it is for visual use. I did look at the stepper options in case I ever got into imaging but it was too much extra for something that probably won't happen. If I had the money to spend I'd be better off upgrading the focusser on the dobs.
Andrew my comments were aimed at the stepper motor version not the DC motor on which I cannot make a valid comment simply because I have never owned one. Having sampled a number of Rons products I can only guess that they will do the job well.
I knew that Mark. You have the stepper, I have the DC.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AstralTraveller
Moonlite 2" focusser with DC motor drive and a gold finish ordered!!
Good colour choice. The one with the solid body or with the two piece that takes a f/r?
There is a drawtube option which allows a focal reducer to be installed inside the focuser for convenience (I think these are only an option on the SCT versions?). Confusing isn't it . Moonlite offer more options then you can poke a stick at and will even make up custom bits for you if they haven't already thought of it. Basically tell Ron what you want and he will take care of the rest.
A nice gold moonlite arrived today. It looks really nice and seems to move very smoothly. Practical evaluation will have to wait until the inevitable cloud disappears. One thing; it will really change the balance point of the OTA!
Peter Read of SDM has converted me to being a Feathertouch devotee. The flats on the aluminium drawtube of the Moonlite and other similar crayfords will get corrugated in time from munching dust, while the twin stainless steel rails of the Feathertouch will remain smooth in years to come. Well worth spending a little extra on IMHO.
Mark, I hadn't pickup the difference in construction. But the dept of finance is already surprised at the price and the FeatherTouch is a fair bit more expensive. But I will take note of the issue and see what I can do to minimise the munching.
Well, I got my Moonlite ED80 Focuser last week... A fantastic piece of engineering...very solid and fits the tube perfectly...It's a 2" 10:1 with shaft lock...with 4.5" of travel. Doesn't have a graduated scale though. Wasn't cheap, cost about $500.00 posted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AstralTraveller
I have finally got the pip with the focusser on my Celestron 6" refractor. It started out poor and has gone downhill since. It has reached the piont where image shift is just impossible. It isn't adjustment its wear.
So ..... which aftermarket focusser should I get? Feathertouch is out of my league but MoonLite, JMI and WO all make suitable units and all are reputable brands. Any advice, feedback or reviews would be most welcome.
Last edited by Astrobserver99; 28-04-2010 at 06:42 PM.
Reason: spelling
Mark, I hadn't pickup the difference in construction. But the dept of finance is already surprised at the price and the FeatherTouch is a fair bit more expensive. But I will take note of the issue and see what I can do to minimise the munching.
It's not really a problem on the SCT as the drawtube movement is quite short and the part of the tube that gets exposed never reaches the roller. I can definately see how stainless steel guides would be better then anodised aliminium though especially on a long drawtube refractors. I always wipe mine down before and after use, just good practice.
youll be pleased when you go to use it at high mag... 
