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Stiff feathertouch focuser on CPC 1100

Started by shiner , Dec 25 2012 02:58 PM
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3 replies to this topic

#1 shiner

shiner

    Mariner 2

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Posted 25 December 2012 - 02:58 PM

Hi guys,
Happy Christmas to everyone.

My CPC has felt a bit "rough" when focusing when left still for a few days. Even after racking all the way in and out loads of times; it was kind of jamming and felt it was not smooth. I found then even turning the focuser with the 1/10 speed option it felt rough and it seems to be coming from the focsuer itself - I can feel the roughness from within the focuser body.

I removed the focuser and can push the mirror up and down the baffle with the threaded rod no problem so the issue is definitely the focuser and something inside the barrel. Feels rough off the scope as well.

I have squirted a few drops of WD40 penetrating oil on it and left to "soak" in over night after turning it hundreds of times.

I'll see if that works. If it does not I may need to take it apart to grease it. I see there are two Allen Grub screws on the focuser finger wheels. Anyone done this before? Any particular grease to use?

I bought this from someone used in the UK who only had it a few weeks before deciding SCT was not for him. I am also UK based so sending it back to Starizona is out of the question.

Many thanks for reading this.
Rgds, Steve

#2 rboe

rboe

    ISS

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Posted 25 December 2012 - 05:58 PM

I'd drop an email to the feathertouch folks. It just may be a problem they have seen before.

#3 AhBok

AhBok

    Soyuz

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Posted 25 December 2012 - 09:48 PM

If you are referring to the FT microfocuser, try slightly loosening the three screws on the base of the focuser and wiggling the focuser a little as you turn the coarse knob in and out. Some positions may cause the mechanism to bind a little, making the focusing rough. When you find the smoothest position, tighten it down by torquing each screw little by little being careful not to tighten any screw down fully before tightening the other screws as you go.

#4 shiner

shiner

    Mariner 2

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Posted 26 December 2012 - 11:21 AM

http://starizona.com...n-Edge-HD-11...


OK thanks guys. This morning it seemed free enough after the WD40 oil was left overnight. Was careful to use only about four drops to prevent oil all over the inside of the scope...

Seems free enough now and back on the scope all appears fine. Will monitor it for a while and if it happens again it may need a strip down and proper greasing (or lubing I think you US guys call it). I will drop the feather-touch folks an email to ask for their thoughts.

Cheers, Steve
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