ED 127 is here

[Tandum (Robin)]

Does the compression ring unscrew on a moonlight focuser to expose a thread on the draw tube?

[Moon (James)]

I assume the lock works and is without image shift?

It works for me and I havn't detected a shift with my Nikon D50 hanging off the end.

Were there any difficulties fitting and is there a way to adjust collimation? Sorry for all the questions but I want to get this right...

I ordered this focuser at the same I ordered the scope. It's easy to get on and off - you just have to make sure you loosen the locking screw first or you will destroy the thread.
I havn't tried to adjust the collimation - not sure how/if this is possible. There are a few screws, but I don't know exactly what they all do yet.

One point to note - I think the moonlite might not attach at the same point. The pictures I have seen on myastroshop seem to indicate they have removed the blue rotating ring and the tube it slips over.... If true, the moonlite might have more inward travel.

[JohnH]

Got the new HD focuser from HiOptic (thanks Gilman!) fast, accurate service and with the A$ where it is not to much $$$, AU$ 180 in fact. There was a small problem on arrival - two bent thumscrews however there was no damage to the packaging that I could see and the focuser does not appear damaged in any way. I have reported the issue and replacements are on their way already. For now I have taken the thumbscrews from the old unit.

First impressions are favourable - it was east to remove the old unit and the new one fit without any problems at all. There is no apparent flex in the draw tube which has three flats as opposed to the old one that had only the one, the lock works and the tension adjustment is far easier and effective. The action is smooth.

I will try it under the stars tonight - I am looking for less tilting of the CCD plane (flex) and no slippage of focus - I will report back what I find! In the mean time I attach a couple of images for those interested.

[Moon (James)]

Thanks for posting the pics. You just highlighted to me the focus lock screw is on the focus knob. Mine had fallen out, so I just put it back in the right spot just now. I think having it located there is the major weakness with this design. If the tension is loose, the lock knob will have no effect.

Is there a screw, not shown in your pics, that allows the focuser to be rotated? I find if this is not **really** tight, I get some tilt. Otherwise looks the same as mine.

James

[JohnH]

First Pic shows the rotator lock on top - have not used the feature yet. Tests last night were very good, smooth accurate action, much less tilt and no slippage, test m8 image attached.

[AdrianF (Adrian)]

Originally Posted by JohnH

First Pic shows the rotator lock on top - have not used the feature yet. Tests last night were very good, smooth accurate action, much less tilt and no slippage, test m8 image attached.

On a scale of 1-10? Was it a worthwhile purchase?
I am still looking to replace my focuser on my ED127. I am still not 100% happy with the original focuser even though it as been modified.

Adrian

[JohnH]

Adrian,

It might be a little premature to declare victory since I have been playing around with multiple variables (two cameras and an FR with spacers) to find my best combinations for image scale and flatness. What I can say is it is very promising, I find no flex compared to the old unit and I believe I will be able to collimate better than as at present. The focuser action is good and there seems to be no issue with the load (Canon 20D or OpticStar 145m with Atik filter wheel and WO Flat 3).

I will do a few more test this w/e I hope and if HiOptic come through with a good motor option I would say they have a very good unit here for the price.

Regards,

John