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Old 12-05-2020, 09:19 PM
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turbo_pascale (Rob)
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 479
I've been working on hacking my Meade Microfocuser to get it working with my ZWO EAF, so I could course focus the SCT, lock the mirror, then use the microfocuser to manage the fine focus during the imaging session.

I dismantled it, removed the existing DC Motor and bracket (cable still attached), removed the gear from the crayford shaft, and was able to mount the EAF directly to the shaft.

The shaft turns about 275 degrees (or so) for the full travel of 1/2inch.
With the EAF giving 5760 steps per rotation, that gives me a range of 4400 steps to work with, which is plenty, and didn't need any gearing.

Was able to get the ZWO bracket mounted by replacing one of the screws that holds the crayford carrier down (at the far end). Not sure the size of that - I happened to have a thumbscrew that was the right size and just needed a little spacer.

I had 3D printed a case (well the first half of the case) from a model someone uploaded on CloudyNights, but for now, I don't think I'm going to bother with a case.

I can't gauge performance yet, as I'm still waiting for an adapter to arrive so I can de-fork the SCT and mount it on the EQ6, but it looks like it's going to be a nice solution.

In a nutshell, for no money (I had already bought the EAF previously for use on my 80ED), I've managed to get a focuser for the SCT which can now by run up on an EQ mount.

And, the entire process is completely reversable - nothing was cut or damaged, and I can put it back how it was if I ever wanted to sell the scope and put it back on the forks.
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