A good focuser is one of those things that can last a hell of a long time... A FT can be adapted to work with many different scopes, the one I have on my TMB APO can be interchanged between that scope and the Intes Micro Mak Cass that I've got coming... All you need is the correct adapter to go between the focuser and the OTA you intend to use it on, and you can have one focuser for as many scopes as you own... The only downside is when your hellishly expensive focuser does not work how it should..
Thanks for that -- you had first hand experience with my baby. Bit annoying, wasn't it!
I've been in touch with Wayne at Starlight Instruments and am putting aside pennies for a you-beaut Feathertouch with automated focusing.
It seems a little sad that the focuser will end up costing about the same as the telescope itself. But, I guess I can always re-use the focuser if I change refractors in the future.
H
H.
I have a Moonlite focuser on my 127mm scope and its beautiful. I went for the dual speed with integrated lock mechanism. I thought the electric focuser would be too proud ie stick out too much- to use it in the case and with dual speed the focuser movements would be fine enough. Dealing with Moonlight was a real pleasure. Initially I ordered the wrong adapter plate as their site was a being updated for these focusers for the 127mm. Anyway he sent me a new adapter plate without waiting for the other to be returned at NO cost. It just screwed into place, was collimatable and worked a charm.
Just love it and I would seriously suggest that for ~$500 its a great purchase.
Allan
Last edited by allan gould; 18-02-2010 at 11:46 AM.
Humayan
From memory the moonlight electric focuser sticks out about 3 inches from the normal focuser position. Im not sure if cutting the foam in the case would do it
If I remember correctly, David Hough got a moonlight with electric focuser for his 127mm scope - if he reads this or you PM him he could enlighten you.
I think he posted some mods to his case to put two scopes? in it but dont hold me to that.
Allan
Humayan
From memory the moonlight electric focuser sticks out about 3 inches from the normal focuser position. Im not sure if cutting the foam in the case would do it
If I remember correctly, David Hough got a moonlight with electric focuser for his 127mm scope - if he reads this or you PM him he could enlighten you.
I think he posted some mods to his case to put two scopes? in it but dont hold me to that.
Allan
mine fits in the case with no modifications, all i do is loosen of the tube rings - rotate the tube and the focuser until the motor is on top and pointing towards you and it sits flat on top in the case when closed. its a tight fit but it works
Hello,
Is the NorthGroup's 80mm APO in fact the same device as the Meade 5000 and the Explore Scientific 80 mm APO Triplets ?
I wonder how these triplets compare to the upcoming new Long Perng ED APO 80mm f/6.2 Fluorite doublets from Andrews.
Has anyone looked or imaged through one to see if they are any good?
The Cardboard box arrived with a sizeable hole in the side, but the inside transport box was unmarked. The inside transport case is well made, although, some of the expanded foam packing took a hammering in transit. It did it's job.
The Scope. It's a big long scope, dwarfs my WO70ED! Call me naive but somehow I thought it would be shorter. It's heavy as well, that is not too heavy to handle as the long tube gives lots of purchase. The scope is well finished and looks a million dollars even when not in use. Yet to try it on the heavens.
The Dew shield is removable (I was hoping for a sliding one like the Explore Scientific scopes) and heavy, too heavy for purpose. They should have a fibreglass Dew shield.
It has an Aluminium (industrial grade) screw on lens cap and you can only really access this with the Dew Shield off. It really needs a $2.50 plastic moulded lens cap to fit the Dew shield as well. I don't fancy removing/replacing the current one repeatedly as it's too close to the lens.
The Rings are OK, better than the std cheapo types but not by much. They have moulded square lands on the top & bottom of the rings with one threaded hole on each. I removed the top/bottom vixen rails & fitted it straight on to an 11" ADM dovetail. It all fits nicely but ATM I cannot comment on rigidity, time will tell. I wish the rings had a bigger lands & more wider spacing holes to securely bolt them down. This would make the rings acceptable.
The focuser. Appears up to the task and smooth enough. It has a adjustment on the top..I for the life of me do not know what it's for. I suspect it's focuser adjustment of some type. I'll leave this alone ATM. I don't know if I got the advanced focuser. I think I did.
Apparently the scope will not reach focus with a 2" diagonal. Which is due to the new "advanced focuser". I'm not concerned with this as I want it to take pretty pics. NG are working on a new focuser but ATM it's not available. My opinion on this is that most cheap scopes come with relatively poor focuser's. If you want better then there is the after-market segment like moonlight.
The Finder appears excellent. I ordered a correct image illuminated finder. A plain polished aluminium finish, nice graticule and good adjustment on it's illumination intensity. The finder holder is less than adequate. It doesn't hold the finder securely.
Diagonal. I ordered a 2" diagonal. This was a waste with the current focuser. It appears industrial grade and it's mirror surface appears excellent, but, that's all I got. No 1.25" adaptor and no threaded thumb screws. Meh! I should have ordered an 1.25" diagonal in any case as I believe I can reach focus with a 1.25", for eyepiece drift aligning.
Well that's about all. Cannot wait for 1st light. Melbourne skies have been dreadful lately so I expect this scope will extend the curse.
edit..
typos.
Last edited by wasyoungonce; 02-06-2010 at 07:31 PM.
The focuser. Appears up to the tack, smooth enough. It has a adjustment on the top..I for the life of me do not know what it's for. I suspect it's focuser adjustment of some type. I'll leave this alone ATM.
I don't have the advanced focuser, I didn't think I did. I can achieve focus with a 2" diagonal. I had a quick peek at the sky last night...balancing the scope on a table. From what I saw...great, absolutely no fringing crisp views, although that was only on 40X.
The focuser works great but there does appear some issues with the thumb screw & keeping accessories square to the draw tube.
I have ordered some thumb screws from Scope stuff and will add some extra around the draw tube collar. This should fix this issue.
I have measured the thumb screws and they appear to be M4 x .7 threads. Lets hope I measured them correctly as it's difficult to tell.
I also ordered some M5 x .8 thumb screws to add qty 3 to the finder. This may fix the finder but I suspect I'll have to buy a better finder holder.
So far it's a good experience with some little warts. But for the price...
Interesting the changes that have occurred with this scope. I have one of the early ones. My dew shield slides and the screw on cap fits into the dew shield. This makes it very easy to use. The scope came with 3 eye pieces that are OK. Otherwise it seems very similar.
My dew shield slides and the screw on cap fits into the dew shield. This makes it very easy to use.
Mine hs the removable dew shield and I am happy with it because I removed it on day 1 and never replaced it. Instead, I use one of those wrap-around combined dew-shield heater collars that is light and kills 2 birds with the one prpverbial stone. I haven't weighed it but I'd guess that I have saved at least half a kilo or better this way.
Peter.
. From what I saw...great, absolutely no fringing crisp views, although that was only on 40X.
