17 replies to this topic

[ecarfar]

I just ordered an LX600 12" and wanted to get some feedback on a motorized focuser.  Meade's 1209 looks pretty good but I'm sure there's something else out there that's probably cheaper and possible better.  I've never used a motorized focuser on my classic LX200 so I have no idea what to look for.  Is it beneficial to be able to control it through the auto star or is it better to have a separate controller for it?  I saw some thngs at JIM and Rigel but none specifically mention the LX600 (too new?).  Thanks in advance!

Edited by ecarfar, 11 September 2015 - 10:19 AM.

[Spacetravelerx]

@ecarfar,

 

I can't speak for other motorized focusers, however the Meade 1209 zero-image shift micro focuser has worked very well for me.  It is certainly very convenient focusing and controlling the telescope all from the autostar.

 

For compatibility, it depends.  Typically if the motorized focuser attaches to the rear of the LX200 it will attach to the rear of the LX600, or any f/8 ACF OTA.

[gavinm]

Ive used Moonlite, and it was great.. not cheap though, but a million times better than the Meade product.

[ecarfar]

@ecarfar,

 

I can't speak for other motorized focusers, however the Meade 1209 zero-image shift micro focuser has worked very well for me.  It is certainly very convenient focusing and controlling the telescope all from the autostar.

 

For compatibility, it depends.  Typically if the motorized focuser attaches to the rear of the LX200 it will attach to the rear of the LX600, or any f/8 ACF OTA.

Thanks, yes, I did go with the 1209 and it seems to work just fine with my scope.  I especially like that the LX600 has an integrated plug in the fork arm to power it.

[Wford]

Since I got my moonlight I have never looked back those focuser are amazing if they are in your buget

[PowellAstro]

I have the Meade zero image shift on my 14 and love it!

[nitegeezer]

I have the Meade zero image shift on my 14 and love it!

I have the same on my 8", and I agree, it is great.

[maugi88]

I have not used the zero image shift one yet. Have heard good things in most cases.

 

Once, someone said it slipped on them when they had a heavy ccd filter wheel attached. Once.

[gfamily]

I have not used the zero image shift one yet. Have heard good things in most cases.

 

Once, someone said it slipped on them when they had a heavy ccd filter wheel attached. Once.

 

The unavoidable downside of the zero image shift focuser is that it is quite deep, and I've heard that 2" diagonals can foul the mount on some of the scopes when looking at high altitude objects (specifically when used with the LS8" scope on its Alt-Az mount).

 

But on the other hand, just being able to use the '4' button on the handset to switch between slew and focus operations is very convenient. 

 

Also, the fact that the focuser works alongside the existing one (so you can do fast focus changes manually) is a big plus for usability. 

Edited by gfamily, 25 October 2015 - 08:15 PM.

[gavinm]

An advantage of the Moonlite (just being devils advocate) is that you can install a reducer inside the tube, so that you can maintain and adjust the reducer/CCD distance for optimal results. This also reduces the length of you imaging train.

[niteman1946]

An advantage of the Moonlite (just being devils advocate) is that you can install a reducer inside the tube, so that you can maintain and adjust the reducer/CCD distance for optimal results. This also reduces the length of you imaging train.

This is also true with the Feathertouch, at least on my equipment.

 

mark

[Wford]

I never regreted my moonlight focuser.it was a big improvement from the meade zero image shift focuser

[ecarfar]

Thanks for all the input!  I actualy went with the Meade focuser...works very well, I'm pleased with it.

[gfamily]

Out of interest, does the camera adapter fit in the focuser unit for you?

 

Mine jams, so I think I'm going to sand off the layer of paint to reduce the diameter so that I can mount a camera rather than the EPs. 

[Zubenelgenubi2]

What is a camera adapter? The outlet of the Meade focuser is 2" so it takes a diagonal or an eyepiece.

BTW, I made a little battery powered motor controller for mine and also use it on my 7" and 8" OTA's. I think the motor is just a little 12 volt DC gear motor and I run it off a 9v battery. It was a project a couple of years ago and I think Meade used to ship the focuser eith them but then stopped. Meade should start selling these as the focuser works well on any SCT or Mak with the correct threaded back.

The negative for me is that it attaches to a threaded ring so when I store the scope, the ring must come off so I can screw on the Meade dust cap. My JMI case doesn't have room to transport with the focuser attached.

Clear skies,
Peter

[PowellAstro]

I really like the Meade zero image shift micro focuser. Wouldn't use any other. Very nice from the same controller!

[HarknessAstro]

Out of interest, does the camera adapter fit in the focuser unit for you?

 

Mine jams, so I think I'm going to sand off the layer of paint to reduce the diameter so that I can mount a camera rather than the EPs. 

I use a T-Minus adapter on my Meade focuser and it works great.

[Lorence]

Ive used Moonlite, and it was great.. not cheap though, but a million times better than the Meade product.

I've got the Meade focuser and wish it had more travel. How does the Moonlight compare?