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Auto Focuser

keef_uk

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keef_uk

keef_uk

Posted
Posted

Hello all,

I have a Celestron Nexstar 102SLT and was looking for an motor driven autofocuser that I can use to minimise shake!

I have search around and ask a number of suppliers who say they are not aware of such device that would fit this scope.

Does anybody reading this ever heard of one that would fit?

Cheers

Keith

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keef_uk

keef_uk

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Thanks but I ask FLO the question as they sell that model but I got a reply from Martin today:

"...The focuser will not fit I'm afraid, we dont stock anything that will, ( a google search may find someone who does something suitable)...."

But I cant find anything on Google :icon_eek:

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The Bat

The Bat

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I know it doesn't answer your question, but I bought a Celestron electric focuser for my C8 thinking it would help my imaging and I have to say it's the biggest turkey I have bought as far as astronomical equipment goes. It just doesn't have fine enough speed control and whizzes straight through the focal point and out the other side. Vibration, no... focus, no! I have since reverted back to manual focus and just wait for the vibration to settle (and next time I get the camera out I am going to try the idea of attaching a clothes peg to the focus knob to allow finer control :icon_eek:). So, sorry I can't help you in your quest, but if it's anything like the one I bought, I wouldn't buy it again anyway.

Good luck.

Rachel

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russ

russ

Posted
Posted
Thanks but I ask FLO the question as they sell that model but I got a reply from Martin today:

"...The focuser will not fit I'm afraid, we dont stock anything that will, ( a google search may find someone who does something suitable)...."

But I cant find anything on Google :icon_eek:

I'm a little puzzled why FLO (or any of the other suppliers) said the Autofocuser won't fit? Hmm the focuser on the SLT102 is identical down to the last screw as the focuser on the Skywatcher Startravel and Evostar 102? I would put that to them again because that doesn't sound right at all. I'm 99.9% confident you are good to go fitting the Autofocus to the SLT 102.

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russ

russ

Posted
Posted

Just to confirm, had a quick look on Cloudynights and the Skywatcher Autofocus and Orion Accufocus are 100% compatible with the SLT102. :icon_eek:

Here's a link:

Telescope Reviews: Accessories for NexStar 102 SLT?

It's just the bog standard Synta rack & pinion focuser. Same as fitted to the Skywatcher, Orion, Helios etc. The same 4 screw arrangement underneath and the same focus wheels. Don't be deterred, it will work.

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russ

russ

Posted
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Got an email back from Martin and he has said that I can buy the Skywatcher one from FLO and product test it. If it does not fit/work accuratly with this scope then it can be returned for a refund. What great customer service :D

That's great service from FLO. :icon_eek:

I think you'll be fine though. I found a few more links with people who have successfully fitted the Autofocus to the SLT 102. Besides, i have had the Autofocus fitted to my Nexstar 80, it's the same focuser. Let us know how you get on. :evil6:

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  • 4 years later...
ngwillym

ngwillym

Posted
Posted

That's great service from FLO. :icon_salut:

I think you'll be fine though. I found a few more links with people who have successfully fitted the Autofocus to the SLT 102. Besides, i have had the Autofocus fitted to my Nexstar 80, it's the same focuser. Let us know how you get on. :)

What was the outcome? I've just picked up an SLT 102 and am also looking for an electric focusser?

Thanks in advance

Neil

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Dave In Vermont

Dave In Vermont

Posted
Posted

Look under the Celestron Refractors for the correct one for your 102: MOTOFOCUS for Celestron Refractors:

http://www.jmitelescopes.com/buy_motofocus.htm#Celestron%20Refractors

And there it is. JMI makes excellent and durable motorized-focusers. I've had one on my 127mm refractor since 2003. Still working perfectly. And I have another one on it's way.

Clear Skies,

Dave

post-38438-0-22988400-1429581344.jpg

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ngwillym

ngwillym

Posted
Posted

OK, to settle this once and for all - Yes it does fit a Celestron SLT 102 - here's how its done - with pictures

My Celestron and the bits that arrive in the focuser box:-

Ww 04271

 You'l see the hand controller, the motor itself, two different mounting brackets and a small bag with allen keys, screws and a small black tube like thing - this is a very important part!!

Ww 04276

I'm assuming that all the 102 SLT have the same focuser, with the screws as shown

Ww 04274

Firstly remove the focuser know of the scope by undoing one screw. Note the knob itself may be hard to remove - so be careful

Ww 04275

Next - remove the silver (aluminium) part from the motor by undoing the allen bolt

Ww 04277

slide the small black tube thing onto the focuser shaft and tighten the allen bolt

Then slide the focus motor onto the other end of the small black tube thing

Ww 04279

Use the smaller of the two mounting brackets to attach to the scope. You'll only need to undo the two screws on the focuser  nearest the motor to fit the bracket. And then use the two silver screws and washers to attach the motor to the mounting bracket

Ww 04278

Ww 04281

Put a battery in the hand controller, wire the controller to the motor and away you go

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ngwillym

ngwillym

Posted
Posted

OK, to settle this once and for all - Yes it does fit a Celestron SLT 102 - here's how its done - with pictures

My Celestron and the bits that arrive in the focuser box:-

Ww 04271

 You'l see the hand controller, the motor itself, two different mounting brackets and a small bag with allen keys, screws and a small black tube like thing - this is a very important part!!

Ww 04276

I'm assuming that all the 102 SLT have the same focuser, with the screws as shown

Ww 04274

Firstly remove the focuser know of the scope by undoing one screw. Note the knob itself may be hard to remove - so be careful

Ww 04275

Next - remove the silver (aluminium) part from the motor by undoing the allen bolt

Ww 04277

slide the small black tube thing onto the focuser shaft and tighten the allen bolt

Then slide the focus mtor onto the other end of the small black tube thing

Ww 04279

Use the smaller of the two mounting brackets to attach to the scope. You'll only need to undo the two screws on the focuser  nearest the motor to fit the bracket. And then use the two silver screws and washers to attach the motor to the mounting bracket

Ww 04278

Ww 04281

Put a battery in the hand controller, wire the controller to the motor and away you go

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