Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

FeatherTouch Micro Focuser upgrade


Stu

Recommended Posts

I've been trying to source one of these for my TV85, but wasn't getting cosy warm feelings from other suppliers, so set James at FLO a challenge to get me one.

True to form, within quite a reasonable timescale there was one winging its way to me, and it arrived a few days ago. Thank you James!!

Now, I love the retro mag wheels on the TV, and the focuser is buttery smooth, but I had found the feel when trying to achieve perfect focus, particularly when solar observing with the Herschel Wedge wasn't quite there.

The upgrade comes with everything you need; the micro focuser itself, three Allen keys, four bolts to replace the originals, plus a screw to hold the coarse focus wheel on. There is even a CD with instructions for all the micro focuser upgrades on it.

I fitted the focuser this evening. Very simple to do, just remove the four screws on the original to release the holding plate, remove the old one and then bolt the replacement in place. The Allen bolts holding this plate in place were very tight, but with some gentle pressure eventually came free.

The upgrade only fits one way, and the most complex part was just adjusting it so it sat square to the focuser and operated smoothly. With a little patience, this was quite straightforward and didn't take long.

I've not used it in anger yet, but am delighted already. It looks great, and feels even better in use. It retains all the smoothness of the original, but with the accuracy and feel of the fine adjustment wheel. All in all, I'm very happy. Perfection just got a little better :-)

1dfe0c586d553477b873bcd7a7ef59c0.jpg

1b070ba13e8672724f29a96c26f26e57.jpg

Stu

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

very nice Stu. daft question but is this a R&P? I presume either way it's specifically to fit this scope?  as it happens I am currently thinking about how to create a longish lever for my Vixen single speed and very smooth R&P to allow fine focus control for the same reasons. do you mind me asking how much this upgrade was? send me a pm if you prefer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, the focuser is R&P; this literally just replaces the shaft with the pinion on it and adds the micro focus. Not cheap as you would expect from FT, will PM you.

I did look at the focus lever from TV but it is discontinued and I didn't see one come up S/H.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/televue-focus-lever.html

There was another good idea which Olly created for fine focus in one of his Taks. Link here which might be interesting?

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/189355-home-made-manual-microfocuser/

Stu

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Those ingenious things work by way of planetary-gears - same way a 3-speed hub on a bicycle works. Essentially it would require 10 revolutions with the micro-knob to effect 1 revolution on the main focus-knob. 

I'll bet they are available from Jim's Mobile:

http://www.jimsmobile.com/index.htm

Clear Skies all,

Dave

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great review, Stu :laugh:

I would think your Quark will appreciate the finer tuning just as much :laugh:

I'm sure it will Luke :-)

I'll have a play around with my various scopes to which works best. I'm getting a FT upgrade for my Tak too so will be able to have the 76 and 85 side by side for White light and Ha. Can't wait!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just managed a quick 'first light' with this, looking at the sun.

FeatherTouch is such an apt name, you really do only need the lightest of touches to fine tune the focus. Even though the focuser was lovely before, this is so much more precise. Will try again later once the sun clears the trees properly, but I can already see that reaching exact focus will be much easier now. Very pleased

Stu

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.