F/6.3 Focal Reducer

[Astrobserver99 (Rob)]

I purchased the Antares f/6.3 SCT Focal Reducer for use on my C8. JUst got around to trying it out the other day. I found a couple of problems straight away:

1. Cannot reach focus with the Crayford focuser attached
2. Attaching the camera or EP directly to the visual back I can reach focus but not with a diagonal attached.

These problems limit its usefulness.

I was under the impression these problems were were fixed with FR's in general a few years back? Was I sold an older version?

Cheers, Rob

[dannat (Daniel)]

the focal reducer on my mak reached focus , though there wasn't a lot of room left.
When attaching the camera do you usually have the diagonal in the path? i never used my diagonal when photographing so it wasn't a problem.

For 1. - when you say you can't reach focus with the crayford what do you have next in line form the focuser out?

Some of the focal reducers come to focus with cameras but not necesarily visually

[Astrobserver99 (Rob)]

The train is like this:

C8/F6.3 Reducer/GSO Crayford/EP or Camera

What would happen if I put the reducer at the end of the focuser?, like this:

C8/Crayford Focuser/f6.3 Reducer/EP or Camera

[Bassnut (Fred)]

Why use the diagnonal?, it adds a lot of distance. I have an AP6.7FR on my 12" Meade with NP (and an autofocuser), would be similar to your C8. Ditch the diagonal, it just adds flex problems.

[Astrobserver99 (Rob)]

OK, the diagonal is ditched, problem solved.

[dannat (Daniel)]

soory i didn't explain myself but the focuser on mine always came straight after the OTA, then reducer then camera or whatever