4 replies to this topic

[GaryH61]

Hi everyone, I have a Meade SCT 8 inch ACF telescope ( Optical Tube only). I have this mounted onto a Skywatcher HEQ5 pro mount and while I  was focusing ( I was using an auto focuser at the time and I think it over travelled). this steel ring came off. I was able to get it out by removing the focusing knob as the ring was just floating around inside.This unfortunately was my first attempt at getting my SCT up and running and I was having trouble getting focus. If anyone can advise me what I should do next I would really appriciate it. 

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[Skywatchr]

Hi everyone, I have a Meade SCT 8 inch ACF telescope ( Optical Tube only). I have this mounted onto a Skywatcher HEQ5 pro mount and while I  was focusing ( I was using an auto focuser at the time and I think it over travelled). this steel ring came off. I was able to get it out by removing the focusing knob as the ring was just floating around inside.This unfortunately was my first attempt at getting my SCT up and running and I was having trouble getting focus. If anyone can advise me what I should do next I would really appriciate it. 

That is the retainer ring.  It prevents the mirror from falling out when the focuser is removed.  Put it back onto the groove on the baffle tube after reshaping it back to a flat circle and close the gap a little.  Then you must set your auto focuser limits so it doesn't happen again.

The scope will work fine without it as long as you never remove the stock focusing mechanism.

[GaryH61]

Thanks Skywatchr for your reply! I was trying to get a new retaining ring but I haven' t found one yet. I'll try and get this one back in shape and put it back in place I'm pretty sure now I can see near the end of the baffle where it goes as I look down into the scope. Taking apart this SCT was never my plan , lol .. Thanks again for your help.

[Skywatchr]

Thanks Skywatchr for your reply! I was trying to get a new retaining ring but I haven' t found one yet. I'll try and get this one back in shape and put it back in place I'm pretty sure now I can see near the end of the baffle where it goes as I look down into the scope. Taking apart this SCT was never my plan , lol .. Thanks again for your help.

You can leave it out.  Just always keep in mind to never remove the stock focuser with the scope pointing down.  Pointing level and up is fine with gravity keeping the primary mirror from falling towards the corrector plate.

[GaryH61]

Very good to know that, thank you!..  I still might try and straighten out the retaining ring and put it back on now that I know more of what it does. I hate to remove the corrector plate but knowing that it should be there will probably bother me till its back on.. lol..