Using Microfocuser on LX200 - Page 2

beren · #21 15-02-2005, 10:24 PM

Rod the thing i said about the hardstops refers to the actual tube/forks revolving around the base ......just something to be sure of ie:move your RA scale so it reads 0/0,hhave your OTA lined up with the RAlock centered above , then rotate the OTA towards the right , you should go approx 1 and half turns before it cant go any further {be gentle},rotate the OTA back to start and then go to the left and the same should happen . Something simple but you should check it everytime you set up before aligning .As for the microfocuser follow what Paul has said and remeber its really to be used to fine tune your focus once your on a taget.
I can vouch for that focuser mod ,very handy and worth it to have a go at making and see if you like it , there are easier types but this one has a nice feel . Theres quite a number of handy tips/mods people have come up with like the springy thingy {helps putting the OTA on the tripod} and the pizza pan mod {just a large pizza pan that acts as a table/guide inbetween the OTA and tripod}.

Have a look at ...

www.meadeLX200gps.com

www.mapug.com

Rodstar (Rod) · #22 16-02-2005, 08:15 PM

I'm assuming those two mods you mention Beren have a similar function to the Peterson Mounting Assistant (don't you love the double entendre?!). I have put on the Mounting Assistant and it has made putting the OTA onto the tripod a breeze.

Good new..I went to Bintel today and got the microfocuser fixed. Mike at Bintel is a STAR...did the repair under the warranty. Can you believe that??!! Apparently user stupidity falls within the terms of the policy.

When he did the first fix and tried the microfocuser on the LX200 in the shop, it didn't work. Then he tinkered with it, and we tried again. It finally worked! I am wondering if perhaps it wasn't functioning correctly to begin with, and perhpas I am not such a complete nong afterall?!! No problems now, thanks to the IceinSpace gang! Thanks everyone!

Rodstar

Striker (Tony) · #23 16-02-2005, 08:18 PM

Good to hear Rodstar...always pleasing to see retailers look after their customers....

iceman (Mike) · #24 16-02-2005, 08:56 PM

Excellent work Rod! Can't wait to try it out next time we go dark!

Rodstar (Rod) · #25 16-02-2005, 09:40 PM

What are you doing on Friday night Mike???!!!

Rodstar

iceman (Mike) · #26 16-02-2005, 09:46 PM

egh I don't think i'll be able to make it out again before Wiruna.. not this weekend but next i'll be working, installing a new production system at work so my wife will want me to spend this weekend with her, I imagine (pretty safe bet).

Plus, the moon will be pretty high for most of the night.. will make it hard to do much dark sky stuff.

Anyway at this stage i'm probably a no but if it changes i'll let you know!

Rodstar (Rod) · #27 16-02-2005, 10:47 PM

No worries Mike. I'll probably go up to the Mangroves by myself anyway on Friday. Give me a call if you change your mind!!!

Rodstar

rumples riot · #28 03-03-2005, 10:03 AM

Rod, how did you get on with using the Micro focusor, was our advice helpful or not, and do you now have it working? I know you got it fixed, just want to know how things are going since then.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #29 04-03-2005, 07:03 PM

Rod, if that black thing that screws off is what I think it is, its the SC adapter for fitting a focal reducer to the microfocuser. Post a pick so I can see if its what I'm thinking about.

Rodstar (Rod) · #30 04-03-2005, 08:39 PM

Paul H, it's all working perfectly now - thanks for asking, and thanks for your help. I recently used it on the moon to get some very sharp images.....lovely.

Paul R, I don't have a digital cam to post a pic for you, but the piece I was referring to was just the 1.25inch adaptor. I've got it all sorted now. Because I have a 2" diagonal, I don't bother with using the 1.25" adaptor anymore.

Very excited about the Star Party at Wiruna next weekend. Had to mention it. I know you guys are too far away....will be great to test the limits of the LX200.

Rodstar

iceman (Mike) · #31 04-03-2005, 09:17 PM

Quote:

thanks for asking, and thanks for your help. I recently used it on the moon to get some very sharp images.....lovely

Post them!

rumples riot · #32 05-03-2005, 11:11 AM

Hope you have a great time at Wiruna, would love to go myself but the back would not stand up to the trip. Just starting to come good now. The 10" will be great out there, try for galaxies, you will be surprised what it will pick up. Just remember hot plugging is ok.

Hope all the iceinspacers have a great time at Wiruna.

Regards

Rodstar (Rod) · #33 07-03-2005, 09:14 PM

Sorry Iceman.....my technical imprecision strikes again! I SAW lovely clear images of the moon through the eyepiece. I am keen to get on with the LPI, but need to get some basics down pat first (eg alignment!!)

Last night had a great viewing session. My dear mama was staying the night, and I convinced her to come out into the unseasonably crisp night air to have a look. At first she was a bit non-plussed when she looked at Saturn, but when I showed her the focuser, and she adjusted it to suit her eyes, she quite spontaneously called out, "oh wow! How amazing!" etc etc. I ended up taking her on a guided tour of the night's best, and she had a hoot of a time! I ended up having to wrestle the eyepiece off her to get any time on the scope myself!!!!

I think we have another astro-convert in the making, aged 70! You are never too old!

Rodstar

iceman (Mike) · #34 08-03-2005, 07:11 AM

ah nice Rod, always great to get teh family involved and see and hear their reactions the first time they see Saturn, or the craters on the moon.