parts for Celestron Advanced Astromaster DSC

[guym50 (Guy)]

Hi all,

I have just acquired an old Advanced Astromaster DSC kit that I intend to fit to my old trusted 13 yo Celestar 8 basic model, however the kit is missing crucial parts: 2 x #10-32 Knurled Coupling Screws. Without these, movements of the RA and decl. axes will not transfer to the digital encoders, making the device useless. Everything else works ok.

Does anyone know where I may be able to buy those (off a specialist screws and bolts maker) or can someone supply the exact dimensions please? I may be able to get them fabricated.

Any assistance would be most welcome. Thanks in advance

Guy

[torana68 (Roger)]

sitting here with little to do so I looked these up, they will have to be custom made if you cant find originals, try a wanted on Cloudy Nights in the US, machining costs will be high unless you can find someone at mates rates. Try the original maker, you never know......

[Occulta (Chris)]

Try Lee Bros Engineering Supplies

6 Dunlop St, North Parramatta

02 9630 1129

They have a great range of fasteners.

[Barrykgerdes]

I dismantled a C8 SCT that had DSC's Fitted for an Astromaster. The parts may be still there. I also have a manual for the Astromaster in PDF form.

Barry

[guym50 (Guy)]

Guys, thank you all

I literally work 5 minutes away from Lee Bros. in North Parra. I shall go see them early next week.

Barry, just in case they can't help, if you could kindly find out if you do have the coupling screws, along with any other screws, spacers, etc, that would be great. I believe that the fasteners required were slightly bigger for the Celestar compared to the earlier orange tube C8's. The Astromaster as an option came with parts made for the Celestar 8 which is predrilled, ready for it. I did find the manuals and installation instructions. I have attached the extract for the Celestar.

Cheers

Guy

[guym50 (Guy)]

Hi Barry,

Lee Bros could not help with the couplers. Please let me know if you can assist in any way with those 2 x #10-32 Knurled Coupling Screws.

I have been able to source every other missing part.

Cheers

Guy

[gmbfilter (Geoff)]

Gary at Wildcard Innovations makes all sorts of couplers for encoders

http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/

He have a look at the sticky in "Equipment"

[Barrykgerdes]

Originally Posted by guym50

Hi Barry,

Lee Bros could not help with the couplers. Please let me know if you can assist in any way with those 2 x #10-32 Knurled Coupling Screws.

I have been able to source every other missing part.

Cheers

Guy

Hi
I remember pulling all the pieces off but I don't remember anything special about the screws. I have ordinary 10-32 screws in the come in handy box and probably some of the old coupling parts but nothing specific. I have a vague memory of not being able to undo the screws and may have cut through the parts to salvage the encoders.

Barry

[guym50 (Guy)]

Thanks all for your help.

I am awaiting info from Gary at Wildcard who says that he will definitely be able to help.

Cheers

Guy

[guym50 (Guy)]

Hi all,

This is to give a good wrap to Gary at Wildcard Innovations: he machined the missing couplers for me, and they fit 100% perfectly.

Thanks Gary, if you do read this sometime, and to all who pointed me in the right direction.