Replacement focuser for Skywatcher Newtonian

[aaron308 (Aaron)]

I have a slightly older Skywatcher 200P Explorer that has the rack and pinion focuser with it.While the telescope itself is great, the focuser takes away from the experience a bit. Does anyone know of a reasonably priced (i.e. <$150) Crayford focuser in Australia that can be switched directly onto a Skywatcher 200P? Any that I've seen so far (e.g. GSO) appear to need drilling to accommodate it, which I'd prefer to avoid if I can.

[MattT]

Bintel have an Orion focuser that claims to be a drop in replacement.
It's the low profile one. I'd look around for a better price though, have seen it for less than half the price at Agena Astro.
I wouldn't worry about drilling holes for a GSO, it's just four small holes.
Matt

[GraemeT (Graeme)]

G'day Aaron, I have a Skywatcher crayford focuser for an 8" newtonian, surplus to requirements. If you like to measure the mounting hole spacing, it may fit and we could do a deal.

[aaron308 (Aaron)]

Thanks Matt, I couldn't find the particular one on Bintel elsewhere but I did find another Orion focuser that may fit; may be worth considering.

Graeme, i'll send you a PM.

[Kev11 (Kevin)]

I installed one of those low-profile focussers (Orion from Bintel) on my 8" Skywatcher. It was certainly "drop-in" in the sense of the bolt holes lining up perfectly, but the base left a gap through which light and dust could enter the tube (see photo). I sealed it with duct tape.

[aaron308 (Aaron)]

It seems like there might be a bit of difficulty finding a focuser to suit my scope since the hole in the telescope tube is only 80mm, while a lot of the focusers I've found seem to require holes >90mm in diameter. Seems a little odd; has anyone who has an 8" reflector from Synta has problems with this at all in the past?

[MattT]

Having just made my own 6" f12 refractor I still think it's no big deal to drill a few holes and maybe get out the jigsaw and cut a larger hole.
It's a little bit scary to start with but just do it, you will be glad you did.
The GSO crayfords are nice focusers, I have three of the things on my scopes.
Kevs pic of the Orion is very enlightening….I didn't consider that one because of the gap.
Seeing as most draw tubes are 50mm wide???? never measured one…an 80mm hole might be big enough.
Matt

[aaron308 (Aaron)]

Thanks Matt; I'll probably just go ahead and get the GSO focuser, from what I've read it's not too difficult to adapt to a Skywatcher (I hope!)