keef_uk Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 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?CheersKeith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 The Skywatcher auto focuser should fit. The Nexstar 102 and the Skywatcher Startravel 102 are the same ota.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keef_uk Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornelius Varley Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Read this thread on Cloudynights CN FORUMS ARCHIVE Telescope Reviews: Crayford focuser for 102 SLT. The Orion accufocser is mentioned, this is the same as the Skywatcher autofocuser.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keef_uk Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 Thanks Peter - been there too and thought I had stumbled upon the solution. Whats scares me though is the fact the FLO says I wont fit. Dont want to shell out only to find its not a good fit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bat Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 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 ). 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keef_uk Posted January 12, 2011 Author Share Posted January 12, 2011 Clothes peg??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Read this thread on Cloudynights CN FORUMS ARCHIVE Telescope Reviews: Crayford focuser for 102 SLT. The Orion accufocser is mentioned, this is the same as the Skywatcher autofocuser.PeterYes, they are one in the same item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 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 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Just to confirm, had a quick look on Cloudynights and the Skywatcher Autofocus and Orion Accufocus are 100% compatible with the SLT102. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keef_uk Posted January 13, 2011 Author Share Posted January 13, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 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 That's great service from FLO. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngwillym Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 That's great service from FLO. 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 advanceNeil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueAstra Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I've carried out mods using the SW autofocuser on a C8 SCT and a 12V motor on a Meade refractor. The control box of the SW autofocuser can be modified to slow the focus speed.http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/86999-c8-sct-motor-focusser/?hl=%2Bfocusser+%2Bsw#entry1012191 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave In Vermont Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 Look under the Celestron Refractors for the correct one for your 102: MOTOFOCUS for Celestron Refractors:http://www.jmitelescopes.com/buy_motofocus.htm#Celestron%20RefractorsAnd 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngwillym Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 OK, to settle this once and for all - Yes it does fit a Celestron SLT 102 - here's how its done - with picturesMy Celestron and the bits that arrive in the focuser box:- 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!!I'm assuming that all the 102 SLT have the same focuser, with the screws as shownFirstly remove the focuser know of the scope by undoing one screw. Note the knob itself may be hard to remove - so be carefulNext - remove the silver (aluminium) part from the motor by undoing the allen boltslide the small black tube thing onto the focuser shaft and tighten the allen boltThen slide the focus motor onto the other end of the small black tube thingUse 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 bracketPut a battery in the hand controller, wire the controller to the motor and away you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngwillym Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 OK, to settle this once and for all - Yes it does fit a Celestron SLT 102 - here's how its done - with picturesMy Celestron and the bits that arrive in the focuser box:- 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!!I'm assuming that all the 102 SLT have the same focuser, with the screws as shownFirstly remove the focuser know of the scope by undoing one screw. Note the knob itself may be hard to remove - so be carefulNext - remove the silver (aluminium) part from the motor by undoing the allen boltslide the small black tube thing onto the focuser shaft and tighten the allen boltThen slide the focus mtor onto the other end of the small black tube thingUse 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 bracketPut a battery in the hand controller, wire the controller to the motor and away you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngwillym Posted April 23, 2015 Share Posted April 23, 2015 Apologies for the duplicate post - can a mod delete it?thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thalestris24 Posted April 24, 2015 Share Posted April 24, 2015 The SW works fine with an ST80 too, as well as the 150pds Hopefully I'll be able to also fit one to my 130pds - next job on the list!Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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