13 replies to this topic

[rick80134]

I'm picking up an EdgeHD 800 and gathering information on which EAF to purchase.  Prefer not crazy expensive.  I would like an EAF which retains manual focus capability, or at least a good solution when using the scope for visual imaging instead of AP.  What have y'all used for this type of setup?

[DevilDog68]

I ordered this to pair with my ZWO EAF and it should arrive 21 April:

https://mwdastronomy...eaf-clutch-kit/

 

I have no idea how well it works and I'm not sure what it would cost to ship to Spain.

Edited by DevilDog68, 18 April 2025 - 06:52 AM.

[rick80134]

Nice.. I'll be in US in a few weeks.. assuming I don't end up in El Salvador.  I can stage products to bring back with me.

I ordered this to pair with my ZWO EAF and it should arrive 21 April:

https://mwdastronomy...eaf-clutch-kit/

 

I have no idea how well it works and I'm not sure what it would cost to ship to Spain.

[Wjeremy 15]

The cheapest solution I know of is the zwo eaf for the bracket that attaches it to the native focuser knob.

https://agenaastro.c...af-c8-c925.html

If you get the hand controller it works really well for visual. On the other hand, I've had issues running an autofocus routine that I believe due to mirror flop causing the focus start to move.

The other option is to pick up an SCT focuser and put it on that, which avoids mirror flop but creates (solvable) issues of dialing in the correct back focus

[AEP64]

The cheapest solution I know of is the zwo eaf for the bracket that attaches it to the native focuser knob.

https://agenaastro.c...af-c8-c925.html

If you get the hand controller it works really well for visual.

that is what i will be doing. I have 9.25" sct that i ordered the zwo eaf, sensor, and HC. I plan to use the HC when doing visual.

Edited by AEP64, 18 April 2025 - 08:00 AM.

[scopewizard]

If you want one with manual mode.

 

https://www.astroasis.com/en/focuser/

 

You will need the C8 adapter.

 

Simply unlock with small lever and you are in manual mode.

[DirtyRod]

I use the Celestron Focus Motor on my C8 for both AP and visual. While not manual, you can operate it using the hand controller to focus for visual. 

[Notdarkenough]

I, too, have a ZWO EAF in my 8HD. I found that the standard ZWO C8 bracket caused obstructions with some of my optical train configurations. So, i just added the Starizona QuickSwitch Bracket: 

https://starizona.co...af-sct-bracket 

 

This gives me manual control, but it also removes the EAF from any filter wheel or OAG positioning conflict. I really like it. 

Edited by Notdarkenough, 18 April 2025 - 02:33 PM.

[rick80134]

Nice, I like it!

I, too, have a ZWO EAF in my 8HD. I found that the standard ZWO C8 bracket caused obstructions with some of my optical train configurations. So, i just added the Starizona Quick Release Bracket:
https://starizona.co...af-sct-bracket

This gives me manual control, but it also removes the EAF from any filter wheel or OAG positioning conflict. I really like it.

[Becomart]

You’ll have to manually lock and unlock the mirror locks using this solution- just food for thought if that matters to you. 

[Notdarkenough]

With any electronic focus system you leave the mirror unlocked anyway. The only way to actually use mirror locks for an SCT is by having focus systems outside of the tube, like a Crayford or Optec devices. 

[ayadai]

I use the Celestron Focus Motor on my C8 for both AP and visual. While not manual, you can operate it using the hand controller to focus for visual. 

I'll second the Celestron Focus Motor. Consistent, near-perfect curves in Hocus Focus in N.I.N.A and clean, single cable (aux port) effortless integration with the hand controller for visual.

[rick80134]

Reading the Celestron Focus Motor manual, it describes the connection to the hand controller is only through a Celestron mount.  I'm using an AM3.

I'll second the Celestron Focus Motor. Consistent, near-perfect curves in Hocus Focus in N.I.N.A and clean, single cable (aux port) effortless integration with the hand controller for visual.

[ayadai]

Reading the Celestron Focus Motor manual, it describes the connection to the hand controller is only through a Celestron mount.  I'm using an AM3.

Correct. With the AM3, you'd only be able to control the focus motor via a PC.