Replacing ED127 Focuser

scagman (John) · #1 28-09-2011, 10:51 PM

hi everyone,

I've been looking at replacing the focuser on my ED127 from North Group(NG) with a moonlite.

After reading various posts in IIS and looking at the moonlite website I am confused as to which focuser would be the correct replacement as the one on their site for the ED127 doesn't look like mine.(mine is CF version)
NG have changed the focuser a few times over the years and the current incarnation looks a lot different.
Most peolple seem to uprgrade to the CFL version of the moonlite with the 4" draw tube, would this still be the correct choice, (my tube only extends 8cm's not 12 like the previous versions) or would the 3" be the correct one, looks more like what I've got.
http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman....gi&product=CFL
When replacing the focuser do you remove it from the 3" section from the rest or does the 5" part need replacing too. (see pic)

Thanks for any advice.

allan gould · #2 28-09-2011, 11:05 PM

Send an email to moonlight giving particulars of your scope and dimensions and they will give an accurate answer. You will not regret the moonlight.

h0ughy (David) · #3 28-09-2011, 11:24 PM

i second that but make sure you get the motor focus

scagman (John) · #4 28-09-2011, 11:51 PM

Hi Allan, David,

Thanks for the quick replies.

I will contact them before I buy.

I agree David, that the motor focuser is the way to go.

Now just need to check to crystal ball and see what the A$ going to do.

Waxing_Gibbous (Peter) · #5 29-09-2011, 12:57 AM

I'm making a few assumptions here but I believe you hang onto the 5" section and Moonlite will sell you an adapter But check first.
Personally, 50/50 on the motofocus.

Great focusers either way!

ReaPerMan (Paul) · #6 29-09-2011, 03:28 AM

Just received my new moonlight for my RC10 today, their service is magnificent and the shipping by USPS is really quick. I've never regretted anything that they have sent me. Freindly-efficient-good quality. My new focuser (with motor drive ) is different to the last one that I got a few months ago. they have added a clutch and manual adjustment to the motor drive! Top Stuff!

all the best

Paul

Visionoz (Bill) · #7 29-09-2011, 03:38 AM

You do remove the original focuser off the 5" section and MoonLite will have theirs fit there in its place - when you order you can request the 2.5" one as a custom order instead of the standard 2" one - works better in the long run when you want to do astrophotography - and yep, get the motorised precision stepper model if you like

HTH
Cheers
Bill

wasyoungonce (Brendan) · #8 29-09-2011, 09:50 AM

Hi John...you are kinda close...I'm in Lilydale and have a 127ED with a ML CFL, although the Aluminium tube OTA.

ML have a replacement flange for the CF versions. I believe that NG used the old focuser on the CF versions but shortened the OTA tube (they must have changed the flange though). Your current focuser has around 3.2" travel I confirmed this with my old focuser.

My CFL has a 4.5" DT travel but the ML flange brings the focuser fwd so I need the back travel. If you are mainly visual then I suggest the 4.5" DT. If you are after astrophotography I suggest the 3" travel DT, maybe the threaded DT, buy an extension though.

I'm thinking of changing to the threaded DT...soon. Another member, Brundah1 (David) is just about to buy a ML for his 127ED. Maybe consult him as he has been researching this.

edit:
ML only sell the CFL with flanges to suit for this scope...no 2" CF focusers with flanges. ML also have a clutch version of their stepper coming out...David knows more about this.

allan gould · #9 29-09-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReaPerMan

Just received my new moonlight for my RC10 today, their service is magnificent and the shipping by USPS is really quick. I've never regretted anything that they have sent me. Freindly-efficient-good quality. My new focuser (with motor drive ) is different to the last one that I got a few months ago. they have added a clutch and manual adjustment to the motor drive! Top Stuff!

all the best

Paul

Paul
Can you post some photos of the clutch for the motor drive as I've not seen this advertised on their site as I was thinking of getting one for my RC
Thanks Allan

scagman (John) · #10 29-09-2011, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the replies.

I sent an email off to ML last night and got a reply this morning.(very quick)
Ron said they have a differnet flange for the CF version.

Thanks "wasyoungonce" My next question was whether to get the 4.5" or 3" version, but sounds like the 3".
Yes I was going to get the threaded one.

Ron says they are machining up flanges for the CF version as we speak so I think that is a sign.

wasyoungonce (Brendan) · #11 29-09-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scagman

.....I sent an email off to ML last night and got a reply this morning.(very quick).....

In house Joke...Ask Ron if he ever sleeps!

Brundah1 (David) · #12 03-10-2011, 11:16 PM

Hello John,

Yes I have a Moonlite CFL on its way, should be here any day.

Ordered the 3" 68mm drawtube as I also have the same 68mm thread TS flatener and TSOAG9 OAG with 61mm aperture. May be a bit cautions but IMHO a 3" threaded drawtube with a 1" threaded extension seems to cover all bases on a 127EDT. (As you know the 2" & 1.25" EP adaptor come standard with the 68mm threaded DT).

This focuser is upgraded to the just released Moonlite clutched stepper motor plus Moonlite Mini controller. There are other after market controller options, prices and features vary.

Almost chose gold colour for the Moonlite to match the cost, nah! its Red to match the 127EDT dewshield (which I never use)

Astrozap heated dewshield much better option and about a Kg lighter

Brendan is correct, I'm sure Ron never sleeps, even on Sundays!
Don't know how he does it, but email replies seem to come back in a fash
of moonlite

BTW you could go FT 3", but you then need a custom adaptor - plus another barrow load of gold nuggets to pay for it!

Cheers,

David

Brundah1 (David) · #13 03-10-2011, 11:56 PM

Hello John & Alan,

This is the doc that Ron Newman sent me when I was asking him about a better way to retain a manual option:

Moonlite CFL - Slip Clutch Option.doc

Of course Ron as usual was already ahead of the game.

Only comment I would make is that once you release the clutch, you loose your datum reference and you only have a single speed manual knob.

But you still have manual control say while you are setting up for imaging. If you want live manual control, I would suggest the Moonlite DRO Controller (USD300 more), or Astrogene's USB-nSTEP controller with optional manual control (for a lot less $$s). All include temperature compensation or an option for same.

David

scagman (John) · #14 04-10-2011, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have taken the plunge and ordered a 2.5" CFL with 3"Tube.

I have picked the RED one as it should be 10% quicker and I think it will look good against the black CF OTA.

Now the hard part, the wait.

I agree Ron is very helpfull and quick to respond to Emails.

Brundah1 (David) · #15 04-10-2011, 06:00 PM

John,

Good one!

These CFL focusers could be fitted up to quite a few refractors and Ron has lots of adaptors to help you out.

Could be worth the USD 49 to get a 1" threaded extension now as extra shipping is miniscule. That way you have the equivalent of a solid 4" drawtube if you (or anybody else) need it.

Moonlites tend to be keepers like Televue EPs.

Cheers,

David

scagman (John) · #16 04-10-2011, 07:56 PM

Hi David,

I actually got one of these extension http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman....&product=ETc15

I did'nt see the one you mention, looking at the 2, I think the threaded extension may have been a better option.

Brundah1 (David) · #17 09-10-2011, 11:26 AM

John,

Not sure you were aware that the CFL with 68mm threaded DT comes standard with both 2" EP adaptor and 1.25" EP adaptor.
These are close fit to the DT - 1.25" EP adaptor is a bit heavy as its milled from solid!

Also FYI pics of my TSOAG9 and 2.5" TS Flatener config. Plus development plans for looming 5M USB2 braided camera data cables. Power cables loomed separately both off the rear of the OTA to clear G11 motors etc.

The 1" threaded extension is useful for some EP configs but not required for imaging with the 3" DT.

Here is the link to the Moonlite 68mm threaded extensions:
http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman....duct=68mm-ring

David

scagman (John) · #18 10-10-2011, 11:03 PM

Hi David

Thanks for the link and the pics.

I did find the 1" ext. but I had already ordered the other one which should do for EP work.

Your cable management looks very neat.

My FL landed in Aus this morning and has cleared customs so shouldn't be too far away. I only placed the order a week ago.