Pilots View

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this so far. I have spent a few hours sanding down. It’s the ridge that’s causing problems. It was about 0.25mm and has now largely gone. I’m not there yet though, still sanding! I will need to replace some of that black paint afterwards...

I’m after a little advice from anyone who has replaced the stock focuser the Skywatcher ED80. I’ve just bought a replacement focuser from FLO (the Dual-Speed 2" Crayford Focuser for Sky-Watcher Refractors). I have attempted to fit it to the scope but I’m unable to lineup the holes for the three screws, not laterally but depth wise. The focuser sits about 1-2mm proud of the telescope tube when fully in. As a result only half of each hole is visible and I am therefore unable to put the screws in place. Inside the telescope tube there is a very small ridge which may be preventing the focuser from going in any further. Does anyone please know of a solution to this? i attach a couple of photos for reference.

I have been happily using my Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 quite happily for a few years. However, whilst attempting to calibrate my mount on a guide star in PHD2, PHD2 returned the following error: "Advisory: Calibration successful but little south movement was measured, so guiding may be impaired. This is usually caused by very large Dec backlash or other problems with the mount mechanics." I have done a star cross test and produced this image. Is this a mechanical problem?