I wrote a pdf on this problem (
in the files section of the ED127 yahoo forum, or see attached) as I could measure the old focuser and new advanced focuser differences. This is mainly because of the extra ring spacer added to the flange of the draw-tube neck (see pdf).
The Advanced focuser adds 24mm length to the optical train. This was a complete stuff up on NG's part. You probably already know this though.
The factory fix is to shorten the OTA tube at the flange end. Since the OTA end looks like a rolled thread...and the flange end has a small undercut land...this may not be easy for us folk.
Attached is a pic of the OTA tube flange thread.
The way the new rear flange draw-tube neck is designed...with raised threads will also make trimming this neck down and re-threading almost impossible. Sorry I do not have a pic of the new flange neck and thread to show what I mean.
I think the Explore scientific scopes stated that the drawtube neck housing was pressed into the flange. I cannot see any signs of this but if it is then maybe it can be pressed out and machined down and or pressed inwards. But as I said I have not seen any indication the flange/draw-tube neck housing is pressed/glued in (this may have been on the original rear flanges, not the flanges made for the new focuser's,
see attached pic of original old flange).
I am getting some spacers for my FL reducer for this scope and may also run out of inwards focus travel.
If I do..I'll have to suck it up and get a Moonlite.
There are many others in this same situation...we are all "stumped" apart from something like a Moonnlite or Feathertouch option.
Keep this discussion going. I would love to hear from others on this!