New focuser for skywatcher dob

[andrew2008]

So far I am very happy with my 12" collapsible dob. There are a couple of things though that are letting me down that would be nice to fix.

The focuser is IMHO fairly average. Why haven't they upgraded to dual speed focusers yet?! The bintel focusers say they are good for GSO and Lightbride dobs so I'm guessing not skywatcher. Without drilling holes in my tube what other options are there for a new focuser without spending half the price again as the dob cost me.

It is also base heavy and the alt motion can be difficult. Anyone else fixed the balance?

[mswhin63]

I changed the alt teflon bearing with regular bearings. The ony problem is the braking is a lot harder. So it is a catch 22 situation tighter braking or smoother (very smooth) motion.

It is not going to worry me too much though as I expect I will put a couple of motors an that will do some extra braking for me.

I am working on a motorised focuser for the original crayford, I have really needed it for the planetary imaging.

Working with the original parts is ultimately what I am trying to acheive. Otherwise I would buy a specialise scope and mount.

[Visionoz]

I modded mine (12" SW FlexDob) with the MoonLite Newtonian Focuser kit - it came with all the bits & pieces; no re-drilling of new holes for sure - and works a treat (I'm mounting this beast onto a Losmandy G11) for astro-imaging though I would say no probs for visuals

Yes, it expensive (I can move this to other newts in future if I wish) but what price quality, durability and comfort when the original is such a pain!! That's however MHO only!

Cheers
Bill

[Dave47tuc]

This mite help!
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=376814&highlight=sky+watcher+focuser#post3 76814

Some other stuff that may help you. http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=39892

[TheAstroGuy]

Go to www.focuser.com (Moonlite focusers made to fit) i put one on my 12" and Love it, Ron is a good bloke to buy off too which always is nice plus his stuff is great quality.

Regards

Shane

[andrew2008]

Thanks all.

That is an impressive way to get the GSO focuser to work Dave but beyond my abilities. My brother is a boilermaker and he helps with just about all the modding i do.

I did go to the Moonlite website and had a good look. They look great and after a search of the forums there does seem to be a lot of very happy customers. Also noticed a retail store here in Aus selling them for about $125 more than i can get it delivered from the US for myself.

Bintel stock the JMI focusers. How do these compare? I couldn't afford the 2-speed model but the JMI - EV-2n is within my limits.