Moonlight or Feathertouch? - Page 2

[1ponders] (Paul) · #21 08-03-2011, 08:26 PM

At this stage I'm waiting to hear back from Moonlight if they actually have one for the VC200. They have one for the 260 http://www.focuser.com/products/focu...xenVMC260L.jpg but it has a different visual back than the 200.

Hey I really appreciate all the feedback guys. It seems like a line ball. Maybe I should have made it a poll

[1ponders] (Paul) · #22 08-03-2011, 08:31 PM

While I'm at it, can anyone tell me if there is anything tricky in tightening up the 10:1 focuser knob? It doesn't seem to have very much torque on the shaft and even if the focuser tube lock knob is only just just tight, the fine focuser wont move it upwards against gravity while the larger knob has np. If the lock knob is any looser when i tighten it the focus shifts slightly.

sasup (Stacey) · #23 08-03-2011, 08:35 PM

ive owned both and I like the moon lite but since going over to the feather I cant go back. Moon lite is still a great option

Louwai (Bryan) · #24 08-03-2011, 10:04 PM

Paul, I have 3 FT's. One on the SDM 20", Now there is one on the 12" SW from Astrofest & here's a pic of my FT motorised on the back of my C8. I control it directly from the PC or from the hand pad.

I didn't bring the C8 to Astrofest last yr....

It attaches directly to the rear of the cell with it's own Visual back which replaces the original. Solid as a rock.

Set the Micro in 1 position & use the motor for fine focus. Absolutely great. This particualr focuser can also be upgraded with the auto-focus sensor that goes inside the OTA.

Visionoz (Bill) · #25 09-03-2011, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Ok I've just been looking at the FT focuser that is recommended for the VC200 and I can't see for the life of me how it would attach. Unless it screws into the existing focuser draw tube.
http://starlightinstruments.com/shop...roducts_id=226
The VC200L's r&p focuser is all one piece with the visual back and its collimating screws.

Any ideas??

atm just throwing ideas around. After buying the ap900 and getting the VC reground and re-coated it could be a while.

Paul

The FT focusing unit does provide you with a replacement visual back with the FT focuser attaching to it (thus replacing the original visual back and R&P focuser tube) and you then re-attach the corrector unit onto this new visual back - just like the original Vixen one and therefore you have to re-collimate your OTA after re-assembly - the FT focuser of course hangs off the rear end - it is also designed to accept the Vixen F/R 6.4 lens - another IIS'er, Leinad has one with the works including the wireless focusing control, really swish and works smoothly

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

At this stage I'm waiting to hear back from Moonlight if they actually have one for the VC200. They have one for the 260 http://www.focuser.com/products/focu...xenVMC260L.jpg but it has a different visual back than the 200.

Hey I really appreciate all the feedback guys. It seems like a line ball. Maybe I should have made it a poll

I had spoken to Ron from ML previously and he doesn't make one but he does do custom ones for people who are interested AFAIK and if you are interested I'm willing to send him my visual back and R&P unit to see if he can do it for us - that might entice him to do it if there's two units - I like his micro-stepping focusers, I've got two of them for my refractors and they can be PC-controlled and autofocused as well - atm I used the SW electrical focuser unit with my VC200L and works a treat with the "Fine" speed when on focus; no more shakes/squiggles!! I think if I fitted a shoestring FCUSB unit I can use PC control too

HTH
Cheers
Bill

leinad (Dan) · #26 09-03-2011, 03:04 AM

Ahh just happened to see this thread.

Bill's spot on the money with the description Paul. NO problem with FT focuser for the VC200L. Email Wayne at FT for more info(if he's still there). If you want to see more pictures, PM me and I'll help out.

Simple parts change, and FT focuser is superb. Brake system, internal baffling, M60 FR adapter, 3-pt focuser locking, and to top it off a swish Wireless Microtouch focusing kit.

I'm interested to hear about your mirror return and recoat. I have a 2nd VC200L mirror with a bad case of fungi leftovers.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #27 09-03-2011, 07:46 AM

thanks for the info Bill. I'll think about the ML, but I reacon if its going to be a custom job I might be better off just going straight with the FT.

Its sounding really tempting Daniel and have had experience with RF control of my Losmandy mounts the wireless focusing sounds even more tempting.

Louwai (Bryan) · #28 09-03-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '[1ponders

Its sounding really tempting Daniel and have had experience with RF control of my Losmandy mounts the wireless focusing sounds even more tempting.

Paul,
The FT should give you the option of auto-focusing by way of a temp sensor fited inside the OTA.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #29 09-03-2011, 08:06 AM

I've been looking at that too Bryan. I think I need to make a list of must have, should have, could have and really really like to have; and then start crossing out.

Always include at least one really really like to have.....just for icing

wasyoungonce (Brendan) · #30 09-03-2011, 06:47 PM

FT if your rich want the best and have big big heavy cameras.

ML if your rich still want excellent stuff and maybe cameras are a little lighter.

marki · #31 09-03-2011, 09:51 PM

I have a FT micro on the LX200 as well as a moonlight with stepper motor and both work very well. I also have a moonlite 2 speed manual on a meade ed 80 as well as a 2.5" FT on my FLT98CF. The moonlite has a much lighter and smoother feel when focusing manually then the FT which has a heavier and chunkier feel to it. The moonlight has served very well for both AP and visual with zero flex under heavy loads, its just rock solid. I am yet to test the FT for AP but remember AlexN having problems with flex..will just have to wait and see. Now for the most important bit......Ron Newman eats Starlight instruments for breakfast when it comes to customer service. I have never waited more than 8 hours for an email reply from Ron (does he ever sleep) and his advice has been invaluable. Ron is a good listener and works hard to make you what you need. My very recent experience with the FT folks has been exactly the opposite although I won't go into detail here be very careful when ordering if your adaptor is not a shelf item or even if it is. It could take a very long long time to get a resolution. Needless to say it will be a cold day in hell before I buy anything else from them or recommend them to anybody else.

Mark

[1ponders] (Paul) · #32 09-03-2011, 10:11 PM

I've received an email back from ML and they don't produce a replacement focuser for the VC200L. What a shame. So I guess the question is moot now.

I have appreciated the discussion and viewpoints on the two manufacturers. It really seems there is not much to separate the two which is great to know. In this situation I now know what I need, but I'll have to come back and read it all again if I decide to swap out my refractor focusers.

thanks guys