1st go with a Hyperstar

[Helo]

After struggling for 20 mins trying to get the fastening cap off the fastar/2ry mirror (whole housing was rotating) I finally got the Hyperstar in and took 30 x 10 sec pics of M100. I was pretty happy for a first attempt (ISO 800, Canon 500D, 24 stacked in DSS). :D Any comments or tips about how to make the thread easier to take on and off welcome.

[Poita]

Mine comes on and off without any issue at all. I'd email Dean at Starizona and ask if they have any pointers.

[Helo]

I called Dean at Starizona and he told me how to tighten the baffle so the 2ry mirror housing doesn't rotate so that is all sorted. He also suggested a Tungsten lubricant to paint on the threads but couldn't find any at Bunnings so will have to hunt around for that. Atik camera should arrive the end of this week and then hopefully have some images up next week.

[Poita]

You can get it at fishing stores, this kind of thing:
http://www.jackerskine.com/tungsten_tuff.html

[The_bluester]

What did you need to do to stop the housing from rotating? I have had that issue with mine.

[Helo]

I spoke with Dean from Starizona and he said to remove the Fastar compatible 2ry or Hyperstar from your scope (if you cannot unscrew your Hyperstar let me know). I had to hold the base with my fingers very firmly when I first undid the locking cap (then clean my greasy finger prints off the corrector plate :screwy: so I suggest using a tissue or soft cloth to hold this still). Now I hope you have small hands (I fortunately do). With the 2ry mirror or hyperstar removed, place your hand thru the hole and hold the baffle on the inside while you turn the outside to lock it in place. When your scope is down, the 2ry should go back in place such that the word Fastar can be read from the front, if not loosen it and rotate until aligned and retighten so that it is aligned properly so you are less likely to have to recollimate. I hope this is understandable but that was why Dean at Starizona wanted me to call him as he felt it was hard to explain in an email. Let me know if you need any more clarification. He also suggested some Tungsten lubricant (he suggested a 3M product) but DO NOT spray it on, Dean sprays it into a lid or can then uses a small brush to paint it on the male thread that is on the locking plate and he said it needs a few hours to dry. I will have to try the local fishing stores as Poita has suggested (thx Poita). :thumbsup:

[The_bluester]

That makes sense. To ensure I don't rotate the housing I have had to put my fingers into the holes around the collimating screws to hold the housing still while I got the thread to move. Not poosible now as I have fitted a set of bobs knobs.

I don't have a fastar/hyperstar yet but would love one.