2 replies to this topic

[suresh_nikon]

Hi,

 

Just need some guidance with my Skywatcher 150P  Newtonian telescope. Just recently purchased it and I did not notice that the 2 screws were missing from the focuser (it looks like a crayford focuser). I have attached the photo of it. The missing screws are marked with a red circles. The one in the corner seems to be M3 4 inch screw (probably), but I am not able to get any idea about the one in the centre, i tried moving one of the corner screws to that location, but no luck.

 

 

Also found that during checking for Light leaks from the focuser, there is slight light leak on the spindle, marked with yellow mark. 

 

Please let me know if anyone has any experience with this.

 

regards,

 

Suresh

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[Phil Sherman]

If you purchased it from a dealer, they should be able to add the missing bolts. You could also contact Skywatcher and see if they will ship the bolts to you. The alternative is to get them locally.

 

Your scope isn't that heavy and is easy to carry around. Take it to a local Ace or TrueValue hardware store that has a full aisle of fasteners in pull-out boxes. You'll find the bolts you need in the metric drawers. Size test using longer bolts because they're easier to handle then get the lengths you'll need. The missing center bolt, from its location is likely part of the focuser tensioning mechanism. It's possible the (hex head?) bolt is in the hole but inserted far enough that you can't see it. It may also use a different sized Allen wrench than the corner bolts.  The large thumbscrew would then be the focus lock.

 

A light leak from the focuser shaft can be difficult to fix. I'd start by removing the focuser knob and trying a plumbing rubber ring seal on the shaft that covers the home where it enters the focuser body. Another alternative would be to use a section of rubber cut from a damaged bicycle inner tube to make a cover for the hole with a hole that's a snug fit on the shaft.

[suresh_nikon]

Thanks Phil for your advise. I did contact Skywatcher, who were much less helpful. I will take one of the screws to my local hardware store and see if they can figure it out.

 

I will also get the seal and see if I can plug the light leaks.