Changing Out a Focuser

[Hans Tucker]

The massive 4" focuser on a APOMAX 130 f12 is aesthetic but it is not overly functional, so I am looking at changing it with a newly acquired FTF3035 3" focuser.

The challenge is how to adapt the FTF3035 to the APOMAX.

Do I do what a previous APOMAX owner did and replace the entire focuser or do I retain the original focuser tube flange and try and adapt to that. The adapter on the FTF3035 that has the three brass screws was for a different refractor so that will be changed out with the new adapter.

First attached image is the original 4" Focuser.
Second attached image is the FTF3035 Focuser I want to fit
Third attached image is another APOMAX that the owner replaced the focuser with a 3.5" FTF3545.

Starlight Instruments has a backlog so I will try and seek out a local company to manufacture the adapter .. might also be cheaper.

[croweater]

G,day Hans. Joshua Bunn is the man for adapters. I'm sure he could help you work out what you need and then do a great job making it. Many happy customers, including me.
Cheers, Richard

[Joshua Bunn]

Hello Hans,
As Richard has said (Thanks Rick), I can do this for you.
If you're interested , please send me an email at scastrophotography@outlook.com
Cheers, Joshua

[Hans Tucker]

Thanks Joshua. I will contact you in the New Year.

I need to take the existing focuser off the OTA and takes some measurements.

One of the biggest challenges is the Starlight Instruments Adapters for the 3" FTF have what appears to be a PTFE internal lining that allows the focuser to be rotated.

[Joshua Bunn]

Hello Hans,
Do you have a link to the starlight instruments adapters that have that lining?
Regards Joshua

[Hans Tucker]

I believe it is that milky coloured on the inner part of this collar.

https://www.starlightinstruments.com/product/a30-1903-1-adapter-3-0-tfpe-coupled-collar/