15 replies to this topic

[wxcloud]

I'm mulling over a couple potential ways to get my setup running. My refractors are pretty back heavy, the AT80EDT has a little bit too short dovetail (looking at options that won't interfere with a possible autofocuser or hitting the dew shield.

I've come up with a possible scenario where perhaps if I rotated the OTA where the focus knobs where on top it might give me a bit more room. How bad is this?

I've also thought about just using the ZenithStar 61 as an astrograph for a while and the AT80EDT for visual (very limited what I can see).

[Hypoxic]

There are several people here on CN that run their scopes inverted. I was going to do so but ended up just making some risers off the dovetail out of square aluminum so the focuser would clear the mount. Works well.

[Bowlerhat]

It should be fine, some folks prefer that. Happens when using old scopes too.

[Flydog]

And no more inverted views at the eyepiece ; )

[imtl]

If you are using this for AP why does it matter where the focuser knobs are? Honestly even for visual I would not care that much but for AP with autofocuser? Who cares!

[Scott in NC]

I like having my focuser on the bottom purely because I’m a creature of habit, and like having the fine focus knob within easy reach of my right hand.  But it really doesn’t matter.  Put the focuser wherever you like!

[ris242]

Even better if you're left handed...................then again I'm used to having the fine focus on the right.

[daquad]

[RichA]

DSCN2103.JPG

They probably just did it to show the focuser.

[wxcloud]

If you are using this for AP why does it matter where the focuser knobs are? Honestly even for visual I would not care that much but for AP with autofocuser? Who cares!

It was a serious question, I wasn't sure with instead of the focus mechanism upside down if it would lead to worse backlash or do something funky and not mesh the gears as good since the default has gravity pulling down on the focus tube onto the gearing presumably better  I'm probably overthinking the wrong stuff 

 

Even better if you're left handed...................then again I'm used to having the fine focus on the right.

 

I am left handed and left eye dominant 

[John Fitzgerald]

That's why they make rotating focusers--so you can use them easily in any position.

[imtl]

It was a serious question, I wasn't sure with instead of the focus mechanism upside down if it would lead to worse backlash or do something funky and not mesh the gears as good since the default has gravity pulling down on the focus tube onto the gearing presumably better  I'm probably overthinking the wrong stuff 

 

And my answer was serious :O

 

I used my focuser in all angles and I do not see any difference. I have a FT focuser on my NP101. Maybe with cheap mass produced ones it will show something. But that also depends on the load you're planning to put on it.

[Jon Isaacs]

With a Crayford, there can be some difference in the way the pinion is loaded but with a rack and pinion, it shouldn't matter.

 

Many focusers can be reversed left to right so the two speed is on the left.

 

Jon

[RAKing]

Serious question = serious answer: No, it doesn’t matter.

 

On my EQ mount, the focuser will rotate as the mount moves. I use a Camera Angle Adjuster to keep the eyepiece where I want it and can reach the focus knobs wherever they are.

 

Enjoy!

 

Ron

[daquad]

They probably just did it to show the focuser.

Yeah, but note the position of the finder and the bar for the sun projection screen.

 

Dom Q.

 

[Applal]

I rotated my Eon80 so that the focuser was in the up position. It needed to be due to a conflict with the ADM mount bracket, and where the scope needed to be for balance. It has worked fine up there. I never have had a second thought or concern about it.