new moonlite

[blink138 (Pat)]

hello members
i have just purchased a moonlite focuser for my c11
it is the one made for a focal reducer, and here lies my problem!
it could easily be something i am doing wrong but i lined up on the moon and although the moon was getting more in focus using the standard focuser, i ran out of mirror before it came onto focus and then the moonlite just made it worse
can anyone see an obvious newb mistake?
pat

[g__day (Matthew)]

Celestron SCT have significant backfocus, what exactly have you got between your OTA and your eye piece - for instand do you have a 1 - 3 " extension tube and or a 2" - 1.25" barrel convertor?

My C9.25 has a Meade Motot focuser, a huge Lumicon OAG, a 2" barrel entension then a canon camera adapter and finall y a Canon camera - focus is trivial for me - so I ponder is your eye piece too close to your OTA?

Didi you have a diagonal in your moonlight focuser? Maybe post a picture.

[blink138 (Pat)]

hmmm ok matthew i have just the new moomlite focuser then a diagonal
its strange because i have ordered the proper sct focuser with the ability to support a reducer
on the moonlite sight it should be "Idiot proof"
i do hope it is just me!
pat

[g__day (Matthew)]

When something is almost in focus - if you hold the lens carefully in you hand, loosen the Diagonals grip on the eye piece and carefully move it in and out until you get okay focus. Note and tell us - how far from the diagonal do you have to move the lens to achieve focus? You may need a focus extension tube of around this lenght (or slightly longer) to achieve focus.

Love to see and image of the rear attachments to your OTA to confirm how you have arranged your gear.

* * *

Also - try first racking the Moonlite focuser so the focus tube is only about 1/3 to 1/2 fully out - then try rough focusing using the C11 focuser from this point! This allows the moonlite to be of practical use in all occasions as the temperatures change.

[JohnH]

Sounds like the FR is too far from the ep. Try without the diagonal and see if you can focus then...

[blink138 (Pat)]

thanks matthew and john, silly me really showing my noob status
ended up emailing moonlite and it is really only for astrophotography! ha ha
the moonlite site actually does not expressly say that it is designed solely for AP, they just assume we know!
it makes little difference as it is all there when needed, and by the way what a piece of engineering the unit is, i can stare at it for ages!
actually matthew i may try the extension tube idea to see if i can use it visually, but first that is a good idea about pulling the diagonal a little further out to see if the focus gets closer
i then may find an extension tube
thank you members great advice
pat