For Sale Feather Touch Focusers

[gbeal]

Hi All,
I have a couple of new Feather Touch focusers for sale.
These are brand new items, on consignment direct from Starlight Instruments in the US.
I know these folk well, and offered to "stock" a few of their products, in an effort to help out those who are intimidated by buying from overseas.
I am initially looking to do this only in New Zealand, mainly due to the headaches of money transfer across the Tasman.
I am not a dealer, and there is nothing in it for me, apart from the satisfaction of assisting both parties. Prices are freely available on their website http://www.starlightinstruments.com/ and this is the price you will pay here, plus the obvious postage.
I also have some flat bases, and SCT adaptors to suit.
Gary BEAL
New Zealand
g.beal@xnet.co.nz

[Orion]

I'm looking for a focuser and I am trying to decide between the MoonLite or the Feathertouch.
Could I get your opinion on the Feathertouch focuser?

[gbeal]

Hi Ed,
not sure if I am the right guy to ask, as I have a foot in the F/T camp. I have had Moonlites in the past and dealing with Ron is a very pleasant experience, so am not looking to put the boot in there.
Equally so, the Starlight folk, Det and Brig, are a delight to deal with, and if pushed maybe I would give the F/T the edge in lastability. Both are good, but if it helps, I have the 2020BCR on my 10" newt, and a Tak Micro (made by Starlight to give 10:1 control on the Takahashi focusers) on my Epsilon 130.
I am about to get the motorized unit to fit both of these, and give PC operated focus control.
The main thrust of this is that top quality is available closer to home, and for virtually the price you would pay if you buy direct from them. Most are happy to buy via the internet, but others are still reluctant. This will help perhaps.
Gary

[netwolf]

Gary,

I have been trying to find someone locally who gets there Microfocusers in.
http://www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=263
Sold by Starizona in the US. Edit: seem to be the only ones other than OPTcorp that list this, also they have the best price on special right now.
http://starizona.com/acb/Feathertouch-SCT-MicroFocuser---Meade-8-P985C654.aspx
For some reason they are not listed on the website you linked. Are you able to get these.

Regards
Fahim

[matt]

I have a Starlight Feathertouch on my 9.25 and it's great. Silky smooth and very reliable.

It's an entirely different experience to using the rubber stock focuser which comes as standard.

The Feathertouch allows for very precise and stable focusing. Even the degree of shift when imaging is reduced.

Anyone buying one of these for an SCT will not regret it:)

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=15037&highlight=Feathertouch

[gbeal]

Matt
thanks mate. The units I have though are the whole focuser, not the knob system you have. (Although now I have written that, the system you have is similar to the one I have on the E130).
The focusers I have available for sale are the complete Crayford type, ready to mount onto whatever scope you have.
Gary

[matt]

Oh. Ok, Gaz.:thumbsup:

You're talking about the full-on unit which screws to the opening of the rear cell where the visual back would normally go? Mine is the 'Micro'.

It's all very nice gear;)

[gbeal]

Hi Fahim,
ah, now I see. The unit you ask about is similar/the same as what Matt has.
Initially I couldn't find them (even though my son does their website), but if you look on the Price List page, and scroll down, there is a listing of "Micro Asseblies for SCT's". They are there, from about US$139.50 to $159.50 depending on your scope.
I can of course get one for you, if you want, or assist in getting one for you if you wish to deal direct with them.
Gary

[gbeal]

Yep Matt, thats the one. Striker had one on his SCT. The great thing is the focuser is a "common" unit, and all you need to change is the adaptor, so if you sold your scope and got another there is a very good chance the focuser could swap across.
Gary

[netwolf]

Gary,

I sent an email to Starizona as they have it on special, am waiting for a reply. It all depends on the payment method. I dont have a credit card nor Paypal, hence i have not bought from overseas.

Regards
Fahim

[Orion]

Thanks for the info Gary.

What I like about this feathertouch focuser is that it swivels around. I don't know if any of the Moonlite ones do.

[gbeal]

Hmmmmm, not sure, You are right though the F/T is a mere allen screw adjustable, and wrench supplied. I have tried mine in a few differing orientations.
Gary

[Starkler]

The humble gso crayford even does that if you loosen the grub screws in the side of the base :lol:

As for Feathertouch focusers, everything I have read suggests that they are the Rolls Royce of crayford focusers. Im getting one on my SDM truss dob.