Cant get focus with ED80, Help Required

[leon]

Hi All

Maybe someone could point my in the right direction when it comes to imaging through my new aquried ED80.
Do i use the Diagonal whith the camera attached to that, or do i just attach the camera directly to the focuser and do it that way.
In my first attempt i used the diagonal, but couldn't get enough travel inwards to get focus, it was on the way but then i ran out of inward movement.
Maybe some one could assist me with this please, and do i need some other attachment to make this all come together.

I am using a Pentax IstD, i have all the necessary fittings (I Think) so why is this not working, have i missed something.

Tracking and guiding is ok, as i do plenty of wide field.

Hope you can assist, Thanks Leon

[RB (Andrew)]

Leon I had the same problem when I first used the 80ED with the 300D.
I tried it with the camera attached directly without the diagonal and had the opposite problem where there wasn't enough travel outwards.
I had to buy an extension tube (45mm from memory).

Try that.

[h0ughy (David)]

attatch it directly to the rear of the scope, dont use the diagonal. you will have to go in and out if focus until you can see the sweet spot when the stars twinkle or star in the viewing lens.

[DavidH]

Hi Leon,

Have tried my ED80 with 2" and 1.25" diagonals with my eyepieces and camera. What I find is that some of my eyepieces are borderline on in focus with the 2" diagonal. My camera does not work with the 2", but works OK with no diagonal at all(i.e. straight into the focusser with a 1.25" adapter). It will probably work with the 1.25" diagonal, but have not tried it.

Just try your camera in the focusser direct, it will probably be OK.

Regards,
David.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Don't use the diagonal. The ED80 comes with a screw threaded adapter which will screw straight on to a threaded T ring adapter for the camera (No Lens). I don't use the stock one as it's a bit crappy, Bintel sell an orion adapter for around $60, if money's tight other dealers have similar items cheaper. The Orion part is a Prime Focus Camera Adapter 2" and if you don't already have one you'll need a T adapter for the Pentax.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Leon,

when I use the Toucam in my ED80 I have to wind it waaayyyy out to reach focus, but I have the advantage of having the extra long ED100 Crayford focuser as I showed you last week. As Andrew has pointed out above, you may need an extension tube. It will give the same result as the longer ED100 focuser.

[leon]

Thanks Guys, gee that was a quick response and certainly very helpful, much appreciated