Auto focus

[Essex Stew]

Hi, would it be possible to fit a Auto focuser to a SW BK1309 EQ2 ? This is my first telescope and I'm really enjoying the views, but when trying to get pin sharp focusing the object I'm viewing ends up moving all over the place.

[ronin]

Not sure if one can be fitted but not sure if one would really help.

The problem is the movement of the scope when you handle it to adjust focus, since in most instance you will still be touching the scope when you go to look through the eyepiece so the scope will still shake and the image move.

The solution is sort of expensive - a more solid mount and better mounting of the scope to the mount.

I am afraid that instability is a problem of the EQ2 mount, even the EQ3 is not great and many suggest the EQ5 as a reasonably stable mount to start with.

[Steve Ward]

The SkyWatcher Autofocuser can be fitted to most of their range , it might just need a little adjustment as far as the mounting bracket is concerned.

They are a great help in achieving fine focus , especially on less than rock-solid mounts as you need no physical contact with either the tube or the mount when using them , the focus is adjusted via an attached motor that is operated by a small variable speed handset.

I have them fitted onto four of my 'scopes and wouldn't be without them , especially with the additional USB controller that I have that allows extremely precise focus adjustment from the laptop , invaluable where imaging is concerned.

[wuthton]

If you're a little bit handy you could build your own. Have a look at the Ascom Arduino focuser thread in the DIY Astronomer section, it's usually knocking about on the first page.

[Essex Stew]

Thank you for all your comments :-)

I'll take a look at the Ascom Arduino focuser thread.

Cheers guys

[Essex Stew]

Also Steve, could you tell me how I would remove the right hand side focusing wheel, there isn't a Allen key fitting. Would it be a case of brute force?

Thanks. stew

[Steve Ward]

They tend to be fitted with Loc-tite , a good grip and a bit of grunt usually frees them ... 

[Essex Stew]

Thanks for the fast reply Steve. Now I need to man up and give it a good go. I did try yesterday but thought I may break something.

Thanks again :-)

[Starlight 1]

With Loc-tite you can warm it up abit if you got rubber round the wheel remove before heating,

[Essex Stew]

Top tip! Thank you Steve.

[ollypenrice]

I think we're talking about electric focusers rather than autofocus. Personally I always found electric motor focusers a pain if the eyepieces had significantly different focal lengths. They were so slow to make it to the new position.

Autofocus is used in imaging when software measures the focus on the chip and then adjusts the drawtube accordingly.

Olly

[Steve Ward]

Yes Ollie , the never-ending 'confusion' caused by Skywatcher's naming of the product in question ... 

[Thalestris24]

Hi

Anyone happen to know what, if any, differences there are between the SW and the more expensive Orion version?

Thanks

Louise

[lensman57]

Hi

Anyone happen to know what, if any, differences there are between the SW and the more expensive Orion version?

Thanks

Louise

I don't think that all Orion's scopes are sourced from SW.

A.G

[Merlin66]

The focuser driver/motor controller is identical between Orion and SW - I have both.

[Thalestris24]

The focuser driver/motor controller is identical between Orion and SW - I have both.

Ah, ok. I thought they probably were. I suppose the Orion is more expensive cos it comes from the States? How do you find them? Do you operate either via usb? It's a pity you can't just by the motor and brackets...

Thanks

Louise

[Merlin66]

Yes, I use a Shoestring adaptor to allow remote focusing from the computer.

[Thalestris24]

Yes, I use a Shoestring adaptor to allow remote focusing from the computer.

Ok. I thought I'd build my own usb interfaces especially as I want two of them You'd think they would have designed them with usb in the first place - and supply a longer cable! It does annoy me that so much astro hardware needs modifying or upgrading in order to arrive at a half-decent, working configuration - grr!

Louise