GSO Crayford focuser

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

Hello everyone
I wanted to ask some of the more experienced astronomers out there about the gso crayford focuser I am currently using,was wondering if it would be beneficial to upgrade to a higher end focuser or is this one good enough,just bought some high end Orthos so want to get the best I can out of them,if you could let me know which of the better brands you recommend as well that would be great,I have a Meade LX90 lnt
Thanks
Andew

[Rick Parrott]

Not experienced, but my new 12" Bintel Dob has the Crayford, and I wonder how I ever did without one! It is much easier (for all!) to get that nice fine focus.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Hi Andrew.

You don't mention whether your Crayford is a 1:1 or 10:1 model but generally most people upgrade for a couple of reasons:

If they are imaging some focussers are more solid and stable or have lower profiles than standard focussers or motorised control features.

If for visual use they have finer control (10:1 eg) or can carry heavier eyepieces without drooping.

Other than that a focusser is just a hole in the side of the scope that gives you a view of the secondary mirror. It won't improve the view of a better eyepiece but it may give you better and more stable control over focus and alignment.
I kept my GSO 1:1 Crayford while I was visual viewing but when I moved to imaging I bought a GSO 10:1 Crayford.

[Meru (Michael)]

The stock one on my old RC8 I found to be fine, held my QHY9/FW/OAG/Reducer and did the job. I have heard some people strip apart the focuser and dip the bearings in kerosene as it naturally cleans and lubricates the parts, and found it to work much better.

The question really is - does the current focuser work for *you*? If you find it does and no real issues, then I would say stick to it. Horses for courses

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

Yes sorry about that it's the gso 10:1 dual

[ZeroID (Brent)]

I would suggest you get your EP and try it in the current configuration before lashing out $$$ that might be better spent on other accessories. ( Like another good EP ).

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

Thanks for the info,I have been looking at some of the reviews on this focuser and they seem to rave about it,I will take your advice and keep my money in my pocket.
Thanks
Andrew

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

good idea. , I grabbed one years ago for my ED80 as it came with the 1-1 which was okay , the. 10-1 was good but after a strip , clean , relube and adjust it was very good and didn't need touching again. , these are very good for the price and even better after a tinker .
Brian.

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

Hi Brian
could you give me instructions how to do this

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Google 'Astrobaby' he has a very good photo essay on doing this , its not to hard , one thing he does not mention tho is , check the quality , size and smoothness of the 3x small ball bearings inside a brass race .

Mine were akin to 'STONES !!!' terrible but a trip to a bearing supplier got me a quality ball race ( $ 12 ) with quality polished balls inside , I just broke it open and used 3 of these , smooth as silk after this .

Most of all take your time and enjoy .

Brian.

Originally Posted by ab1963

Hi Brian
could you give me instructions how to do this

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

Hi Brian
Have done what you advised ,sourced the info off the net,followed the instructions but didn't need to adjust the fine focuser that was fine,the ball bearings looked fine to me nice and shiny then put it back together and just now put it back on the scope with a 2inch diagonal and a es 11mm 82 deg ep and bingo lovely smooth action,thanks heaps for the advice it definitely works and thank you to everyone else for their input,much appreciated,if the skies clear will do a spot of viewing later
Andrew

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by ab1963

Hi Brian
Have done what you advised ,sourced the info off the net,followed the instructions but didn't need to adjust the fine focuser that was fine,the ball bearings looked fine to me nice and shiny then put it back together and just now put it back on the scope with a 2inch diagonal and a es 11mm 82 deg ep and bingo lovely smooth action,thanks heaps for the advice it definitely works and thank you to everyone else for their input,much appreciated,if the skies clear will do a spot of viewing later
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Glad to hear you got your 10:1 GSO focuser working properly. Sometimes as you found out they need a little tinkering to get the best out of them. While they aren't quite as nice as a premium American made focuser like a Feathertouch or something like that, they are an excellent focuser considering their price point. No need to upgrade for the moment at least IMO.

Cheers
John B