blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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There are SOOO many options and I'd like to hear your opinions on the benefits (drawbacks?) over the original equipment on my 12-LX200R.
What options should be considered or are more important than others? I will eventually do some imaging, but it is not my current focus.
(let me know if this has been covered before, I've done some searching but come up empty.)
Here is a link to some of the SCT options: http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman.cgi?page=productdetail&plugin=dstore.cgi&product=CS"
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Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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As I posted in another thread I now have a Moonlite focuser as it came with OTA I purchased. I have always used the Meade focusers and they have served me well.
The Moonlite I have now is the CS Model SCT Focuser (focal reducer style). The thing I like best over the Meade unit its ability to be rotated just by loosening the thumb screw.
A focal reducer will fit in side the focal reducer style model but the focuser will not have access to its full travel as the reducer will contact the back of the 12" LX200R. You will lose just short of 1/2 of its travel.
The plus side is this arrangement moves the reducer and the eye piece or camera so the distance between the reducer and camera's focal plane stays constant which means the reduction factor stays constant.
The other nice thing is if you choose the DC servo motor option it will work with the Meade handbox.
--------------------
-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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snufus
sage
Reged: 09/10/05
Posts: 379
Loc: Round Rock, TX
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Besides what Marcus mentioned about the focal reducer model (which is the one you should get for imaging) I will say that once you own a Moonlite you can never live without one again. They are the single best accessory purchase I have ever made for all my scopes. The precision you get with the 2-speed action is awesome (for a non-motor driven focuser) and you will see the time and quality that goes into them as they are a beautiful work of art.
Also Al and Ron are two of the nicest people you will ever deal with. They are always there for you to answer any questions or issues you may have with your Moonlite before and after the purchase so feel free to shoot them an e-mail if you still have questions.
You are making a great choice Robert.
Here is what I would recommend:
Flange:
Focal Reducer 3 1/4'' Meade Thread
DrawTube:
.95'' travel focal reducer brass comp ring
Color:
Blue 
Knob/Motor:
1.5'' tri-knob w/Shaft lock
--------------------
Best Regards,
Daniel
Scopes
--------------------------------
Meade 12'' LX200R #1
Meade 12'' LX200R #2
Orion Premium 102ED
William Optics 66SD
William Optics 66ZS
Mounts
--------------------------------
Celestron CGE #1
Celestron CGE #2
Meade LXD750
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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2329
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I bought one of the focal reducer Moonlite's at Neaf for my SCT. I haven't been able to focus well with it. Do you guys with Meades lock the primary mirror down and just use the Moonlite?
I know they told me it won't work with a diagonal and I said no problem becasue I wanted it for imaging but I didn't think about my Stilleto focuser basically being a diagonal so it's useless for that.
I have a Moonlite and a Feathertouch and they are both smooth as glass. I think I just need to contact the Moonlite folks about using my reducer. I was hoping I could figure it out but I really haven't.
--------------------
Joel
10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory
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blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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I would like to use the Meade hand controller for micro focus and be able to use the Moonlite without the focus reducer (not sure when I'll move into AP)... coupled with an ability to manually micro focus. Will that entail switching the original Meade gear for the Moonlite at times?
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Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Robert,
I am by no means an expert on these because this my first one. The reason I liked the Meade units is because I use my system remotely so manual focusing is not an option for me.
My understanding is the motorized option is only available on Moonlite focusers with single speed control. So any manual focusing will have to be done from the single speed knob on the side of the Moonlite.
Once I lock my mirror it stays locked unless I switch camera and need to refocus for the new camera. I set the motorized focuser so it is in the middle of its travel. I then focus the scope as best I can using the focus knob on the back of the scope. At that point the mirror is lock and all other focusing is done using the motorized focuser.
--------------------
-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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You can either have the manual knob(s) or the servo motor installed. You can have both, but not at the same time.
They tell you not to try and turn the "manual knob" when the DC servo motor is installed. I don't know about the robofucs style stepper motor but I imagine it's the same deal.
It is pretty easy to swap knobs to motor or vice versa (5 minutes?) so you can do visual one night with the manual knob and imaging another night with the motor. Or use the scope visually for a bit while you wait for full cool down for imaging, or you get the idea
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX 
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blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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Very helpful information... tyvm!
So I would presume the setup quoted above by Daniel would suffice as a midway point. It has the focusing knobs for visual and the focal reducer thread for imaging at a later date. Would I be correct in saying that the micro focuser could be added later? ...and is the micro focuser a purely AP function?
Sorry for all the questions... I just want to make the right investment the first time if possible.
--------------------
Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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Joel
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/08/04
Posts: 2329
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I like the Meade focuser because I can control it with the wireless hand paddle at the computer while I'm doing fine focus on guide stars. I got my Moonlite with the anticipation of using my SCT with a CCD and I'm going to get the remote focuser motor later. They told me at NEAF that they are coming out with a nice new one and I should wait for it.
Until that comes out (which it may be out I haven't checked) I may drop back to the Meade for now.
To the op, I would not hesitate to go with a Moonlite or Feathertouch focuser. I'm sure eventually when I match the right camera and focusing method to my SCT, the focuser will work like a charm.
--------------------
Joel
10" LX200GPS UHTC-SMT
Vixen 80EDsf
Canon unmodded 350D
QHY8
Turkey Hill Observatory
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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Quote:
They tell you not to try and turn the "manual knob" when the DC servo motor is installed.
Joe,
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that as I don't have any instructions.
--------------------
-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
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snufus
sage
Reged: 09/10/05
Posts: 379
Loc: Round Rock, TX
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Quote:
Very helpful information... tyvm!
So I would presume the setup quoted above by Daniel would suffice as a midway point. It has the focusing knobs for visual and the focal reducer thread for imaging at a later date. Would I be correct in saying that the micro focuser could be added later? ...and is the micro focuser a purely AP function?
Sorry for all the questions... I just want to make the right investment the first time if possible.
Yes, yes, and no.
The focal reducer model works for visual use. If using a diagonal it must be used without the focal reducer installed as it will not come to focus.
The microfocuser could be added later but you would most likely have to send it back to Moonlite to have it added.
The microfocuser is not just an AP function. It works great for visual use as well. Some just prefer not focusing manually and avoid bumping the OTA (having it shake while focusing). I for one enjoy manual focusing but to each his own.
--------------------
Best Regards,
Daniel
Scopes
--------------------------------
Meade 12'' LX200R #1
Meade 12'' LX200R #2
Orion Premium 102ED
William Optics 66SD
William Optics 66ZS
Mounts
--------------------------------
Celestron CGE #1
Celestron CGE #2
Meade LXD750
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blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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The focal reducer model works for visual use. If using a diagonal it must be used without the focal reducer installed as it will not come to focus.
Understood.
The microfocuser could be added later but you would most likely have to send it back to Moonlite to have it added.
I would like to avoid that if possible. That would mean I need to purchase the micro focuser now, correct? Can I take the micro focuser off to use it manual if desired? (this may be a question for Moonlite).
The microfocuser is not just an AP function. It works great for visual use as well. Some just prefer not focusing manually and avoid bumping the OTA (having it shake while focusing). I for one enjoy manual focusing but to each his own.
New Purchase List:
Flange: Focal Reducer 3 1/4'' Meade Thread
DrawTube: .95'' travel focal reducer brass comp ring
Color: Blue (my favorite as well  )
Knob/Motor: 1.5'' tri-knob w/Shaft lock
*** DC Stepper Motor ***???
This will allow me to use it with or without the DC motor *and* will allow the DC motor to be used with my stock Meade handcontroller? Do I need any special cables?
--------------------
Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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snufus
sage
Reged: 09/10/05
Posts: 379
Loc: Round Rock, TX
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Robert, you need to ask Ron or Al about whether the micro focuser is removable or not. Looking at it in the pictures I would think not but better ask them just to be sure.
Also ask them about the cables you need. I could try to guess but since I do not own the model with the micro focuser I am not sure.
--------------------
Best Regards,
Daniel
Scopes
--------------------------------
Meade 12'' LX200R #1
Meade 12'' LX200R #2
Orion Premium 102ED
William Optics 66SD
William Optics 66ZS
Mounts
--------------------------------
Celestron CGE #1
Celestron CGE #2
Meade LXD750
|
blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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I'll give them a call tomorrow if I have time... 
--------------------
Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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Nope Daniel, it's a 5 minute install (10 if you take your time the first time) no need to send it in for the DC servo upgrade. The more expensive motor option might be a different story, but if you can put your scope together you can probably swap out the manual for the motor on the moonlite.
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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blatter, PM sent.
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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Skywatchr
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/03/06
Posts: 1580
Loc: North-Central Pa.
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The motors for the moonlight focusers are not considered "user installable". The focuser must be disassembled to install the motor since the motor shaft is part of the focuser, and permanently attached to the motor.
And you don't need any "special" cables for it. The cable supplied will plug directly into your control panel.
Since you still have the stock mirror-moving focuser, you won't need to worry about removing the motor anyways. Just use that to manually focus at low powers. At high powers, it is better to use the motor anyways to prevent "the shakes".
So if you like to manually focus, skip the motor and just get the dual rate Tri-Knob model.
Ron is working on designing a motor unit that will have a clutch so you can still use it manually. That may be a while yet though. He likes things to be "just right" before offering it. ;-)
Jeff
Quote:
The focal reducer model works for visual use. If using a diagonal it must be used without the focal reducer installed as it will not come to focus.
Understood.
The microfocuser could be added later but you would most likely have to send it back to Moonlite to have it added.
I would like to avoid that if possible. That would mean I need to purchase the micro focuser now, correct? Can I take the micro focuser off to use it manual if desired? (this may be a question for Moonlite).
The microfocuser is not just an AP function. It works great for visual use as well. Some just prefer not focusing manually and avoid bumping the OTA (having it shake while focusing). I for one enjoy manual focusing but to each his own.
New Purchase List:
Flange: Focal Reducer 3 1/4'' Meade Thread
DrawTube: .95'' travel focal reducer brass comp ring
Color: Blue (my favorite as well )
Knob/Motor: 1.5'' tri-knob w/Shaft lock
*** DC Stepper Motor ***???
This will allow me to use it with or without the DC motor *and* will allow the DC motor to be used with my stock Meade handcontroller? Do I need any special cables?
--------------------
18" F/5 Home-Built Dob. with Mike Dudley Mirror
Highly Modified Meade DS-16 in Roll Off Roof
6" F/15 Brass w/ D&G Lens on DS-16 Mount
DS-10 10" F/4.5 Newtonian
LXD650, LX200 Classic
Orange Tube C11
DayStar 0.45 with multiple ERFs
Vixen ED80sf
10" LX200 GPS SMT
11x80 Meade, 20x80 Celestron binocs (Japan Made).
Lots of Naglers and 8mm and 13mm Ethos.
Gadgets and parts everywhere.
And a Wife that loves it as much as me!
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Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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They sent me a video of the installation of the DC servo motor (or stepper? whatever the cheaper one is is the one I have!  ) and it is pretty easy to do. Up to you though whether you want the down time of sending it in or not.
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
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snufus
sage
Reged: 09/10/05
Posts: 379
Loc: Round Rock, TX
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Yah I have no idea since I am a motorless focuser. 
--------------------
Best Regards,
Daniel
Scopes
--------------------------------
Meade 12'' LX200R #1
Meade 12'' LX200R #2
Orion Premium 102ED
William Optics 66SD
William Optics 66ZS
Mounts
--------------------------------
Celestron CGE #1
Celestron CGE #2
Meade LXD750
|
blatterjr
sage
Reged: 08/13/07
Posts: 263
Loc: Saint Petersburg Florida
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PM replied Joseph.
I'm probably a month off from purchase and will give them a call to discuss options.
--------------------
Robert
---------------------
Meade 12-LX200-ACF
BINO: Nikon AEX 10x50 6.5°
DSLR: Nikon D70+CCPro2
---
Saint Petersburg Florida
27°47'22.92"N , 82°43'09.48"W
|
Skywatchr
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/03/06
Posts: 1580
Loc: North-Central Pa.
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You have the DC servo motor. But my point is that you just can't "pop" it on and off. It's not hard to install for those with enough skill (or luck  ) to do it. But to swap it out for manual focus just isn't practical at this time.
Jeff
Quote:
They sent me a video of the installation of the DC servo motor (or stepper? whatever the cheaper one is is the one I have! ) and it is pretty easy to do. Up to you though whether you want the down time of sending it in or not.
--------------------
18" F/5 Home-Built Dob. with Mike Dudley Mirror
Highly Modified Meade DS-16 in Roll Off Roof
6" F/15 Brass w/ D&G Lens on DS-16 Mount
DS-10 10" F/4.5 Newtonian
LXD650, LX200 Classic
Orange Tube C11
DayStar 0.45 with multiple ERFs
Vixen ED80sf
10" LX200 GPS SMT
11x80 Meade, 20x80 Celestron binocs (Japan Made).
Lots of Naglers and 8mm and 13mm Ethos.
Gadgets and parts everywhere.
And a Wife that loves it as much as me!
|
Skywatchr
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/03/06
Posts: 1580
Loc: North-Central Pa.
|
|
That sounds like a wise decision.
Jeff
Quote:
I'm probably a month off from purchase and will give them a call to discuss options.
--------------------
18" F/5 Home-Built Dob. with Mike Dudley Mirror
Highly Modified Meade DS-16 in Roll Off Roof
6" F/15 Brass w/ D&G Lens on DS-16 Mount
DS-10 10" F/4.5 Newtonian
LXD650, LX200 Classic
Orange Tube C11
DayStar 0.45 with multiple ERFs
Vixen ED80sf
10" LX200 GPS SMT
11x80 Meade, 20x80 Celestron binocs (Japan Made).
Lots of Naglers and 8mm and 13mm Ethos.
Gadgets and parts everywhere.
And a Wife that loves it as much as me!
|
Matthew Ota
sage
Reged: 04/30/05
Posts: 203
Loc: New Hampshire
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Boy, those focusers sure are pretty. If they work as good as they look, they are well worth the money.
--------------------
Matthew Ota
10 inch Meade LX250GPS SCT (LX50/LX200GPS clone) f6.3-Orion 80ED, ETX-90 OTA, Coronado Helios 1 H-alpha Solar Telescope
Cassini Huygens Saturn Observation Campaign
New Hampshire Astronomical Society
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JAT Observatory
Space Freak
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 5652
Loc: Eastern PA
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I have a blue one, but I was it was red so it matched my mount.
--------------------
-Marcus
The problem with free speech is even the stupid have a voice.
http://jatobservatory.org
12" LX200R on a Paramount ME
|
Joseph Gillman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/05
Posts: 2342
Loc: Boothwyn, PA
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They'd probably swap it for you Marcus, if yours was in resellable condition. They're a little extra nice to us PA-ns, especially one as famous as yourself.
--------------------
Meade RCX400 30cm --
People dont like when I stick up for Meade but they're just jealous of my RCX
|
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