Replacing the focuser on a Bintel Newt

[pmrid]

The standard focuser on these scopes is, I think, a straight GSO model (the 2 knurled screws underneath - 1 for tension the other to lock) and 10:1 reducing. They are fine for visual but when it comes to imaging, and automating focus for filters, it is out of its class by miles.

I've had a look at the mounting block on the OTA. The focuser is held into it by means of a couple of grub screws and, of course, the mounting screws into the OTA are not the same spacing as a Moonlite - no doubt because the Moonlite arrangement is actually in a rectangluar pattern.

And of course, the mounting plate on the OTA doesn't have any screws by means of which the Moonlite could be attached. So it means a new baseplate as well as focuser. That probably means tapping new holes in the OTA and all the many problems that go with that.

I wonder if anyone else has pimped their Bintel Newt and in particulr the focuser. And what they did?

Peter

[gbeal]

Peter,
is it similar or the same as the GSO/Astrotech imaging newt? I had the AT8" Imaging Newtonion a while back, an awesome light bucket, just a cow to collimate, or keep collimated. Maybe the collimation issue was just me, as someone just this week suggested.
Anyway, I didn't gel with the stock focuser, and being a F/T snob, fitted one of them. Simple really, as I already had a curved base, suitable sized, to fit the F/T to an 8" tube. The four holes are close enough to being lined up, and it was a plug and play operation actually.
Only downside was the focuser cost as much as the OTA, go figure.
Gary

[tlgerdes]

Hi Pete,

I replaced the focuser on my Bintel (GSO) 8"F4 with a Moonlite.

No issues about hole alignment. You buy the mounting plate and focuser from Moonlite for your scope diameter.

The mounting plate comes pre-drilled and tapped with about 24 holes, if remember correctly, to suit most mounting hole patterns. You just screw into it from inside your tube.

[Mckechg]

I am about to procure the F4 800mm 8inch OTA and was looking at the moonlight focusers.

Are we agreeing (and I think we are) its well worth to do the pimping of the focuser?

g./

[tlgerdes]

Hi Grant,

If you are imaging, then do it you wont regret it.

[peter_4059]

I've fitted a Moonlite to my GSO Newt - as Trevor says the you get the Moonlite radius block for your scope diameter and it has multiple mounting holes to suit pretty much any scope. No drilling required.

http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman.cgi?page=productdetail&plugin=dstore.cgi&product=UNI-KIT

[rustigsmed]

Yep pimped mine with a moonlite, i gave instructions that it was for a GSO newt and they gave the right base or machined it.

as for the newt,i'm with gary on this one, maintaining collimation is a joke and as far as i'm concerned makes the OTA practically useless. it may be ok on the smaller varieties with the weight at 12" perhaps too much. patiently awaiting new springs. next will have to be the spider vanes are as its not just the base causing severe changes to alignment.