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BlueMoon
super member
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 171
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Hi guys, I'm wondering how to address a problem and could use some help. In my sig, you'll notice I own an Antares 1529 refractor. Wonderful 'scope, well built, etc. BUT, it has an "issue"...
Evidently, these 'scopes came with a rack and pinion focuser originally. Later, the R&P was replaced by a dual speed Crayford by the factory. Herein lies my problem...
I think the original R&P focusers must have had about 5.375" travel while the Crayford is 3.375". This info is based on specs I found online for focusers for Syntas which appear very similar to my 'scope. I have to "rack out" the focuser tube almost to it's extreme extension to get my EPs to focus. I'm currently using a 1.25 diagonal and EPs but looking to upgrade to 2" units later on.
I see three possibilities:
1. Add an extender to my EP. I'd like to avoid this because eventually I'm going to attach a camera and do some astrophotography. I'm afraid the leverage on the extended tube will at least cause off-axis focusing problems.
2. Another option is to keep the Crayford and it's adapter and then lengthen (replace?) the body tube.
3. Purchase or machine another focuser adapter that locates the Crayford further away from the objective.
Any thoughts or suggestions on which way to proceed?
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Jeff
Antares 1529 152mm f/6.5 Achromat Refractor
EQ5/ST-2 mount
1984 Tasco 19ER 20X-60X50 Refractor
Oberwerks 15x70 Binoculars
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
Edited by BlueMoon (10/06/08 05:15 PM)
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John Jarosz
I'm being watched...
Reged: 04/25/04
Posts: 2184
Loc: Chicago area, IL
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Have you bought the new focuser yet?
Some focusers have different drawtube lengths available. I realize you may want to try to match the focuser end to your tube, but getting a focuser with the correct length and machining an adapter is a good solution. Not the cheapest, but it should work the best.
john
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6" F4.6(w/Paracorr) GEM reflector, 8" F11 Dall Relay Scope
6" F5 RFT Refractor, Garrett Gemini 20x80 LW
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BlueMoon
super member
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 171
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Hi John... The Crayford was installed when I purchased the 'scope. It was a factory upgrade and replaced the R&P focuser...
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Jeff
Antares 1529 152mm f/6.5 Achromat Refractor
EQ5/ST-2 mount
1984 Tasco 19ER 20X-60X50 Refractor
Oberwerks 15x70 Binoculars
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
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Gregg Lobdell
sage
Reged: 01/20/06
Posts: 371
Loc: Covington, WA
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Contact the manufacturer of the Crayford, many of them make blocks that can be installed under the focuser to solve just this problem. If you can't find a block, they're not too hard to make yourself. Moonlite offers them as part of their universal install kit here .
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Clear skies,
Gregg
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BlueMoon
super member
Reged: 06/14/07
Posts: 171
Loc: Idaho, USA
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Thx guys!
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Jeff
Antares 1529 152mm f/6.5 Achromat Refractor
EQ5/ST-2 mount
1984 Tasco 19ER 20X-60X50 Refractor
Oberwerks 15x70 Binoculars
Herrett Observatory, Twin Falls, Idaho.
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