New Moonlite for the Eagle

[rumples riot]

Thanks to Stuart (Beren) who put this idea in my head; I got to say it was a great idea.

Apparently Moonlite make a focuser for SCT's with motor focus. I am so spoiled with the Meade version that I thought the Eagle needed a top of the range motor focuser. So it is currently in transit and left NY airport and on its way here to me. Am very eager to get it in my hands. I tried hand focusing with the eagle the other night and thought "this has got to change". Well actually, I said something else, but you get the drift.

I have been very fond of them since looking at Mikes Moonlite early in the new year. Now I am going to have one. ;) The finish is very nice and they are so smooth.

[matt]

Hey Paul

Which model of MoonLite you hooking up to the 9.25???

[matt]

Did you not consider the JMI NGF-CM????

[rumples riot]

Yeah looked at the JMI and was not content with it. For a fraction in cost increase I got the moonlite CS1-s with motordrive and compression ring. It is so new that they don't have them on their website yet.

[matt]

Paul.

1. What weren't you happy about with theJMI???

2. Got any pics/specs/info/details of the CS1-s you can send my way?

Am on the hunt for a decent SCT motorised focuser myself.

Thanks

[wavelandscott]

Congrats on ordering the Moonlite...they are a fine piece of gear!

[rumples riot]

Matt,

the JMI is a good focuser, but I have read reports out there of backlash related issues. Besides when only the best will do.

[atalas]

Geez Paul I want one too ! let us know what you think of It and how much was It ?
oh how did that artificial star go ? have you got It yet ?

[matt]

I know, mate ..... I know:lol:

My MoonLite CR2 for the newt should be here any day now.

So, you got any weblinks or details of the CS1-s???? eh?

[gbeal]

Paul,
I am a Moonlite fan from way back, and may have even been slightly responsible for the downunder craze. I am known as "Uncle Gary" to Ron at Moonlite.
What I disliked (if you can call it that) about the Moonlite motorized is the inability to manually focus. It is motor or nothing. Maybe on a SCT, with the inbuilt focus system you will not find this a bind, but with my Newts, and Mak/Newts it was.
If they have changed I would appreciate a headsup, as I may look at them again.
They are HEAVY too, I had an un-motorized pre-production model for a while. Don't drop it on your toe.

[rumples riot]

Atalas, the artifical star is very good. Used it to collimate a couple of times now and it works perfectly, worth the money. I will let you know what I think of the Moonlite, I am sure I will be impressed.

Matt, No weblinks for it, they don't even have it on their website, that's how new it is in their range.

[rumples riot]

Thanks Gary, will keep you appraised. Your probably right about the focus. However, like you said I have the option of using the coarse focus on the SCT.

[gbeal]

Thanks Paul,
If that is it's only caveat, then you will love it.

[Striker]

Hey uncle Gary whats caveat...some Kiwi term is it.

Paul...did you win first division loto...your getting all the good toys.

[rumples riot]

Tony, caveat is latin for warning.

No first division lotto. Just getting more in debt.

[beren]

Like Paul ive ordered a CS-1 motorized moonlite focuser , mine came today , fine looking piece of equipment . Unfortunately ive run into problems installing the focuser though , ive added some pics for clarity but the focuser attaches to the LX200 via a adapter that threads onto the larger 3.5inch rear opening of the larger meade SCTs {10 and up}. By the instructions you you just thread the focuser on and tighten a grub screw {Paul you'll need a 1/8 allen key}, i carefully aligned the threads and did about a quarter of a turn and met resistance backed off tried again and still the same but unfortunately it was held firm .Although its on the scope by the pictures you can see it still has a far distance to travel before the adaptor is up against the back of the OTA .Im awaitng a return email from Ron Newman for the appropriate course of action.

The focuser can only be used via the handbox , the range and variety of speeds is pretty cool , much quicker then the meade microfocuser . Theres some weight in the unit .

[rumples riot]

Stuart, that looks to be a bit of a problem. I wonder if the threads are different? Good luck, keep us appraise of how you get on.

Yes I do have the 1/8 allen key.

[Robert_T]

oh no pictures.... now I want one too... must resist shiny things, must resist... :nerd:

I'll be eager to hear how both of you go anyway with this - looks great - assume it's 12V?

cheers,

[[1ponders]]

Did you buy your wife some flowers Stuart to be able to buy something like that :P Sweet looking unit. Nice that the colours match. Ditto to what Paul said, sounds like a thread mismatch, which would be pretty strange, or maybe a cross thread? Or maybe a small piece of grit/metal etc blocking the thread?

FWIW I wouldn't be very confident of it holding inplace with only a quater turn of thread. :scared:

[rumples riot]

Well, got the moonlite.

Initial impressions.

This sucker is heavy, but looks very solid. Everything seems to work, have tightened down onto the temporary 9.25. All went well. Thread screwed up nicely.

One thing I don't like it the control box. Yuck what were they thinking. There are no outlets for computer control and it looks so cheap in comparison.

I am very impressed with the finish of the focusor itself. All surfaces are well finished and the draw tube is very smooth. The unit comes complete with batteries. So a good Christmas present.

However, I don't appear to have the compression ring that I ordered. I have not been charged for one, but wonder why I did not get it. Stuart do you have a pic of what this should look like?

Anyway, I am glad to have it, maybe need to get another control box that will link me with the laptop.

[Striker]

I'm with Robert...stop posting pictures of new equipment....you keep putting things in my head.

I already have JMI electric focuser but the moonlite is blue and very shinny....I like Blue. :confuse2:

[gbeal]

Try this one then Tony

[beren]

Paul it looks like there will be a PC interface contoller/cable/box coming out very soon from Moonlite .Yeah the control box is a contrast :P but they are supplied by Rigel Systems . The compression ring option should have it in the 1.25 adapter and the focuser drawtube .


{ps:Looks like theres a option now for use with the meade 8" SCTs ...Mr ponders :) }

[rumples riot]

Stuart that sounds good. Yeah I have the 1.25 adapter, so I guess they forgot to give me the compression ring. Oh well I can always get it later. I suppose.