Is it crazy to put a moonlite on an ultra-light?

[Stonius (Markus)]

I've been trying to get a hold of someone at Moonlite regarding kitting out my Hubble 16" UL for months now. On my third attempt I got quite a terse reply saying 'We only make automated focusers now days. No manual ones.'


Is this why they have been so hard to get a hold of? Why would they assume I want a manual focuser? Am I doing something crazy? Would most people stick to manual on an ultra-light for weight reasons?


I was thinking that I'd like to have the ability to dial-in focus via remote, without shaking the telescope, with a sturdier focuser that can handle the extra loads of binoviewing and planetary photography.


Am I crazy? I mean, I got the UL because it stores nice and compact in my apartment, but I didn't think that would dictate what I could put in the drawtube, as long as appropriate counterbalances were in place, and assuming no flexure of the structure.


If anyone can chime in with a sanity check, I'd appreciate it.


Cheers


Markus

[redbeard (Damien)]

Not crazy at all. Moonlite focuses are the best. No more vibrations when focusing.

Normally the contact and service are second to none with Moonlite (Ron). Perhaps you got the apprentice?

[Stonius (Markus)]

Nah, It was Ron. That's why his assumption I'd want a manual focuser made me secon-guess myself.

I've got two other moonlites on other scopes. I like them. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't blinded by brand loyalty.

[mura_gadi (Steve)]

Hello,

Re " ..but I didn't think that would dictate what I could put in the drawtube, as long as appropriate counterbalances were in place, and assuming no flexure of the structure..."

With the ultra light your talking 23kilo on the OTA, if you increase that by several kilo's it may be worthwhile seeing if the teflon pads can be swapped out easily for a slightly larger set.

That will help with the action a lot as well if its goes bung, Kriege's and Berry's friction formula from "The dobsonian telescope..." should be on the web somewhere.


Steve
if you add secondary heaters, cables the camera and the massive counter weights needed - you could go some serious added weight on the alt axis, not just weight forward of the balance point.