DIY fine focuser

[Marko of Oz (Mark)]

Something to do when you can't get out there.
After rumaging around in the pantry and the bathroom cupboard I liberated a lid from a near empty 455g jar of Vegemite and the plastic cap off some bathroom product I don't recall now but it was only slightly bigger then the focuser knob.
Center and screw the vegemite lid to the plastic cap, wrap a few lengths of electrical tape around the focuser to make snug fit and wallah! Fine focus control.

[Shaun]

Looks good will give it a try, this is a little off topic but could you post some pictures of your scope please.

I have an 8" Dob and was told by the sales man that i could mount it on a tripod one day would just like to see some photos of it done, thanks.

[Marko of Oz (Mark)]

EQ mounted 10" dob.
Not real good pics with a phone camera.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

The 10" looks too big for the EQ6. I know it will carry it, but boy it looks out of proportion

There's no way I'm putting my 12" on my EQ6 until I lighten it by heaps!!!! I'm thinking of an aluminium frame similar to a truss.

As far as your fine focuser goes, good onya! If it works, use it.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

There's no way I'm putting my 12" on my EQ6 until I lighten it by heaps!!!! I'm thinking of an aluminium frame similar to a truss.

Thats Icemans planetary imaging set up at the moment. I dare say though that the gentlest puffs of wind would put an end to any thoughts of imaging

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Originally Posted by Starkler

Thats Icemans planetary imaging set up at the moment. I dare say though that the gentlest puffs of wind would put an end to any thoughts of imaging

Yep, and I want to look after my worms and gears. Less strain the better.

[gbeal]

So...... am I wasting my time trying to sell Feather Touch focusers then, all you need is to endure the Vegemite, and you have a focuser upgrade? I suppose if you can endure it, then you deserve it, LOL.

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Gary you should realise by now that Vegemite, like fine wine, IS an aquired taste .... and so I shall hasten to send you a carton of it as soon as humanly possible! (The Vegemite that is, not the fine wine )

Vegemite also apparently makes a good and cheap gear grease for telescope mounts as well, ask any budget Chinese manufacturer.

Regards Gary ..

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

The best part I can see about making this type of Fine Focuser is finishing off the vegemite. The best part of the whole vegemite jar is when you can't get any more out (coz its empty ), fill the jar with warm water, shake it, then drink it. Yum, Warm Vegemite flavoured drink

Oh, then buy a Gary Beal Feathertouch Focuser

[Marko of Oz (Mark)]

Hmmm, $300 odd or $3, tough choice. It would be nice to have unlimited funds to throw into this hobby.

[gbeal]

Originally Posted by ballaratdragons

The best part I can see about making this type of Fine Focuser is finishing off the vegemite. The best part of the whole vegemite jar is when you can't get any more out (coz its empty ), fill the jar with warm water, shake it, then drink it. Yum, Warm Vegemite flavoured drink

Oh, then buy a Gary Beal Feathertouch Focuser

Love the sense of humour here. I must admit to using the swill of the Vegemite remains in a stew or the likes.
Great to see some innovative application for the ATM as well.

[ving (David)]

Originally Posted by Shaun

Looks good will give it a try, this is a little off topic but could you post some pictures of your scope please.

I have an 8" Dob and was told by the sales man that i could mount it on a tripod one day would just like to see some photos of it done, thanks.

heres an 8" dob sitting on a heq5
stable enough.

[tnbk00 (Daniel)]

For anyone looking at making something like this, the lid from a listerene bottle fits really nicely over the GSO focuser knobs.