5 replies to this topic

[UKnewbie1729]

I've got a little C5 that I have discovered is under the weight limit for my even littler iOptron Skytracker V2 (managed a decent-ish picture of the Cigar Galaxy with it recently) so I'd like to carry on using it for imaging as soon as dark skies come back to the UK in a few months time, the problem I have with it that makes it quite tricky to work with is that the focusser knob rotates -very- freely, to the point that it takes an extremely delicate touch to focus accurately, and even the slightest finger-tremor is enough to knock it off focus, is there a way to make it a little bit stiffer to turn? Thanks for any help

[Bill Barlow]

Look to see if the three screws that hold the focus plate to the tube are loose.   I have noticed this on some of my SCT’s and tightening them helps a bit on firming up the focus.  If that isn’t the case, not sure what can be adjusted internally to firm up the focus.

 

Bill

[UKnewbie1729]

Thanks for fixing my scope Bill, the screws all felt pretty tight but with a bit more force I got a tiny bit of movement with one of them, the focusser now has a decent amount of resistance and is much easier to use.

 

CN definitely deserves it's reputation as pretty much the best hobby forum on the internet

Edited by UKnewbie1729, 24 June 2025 - 11:23 AM.

[maniack]

Bill's quick response is spot on, and I'm glad it fixed the OP's problem. I had the opposite issue on a used C5 I received - there was too much resistance. Loosening the screws a bit fixed it.

[UKnewbie1729]

Just realised that the scope's been like that since I got it but it doesn't get used much, Bills' fix hasn't made it easier to use, it's made USEABLE for the very first time since I've had it.  Thanks again Bill

[Bill Barlow]

Your welcome.  Glad it was an easy fix.  I always check these screws when I get a new SCT.