ED 127 is here

[Moon]

I took the plunge and ordered an ED127. I sent the money on Tue 26 May, it arrived in Melbourne on Friday 29 and in my hands today. Too bad it spent the whole weekend with TNT! :(

01 Jun 2009 08:22:00 Campbellfield Shipment Delivered In Good Condition.
01 Jun 2009 06:37:24 Melbourne Out For Delivery.
29 May 2009 09:26:01 Melbourne Shipment Received At Destination Depot.
29 May 2009 04:25:53 Melbourne Shipment Released From Customs.
28 May 2009 05:01:13 Pudong International Airport Shipment In Transit.
28 May 2009 04:52:15 Pudong International Airport Shipment Received At Transit Point.
28 May 2009 03:06:00 Nanjing Shipment In Transit.
27 May 2009 21:12:06 Nanjing Shipment In Transit.
27 May 2009 20:52:44 Nanjing Shipment Received At Origin Depot.

There was a test report inside the box, but it doesn't have a serial numer on it - looks like just a photocopy from one of the first scopes they made. Did anyone else get this piece of paper too?

I'll let you know how I get on.

James

[AdrianF]

What is the focuser like?
I amongst others on this site have bought of of these scopes and I am not 100% happy with the focuser and I am contemplating buying a new focuser at tax time but not sure whether to go with the "new improved" north group focuser for $225 or Moonlite for $700 - $800.

Would be very interested in your comments on this scope. My comments are they are very good optically I couldnt fault it in that respect but the focuser did let it down. I did not get and paper work with mine except invoice/receipt not even an instruction manual.

Adrian

[desler]

Congratulations James, But I've just been outside, guess with this weather your going to have a few days to get the set up just right.

Hope you really enjoy it!

Darren

[Moon]

I ordered the scope with the "advanced dual speed focuser for camera" (not the "normal dual speed focuser only for observing"). This added $120USD to the price. It seems ok, but only time will tell. From a quick look this morning, I would say it looks about same standard if not better than a WO style focuser.
If it doesn't work out, I'll get a moonlight at tax time too. :P

I've attached a PDF of the test report. It's dated 12-3-2008, so I would be surprised if it's from my particular sample, although it might be of interest to some readers here.

[AdrianF]

If it's as good as the WO focusers then I will more than likely get the north group one.

Adrian

[Tandum]

I'm also keen to hear what that new focuser is like.
But it looks like rain for another week yet :(
Gilman told me there would be an ascom motor drive for it in July.

[AdrianF]

Yes I also am very interested but I am also keeping an eye on the exchange rate at the moment it is 80.5 cents much better than the 60 something a couple of months ago hope the $ heads north again and not south. If the $ gets to around 85 cents again I will probably get the Moonlite focuser otherwise it's the north group one.

Adrian

[h0ughy]

any photos yet - especially the focuser and the front lens element

[Moon]

As requested, here are some quick snaps.

1. The box. Not a single word printed to identify the factory. Business card and invoice from our friend.

2. Top view of the focuser

3. Focus lock. This works very well.

4. 10-1 focuser. The 10 works well. The 1 is a bit jumpy. Might need a very small adjustment.

5. Lock screws - one for the rotator and one to hold the entire focuser to the OTA

6. Another view of the screw that holds the focuser to the OTA - don't like this - it just digs into the OTA thread.

7. Objective lens. Notice the spots where the black paint has chipped off already?

8. Bottom view

[saturn c]

very nice .love it !

[AdrianF]

Looks good. Now all we need is a users report :D

(if this bl**dy weather ever lets up. Bright and sunny this morning guaranteed to cloud over as I get closer to knockoff time and then clear up sometime after I go to bed....:sadeyes:)

Adrian

[h0ughy]

wonder how much weight it will handle

[Moon]

Looks like the weather has really set in here as well. Sorry....

After having a good look a the focuser last night, it does have some minor problems. As I mentioned in the post above, it doesn't feel as smooth as the WO. In addition, the rotator is very strange. When it's locked down it seems fine. But when rotating, it seems really loose - too loose I would say. At one point it got really stuck, then it freed itself again. Maybe it needs a clean out.

[AdrianF]

James
I have an invoice waiting for me to pay for the North Group focuser but I am unsure as to pay for it or wait until Tax Time and buy the Moonlite focuser.

What is your first opinions about the NG focuser? Is it worthwhile? Or should I wait?

Adrian

[Moon]

Adrian,

Last night I noticed a break in the clouds and rain so I took the new scope out for quick spin. I made a Bahtinov Mask, and practiced focusing with my DSLR, and took a few snaps of the moon.
Overall, it did the job. As I mentioned above, the coarse focus does not feel very smooth, but the fine focus is what you really need and it works well. The focus lock is perfect - it seems like it will hold any load you throw at it. When it was all locked down, the whole rig seemed stable to me (except for my camera adaptor :sadeyes:) .

It's tough for me to say which way you should go - I don't want to give you the wrong advice and you get something you're not 100% happy with.

I'm sure this focuser is a step up from the "normal dual speed focuser only for observing" model, and I'm sure the Moonlite is even better still.

If you are going for perfection, then the collimatable capability of the Moonlite is what you really want. I might even get a Moonlite myself sometime down the track when this thing is in an observatory, but for now this will do me fine.

One thing is for sure - this scope deserves a nice focuser, right?

For those lucky people with a Moonlite, does the scope fit in the supplied case with the focuser still attached? What options are best to order? ED127 Flange, 4.5" drawtube I assume and the Lacey Controller? (they also offer Cercis and Moonlite controllers)

[AdrianF]

Thanks James yes you are right the scope does deserve a good focuser the scope itself I cannot fault even with the cr*ppy focuser for visual but that is not why I bought the scope. I am undecided which way to go I like the idea of the Moonlite but at the moment is out of reach (unless I sell my 10" GSO) the North Group focuser is within reach without selling anything. But if I wait 2 months then I can get the Moonlite focuser..................maybe stop being impatient and wait.

A break from the rain? I would like to see that. Hang on there is something bright in the sky could it be the sun...........yes:D but clouds on every horizon:sadeyes:


Adrian

[allan gould]

Wait and get the Moonlite. I have it on my scope and it is a gem and can not recommend it highly enough. I bought the lock down focus model and not the motor focuser. Its worked perfectly for me.

[AdrianF]

I will wait and buy a Moonlite focuser in August (hope the exchange rate is good). Its a pity we couldnt buy one of these and attach to the ED127 http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/index.php?cPath=26_31.

Adrian

[marki]

Adrian, I do not have a 127 but have an 80 (meade) version which I put a Moonlite 2 speed on and that still fits in its case OK (very nice focuser by the way).

I also have a Moonlite with the stepper motor option on my LX200. When I bought this the only options for controllers offered by moonlite were the Lacey and Cercis. I bought the Cercis which works well for photography but is too slow for visual stuff. I have since bought the moonlite controller which has two speed options and this takes care of both the visual and photography options. It works well with Maxim DL focus routines etc and is a joy to use. I have not used the Lacey version so can offer no useful comment. I would definately recommend the moonlite controller over the cercis. It even has a built in temp sensor which makes setting up temperature compensation easy. On the cercis you need to buy an optional sensor and cable. The only advantage the cercis has is that it can control 2 focusers at once (primary and guidescope) and has a metal case Vs the moonlites single focuser control and plastic case. The moonlite also has both serial and usb hubs fitted so you can choose which ever is easier whilst the cercis only provides serial connections. Please note that the moonlite stepper motors are pinned to also allow the use of robofocus controllers so its simply a matter of plugging in the controller and off you go, you do not have to rewire anything to make it work. It really depends on your use as to which controller is best for you.

Mark

[Tandum]

I wonder if they'll flog em without a focuser ......
I have asked this in an email :)

[Moon]

Thanks Mark, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

[dpastern]

What brand is it meant to be?

Dave

[Moon]

The scope or the focuser?

This scope has a few names I can find Maxvision (http://hkastroequipment.com/fj01-38.html), Prostar (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-430), Explore Scientific, (http://explorescientific.com/telescopes/127mm_ed_apo.html) and Meade (http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-series-5000-ed-apo-refractor-telescope-127mm.html). In my case it was a North group (http://njnorth.en.alibaba.com/product/52381997-200018071/127mm_ed_apo_telescope.html) / Hioptic one.

[dpastern]

Ahh thanks. Sorry, but used to seeing SkyWatcher brand scopes as edxxx...didn't remember the 127 model from that brand being a triplet.

Dave

[telecasterguru]

I don't think I saw this answered but does the ED127 fit into its case after having a moonlight focuser put on it.
I was thinking of ordering one for my scope with the electric focuser option.

Thanks

Frank

[h0ughy]

it does you have to turn it around wit he focuser motor on top and pointing towards you, sits slightly proud but well within the foam will post an image later

[telecasterguru]

David,

Thanks for the info.

Frank

[Moon]

Peoples
I created a new Yahoo group for this scope. If you have got one, please join and share your experiences!

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ed127/

[h0ughy]

still to do this - got sidetracked:help:

[seeker372011]

Ok my North Group focuser is sitting in the post office I will have to pick it up over the weekend

I figured a Moonlite may be wonderful but it is not affordable at this stage, so I chose the more affordable option

Narayan

[JohnH]

Narayan,

How is this new focuser going - I am in need of this or the moonlite to correct CCD alignment problems I am having that cause my stars to be distorted.

[Moon]

John
I have the new model focuser, and I'm happy with it. I have not been able to trace any issues back to the focuser. When I did a quick checked with CCD inspector, it seems reasonaly flat (except the very corners) and almost perfectly square (http://deepspaceplace.com/show.php?id=CCDcurve).

Here's a sample full frame image (http://deepspaceplace.com/show.php?id=ngc6611)
Cheers

[Moon]

Forgot to say, it's a tight fit in the case, but it does fit. I had to cut away a bit of the foam to make some more room...

[AdrianF]

I had my North Group focuser modded and rebuilt by someone in Rockhampton now works a treat. CCD and DSLR now in alignment nice round stars etc. He just added to extra screws at 120 degrees. The focuser is now nice and firm and holds the camera in focus ok (draw tube doesnt slip anymore).
I will still probably buy a new focuser sometime in the future.

Adrian

[JohnH]

That is good to know, thanks. BTW how do you attach your camera to the draw tube - I do not like the push fittings but I cannot find any adapters that match the draw tube threads on the standard focuser, does the heavy duty focuser present a SCT or T (M42) thread?

Regards,

John

[Moon]

From memory, there is no thread available. It just has a standard 2" compression ring with a single screw. It also has a recess for the screw if you insert a 1.25" adaptor.

James

[JohnH]

Odd, you mean the compression ring cannot be removed (unscrewed) from the draw tube at all?

[Moon]

From memory, no. I think it's all one piece.
I'll double check tonight when I get home.

[Moon]

Nope, the compression ring is part of the draw tube. No way to unscrew it.

[JohnH]

Hmm, I guess I will have to live with it, the compression ring and focuser do look solid - I assume the lock works and is without image shift? Were there any difficulties fitting and is there a way to adjust collimation? Sorry for all the questions but I want to get this right...

[Tandum]

Does the compression ring unscrew on a moonlight focuser to expose a thread on the draw tube?

[Moon]

It works for me and I havn't detected a shift with my Nikon D50 hanging off the end.



I ordered this focuser at the same I ordered the scope. It's easy to get on and off - you just have to make sure you loosen the locking screw first or you will destroy the thread.
I havn't tried to adjust the collimation - not sure how/if this is possible. There are a few screws, but I don't know exactly what they all do yet.

One point to note - I think the moonlite might not attach at the same point. The pictures I have seen on myastroshop seem to indicate they have removed the blue rotating ring and the tube it slips over.... If true, the moonlite might have more inward travel.

[JohnH]

Got the new HD focuser from HiOptic (thanks Gilman!) fast, accurate service and with the A$ where it is not to much $$$, AU$ 180 in fact. There was a small problem on arrival - two bent thumscrews however there was no damage to the packaging that I could see and the focuser does not appear damaged in any way. I have reported the issue and replacements are on their way already. For now I have taken the thumbscrews from the old unit.

First impressions are favourable - it was east to remove the old unit and the new one fit without any problems at all. There is no apparent flex in the draw tube which has three flats as opposed to the old one that had only the one, the lock works and the tension adjustment is far easier and effective. The action is smooth.

I will try it under the stars tonight - I am looking for less tilting of the CCD plane (flex) and no slippage of focus - I will report back what I find! In the mean time I attach a couple of images for those interested.

[Moon]

Thanks for posting the pics. You just highlighted to me the focus lock screw is on the focus knob. Mine had fallen out, so I just put it back in the right spot just now. I think having it located there is the major weakness with this design. If the tension is loose, the lock knob will have no effect.

Is there a screw, not shown in your pics, that allows the focuser to be rotated? I find if this is not **really** tight, I get some tilt. Otherwise looks the same as mine.

James

[JohnH]

First Pic shows the rotator lock on top - have not used the feature yet. Tests last night were very good, smooth accurate action, much less tilt and no slippage, test m8 image attached.

[AdrianF]

On a scale of 1-10? Was it a worthwhile purchase?
I am still looking to replace my focuser on my ED127. I am still not 100% happy with the original focuser even though it as been modified.

Adrian

[JohnH]

Adrian,

It might be a little premature to declare victory since I have been playing around with multiple variables (two cameras and an FR with spacers) to find my best combinations for image scale and flatness. What I can say is it is very promising, I find no flex compared to the old unit and I believe I will be able to collimate better than as at present. The focuser action is good and there seems to be no issue with the load (Canon 20D or OpticStar 145m with Atik filter wheel and WO Flat 3).

I will do a few more test this w/e I hope and if HiOptic come through with a good motor option I would say they have a very good unit here for the price.

Regards,

John