GS-550 6"f.4 setup

[Mavspace]

So I have recently purchased a GSO-550 6" f.4 Newtonian scope from Andrews communications(Thanks very much)

I have a ZWO EAF of which I am having a little trouble mounting onto the GSO Crayford style focuser. Any ideas or knowledge on this would be appreciated or if you have a working setup pics would be great !

I have worked out balancing and collimation just needing an EAF attachments solution.


Thanks

[Martin_S]

Paul , I mounted my focuser on the tube rings as the stock GSO crayford has no mounting points.



Martin

[Startrek]

Paul,
I’ve mounted my ZWO EAF focuser on my GSO newts 8” and 6” using a stainless steel hose clamp and aluminium bracket
Neat and tidy and works perfectly
Photos attached
I can provide more details if your interested in this mounting method
Cheers
Martin

[Tinderboxsky]

A very simple solution Martin. I like it.
Steve.

[Startrek]

Thanks Steve
I thought so too ( Nikolas didn’t think so )
A design should be simple and effective with minimal deficiencies
This set up allows you to remove the focuser in 2 minutes and re install in 3 minutes , without damaging the focuser or OTA and more importantly, no holes in the OTA. You can sell the OTA later as new if you wish
Thanks
Martin

[Mavspace]

Both great options Martin and Martin !! Thanks so much for the responses and pics really appreciate it ! :thumbsup:

I was initially thinking of using a hose clamp around the focuser. Might have to pay a visit to Bunnings.

How did you fix the mount to the hose clamp Martin ?


Thanks

Paul

[Startrek]

Paul,
Once the custom aluminium bracket is cut and made it just slips under the hose clamp evenly
You have to fit the EAF focuser with coupling to the GSO focuser shaft at the correct spacing , I left a 4mm gap for movement
Once everything is in place with hose clamp tighten up on bracket , you can then drill 2 holes to secure EAF alloy bracket to your custom bracket
It’s a bit tricky but you will get the idea from the photos
I used a metal folder stationary clamp to hold things in together to mark the holes. All holes were drilled out on my workbench using a G clamp for accuracy
Below is more info and attached more photos

Custom bracket for ZWO EAF focuser
50mm high x 30mm width x 30mm long Alum extrusion. I had a 1m length in my shed I didn’t use for another project , otherwise you have to buy a length and cut a 30mm piece and have a lot left over
Cut one side and top
Mounting side where hose clamp holds bracket 18mm high
Outside to full height 50mm
Width obviously 30mm
Obviously depth is 30mm

Stainless steel hose clamp Bunnings
65 to 89mm

Black Electrical PVC tape
Run 2 or 3 rings of tape neatly around base of focuser to protect focuser from being scratched from hose clamp plus adds secure non slip clamping

Drill out EAF alloy coupling barrel
to suit GSO focuser shaft
Use the appropriate alloy coupling
Drill size is 4mm or 4.5mm ?? Check ?

Measure , drill out and screw EAF angle bracket to suit
Use 4mm stainless steel philips screws with nyloc nuts and washers

Cheers
Martin

[Mavspace]

Thanks for the breakdown description Martin!! I didn't waste anytime.

Installed and working smooth as silk !

I cut a few corners and used make-a-bracket angles from bunnings. Pre drilled holes, no cutting required and surprisingly really sturdy.

Next item cable management :D

[Startrek]

Paul,
Nice job
I’ll send my design fees in the mail 💻🗜🔩🔧
Cheers
Martin

[TareqPhoto]

Great idea, i will think to do something similar to my two Newtonians.