SCT Focuser Opinions/Recommendations

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Yes, temp comp is not exactly a snitch, with any focuser, much set up and needs to be redone with any image train change, but works if your fussy. Ive loaded the TCF up with no bother, it works. Its the same old tale, its cool to have no drama autofocus that handles weight upgrades, but it costs.

If you intend imaging in the future, good autofocus (way more accurrate and faster than manually BTW) with focusmax is a welcome zero, invisible effort relief that makes good imaging slightly more achievable on a given night

[marki]

Originally Posted by Bassnut

Yes, temp comp is not exactly a snitch, with any focuser, much set up and needs to be redone with any image train change, but works if your fussy. Ive loaded the TCF up with no bother, it works. Its the same old tale, its cool to have no drama autofocus that handles weight upgrades, but it costs.

If you intend imaging in the future, good autofocus (way more accurrate and faster than manually BTW) with focusmax is a welcome zero, invisible effort relief that makes good imaging slightly more achievable on a given night

Have to agree. My moonlite has the stepper motor/moonlite controller option and setting up the temp compensation is a little challenging to say the least. Focus max in conjunction with Maxim works well on the autofocus routines but of late I just use the Bahtinov mask which is a real doodle (takes 2 seconds but you have to be there).

Mark

[tebling (Tim)]

I'm following this thread now with great interest as I'm planning to upgrade the focuser on my Orion XT8i. It's a visual scope now, being on a Dob mount, but I plan to eventually buy a G11 and begin imaging with it.

If I were to purchase a F/T or Moonlite (still considering both options) and use it in a manual configuration can I later upgrade to the motorized option? I recall seeing something on one of the sites saying I'd have to send it back to the factory for the upgrade.

I have a slight bias at the moment toward the Moonlite because of the price and weight advantage (less moment arm on a GEM mounted Newt is a good thing from what I gather!)

And yes, I'm considering spending more on the focuser than the entire OTA! ???

[AlexN]

The moonlite can not be upgraded to a motorized unit after its been sent to you. You'd have to send it back and have them perform the the upgrade.. Also, once the moonlite is motorized, you can not use it manually from then on.

The FT you can upgrade to motorized at any time either by using the FT system or Robofocus.. It is a simple matter of undoing two Allen head bolts to remove the motorized unit and use the focuser manually if you so choose.. If the scope is going to be used as both a visual and an imaging instrument, I'd recommend the FT..

I think you would find that the FT weighs less than a moonlite... Thats my experience with them thus far... My moonlite was a proverbial brick in comparison to the FT.

[tebling (Tim)]

Thanks for the info Alex! You're right, I had them mixed up with regard to weight. "Light as a feather (touch)!"

Since we only have one scope, I'd definitely like the option of being able to switch between visual and imaging. It sounds like the FT is the winner on that front.

[marki]

Definately agree with Alex there the moonlite focusers are big heavy units and will cause grief if you are on a fine balance. Not sure why you want to switch between manual and electronic focusing though. Once you use a good motorised focuser it would be very hard to return to a manual version as they will always cause the scope to shake. I find this really annoying when you are trying to achieve fine focus as the target keeps jumping all over the place and you have to keep stopping to let it settle down then check to see if it's right. This is not an issue when you have a motorised version simply press the button until the image is sharp and clean, no vibration ........

Mark

[tebling (Tim)]

The only reason I was thinking that there would be a need to switch is when I want to travel with the scope to a dark site for visual only and not have to bother with supplying power to the focuser. Other than that one case, you're right - it should be of benefit for both imaging and visual.

[issdaol (Phil)]

Hi All,

Thanks for all of the great advice and information.

I have been in direct contact with both Moonlite and Starlightinstruments.

Both companies have been extremely helpful providing a lot of information and assistance around their options.

Based on all of the information I have narrowed my choice to FT or Moonlite. At this stage the Moonlite is a little in-front of the FT until I review the information on the newer 3 Inch FT option.

Cheers