Attn: PhilW - re; binewt focusers

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Hey there Phil

I just noticed that both of your focusers have the fine focus control on the same side. I've turned around the shaft on the left one, for my machine, so that the fine control is on the outside for both

The only disadvantage is that because the shaft casings aren't symmetrical, you have to either lose the lock screw on the one you're modifying, or drill through the plastic casing to re-locate its entry point. You'll see what I mean if you try it.

I'm also considering removing the inner knobs entirely - they are somewhat superfluous and if you need to save weight they add up to be about the same weight as an EP.

[PhilW]

Morning Chris!

This is the kind of thing that happens when one's scope is a 'bitser', as dog breeders say. I have to confess the left-hand focuser is one of the basic, old ones which lacks the 10:1 fine focus. I just had it lying around. This would be a great upgrade though, & when I do it I'll take up your suggestion.

I took off my inner knobs too, mainly because they interfered with my design. My upper frame is made from that 12mm square alum extrusion, & the knobs collided with the edge of the frame. Weight saving is also a good reason; I just cannot believe how heavy these standard focusers are. What do they make them out of, depleted uranium?

Phil

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by PhilW

I just cannot believe how heavy these standard focusers are. What do they make them out of, depleted uranium?

Phil

LOL! Yeah - stupidly heavy I think too. I bought the low-profile which are marginally lighter - but not by much. I don't know why GSO thinks that telescope parts need to be made from the heaviest materials available. The lighter the better I'd have thought.

I'm thinking of taking mine apart (if I need to) and having 1" holes closely machined around the circumference - both through the outer casing and the draw tube itself to remove as much material as I dare before losing any rigidity. Balance will determine this, and until I've got it built to the point where I know how it fares, I'll leave them be....