid=894844051568&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9071722&poi=&campaignid=9772795581&mkgroupid=99377631746&rlsatarget=pla-894844051568&abcId=1145981&merchantid=7364522&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8PfE7b726AIVAxqPC h3gCAhkEAYYASABEgLWlPD_BwE) as well. That looks really interesting. I wonder if it would handle a bit of load though. :question:

Here's my AO setup into the Moonlite that I'm trying to get rid of. So remove the whole flange + the red focuser and the AO will be close to flash with the visual back, brings the CCD plane of the QHY9 after the OAG to ~140mm which is the sweet spot I image at right now without the AO.

[Wilso]

When I was looking for a focuser for my intes the only ones that I could find that were short enough - feather touch or Jmi evo focusers, not much travel though. :thumbsup:

[bojan]

Another one, with T2 thread:


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SV109-M42-0-75mm-T2-Extension-Variable-24-35mm-Tube-for-Astrophotography-AU-SHIP/174062427878?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBI DX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[multiweb]

Thanks. Will check them out too. :thumbsup:




Thanks Bojan. :thumbsup:

[Slawomir]

Towards the end of last year I got an Optec Leo. A definite step-up from FTF in terms of supporting imaging capabilities of my scope. Short travel but rigid and a very small step size.

[multiweb]

The optec gear and others is fantastic but way out of my budget right now. Maybe one day.

[multiweb]

Got the adapter made and fitted today. It's rock solid.

I got a small M42 helicoid thingy from ebay. Works great for a small load but just won't work for this so decided to go for the primary focuser instead.
Just have to work out how to run a bracket to hold the motor.

I'm thinking of a thin washer sandwiched between the AO and the adapter. Then a belt of some kind. :question:

[multiweb]

Question: where can I get more of these possibly nylon tipped? I recall Lewis posted a good link a while ago for all those kind of fasteners. Can't find it anymore.

[multiweb]

I've fitted the focuser motor yesterday. Just need a small belt system between the focuser knob and the motor shaft to run it. Not much room to fit it in between the AO an the back of the scope but I managed. Without making any holes in the CN-212. (Lewis would have put a contract on me)

[multiweb]

Does anyone know where to source similar products in Oz?