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Anyway to add 2 speed to focuser?

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#1 CHASLX200

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 07:18 AM

Is there anyway to add a 2 speed focuser on my W/O 110 APO?  Very nice over built focuser but with such shallow focus a 2 speed would be nice.  This is a 4" focuser.

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Edited by CHASLX200, 14 April 2025 - 07:19 AM.

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#2 weis14

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 09:46 AM

I don't know of a solution for that particular focuser.  One old trick is to increase the diameter of the focuser knob, which can help by making the adjustments easier.  Otherwise, there is always the potential to get an aftermarket focuser, but that would come with a very high price tag for a 4 incher.



#3 Jon Isaacs

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 11:40 AM

I imagine it had a two speed at one time. I would contact William Optics.

 

Jon



#4 CHASLX200

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 06:01 PM

I imagine it had a two speed at one time. I would contact William Optics.

 

Jon

No the scope did not have a 2 speed option back in 2004.  Maybe a fine helical 2" focuser that slips in the 2" part of the focuser if such a thing is made?


Edited by CHASLX200, 14 April 2025 - 06:10 PM.

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#5 starman876

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 08:07 PM

I have a two speed WO focuser.  What is the diameter of the tube. 



#6 Exnihilo

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 08:21 PM

That’s a Megrez 110?  How does it compare to the 90?



#7 Lagrange

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 08:47 PM

No the scope did not have a 2 speed option back in 2004.  Maybe a fine helical 2" focuser that slips in the 2" part of the focuser if such a thing is made?

 

You could put something together using Borg components that would give you very fine focusing with the ability to use 2" accessories but it wouldn't be cheap - around $394 all-in.

 

The part numbers you'd need would be:

 

7425 - 2" nosepiece to M57/60 Adapter

 

7761 - M57 Helical Focuser DXII

 

7505 - 2″ Eyepiece Holder (M)

 

Ted at Astro Hutech could help you out if you wanted a setup like this.

 

Baader also make some combination eyepiece adapters with built-in helical focusers but they're 1.25" only and relatively basic in comparison.


Edited by Lagrange, 14 April 2025 - 08:48 PM.


#8 Jon Isaacs

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Posted 14 April 2025 - 09:12 PM

No the scope did not have a 2 speed option back in 2004.  Maybe a fine helical 2" focuser that slips in the 2" part of the focuser if such a thing is made?

 

Can you take a photo or two of the underside of the focuser...

 

I wonder if Starlight even made a 2 speed upgrade for the scope??

 

Jon



#9 CHASLX200

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 05:52 AM

That’s a Megrez 110?  How does it compare to the 90?

110mm F/6.5 FLUROSTAR.  Has a Tec lens. Seems better than the 90 was.



#10 CHASLX200

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 05:53 AM

You could put something together using Borg components that would give you very fine focusing with the ability to use 2" accessories but it wouldn't be cheap - around $394 all-in.

 

The part numbers you'd need would be:

 

7425 - 2" nosepiece to M57/60 Adapter

 

7761 - M57 Helical Focuser DXII

 

7505 - 2″ Eyepiece Holder (M)

 

Ted at Astro Hutech could help you out if you wanted a setup like this.

 

Baader also make some combination eyepiece adapters with built-in helical focusers but they're 1.25" only and relatively basic in comparison.

I will look into it.



#11 CHASLX200

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 05:53 AM

Can you take a photo or two of the underside of the focuser...

 

I wonder if Starlight even made a 2 speed upgrade for the scope??

 

Jon

I can get some pics later.


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#12 Jon Isaacs

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 07:01 AM

I can get some pics later.

 
With a little engineering and some machining, it can be possible to adapt a two speed to an existing focuser.  This is probably the only JMI RCF with a GSO two speed.. 
 
6210274-JMI RCF-1 + GSO Two Speed.jpg

 

Jon



#13 CHASLX200

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 06:27 PM

Well that is something i won't be doing.



#14 maniack

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Posted 15 April 2025 - 11:49 PM

 

 
With a little engineering and some machining, it can be possible to adapt a two speed to an existing focuser.  This is probably the only JMI RCF with a GSO two speed.. 
 
 

 

Jon

 

Or a bit of 3D printing to add a reduction gear to an existing focuser.

 

ST80 Planetary Focuser
ST80 Planetary Focuser

Edited by maniack, 15 April 2025 - 11:50 PM.

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