Mark Raishbrook

Yes, that's what meant. He did a polar align (dovetail aligned E/W so you can use the polar scope), then put the telescope on the mount but left it in the E/W position when using the hand controller. That wouldn't explain it being pointed down at the ground, though. There are two other possible solutions in an SGL thread from 2009 (see below). The first only applies if you installed your own GoTo kit on a non-GoTo mount and connected the RA and Dec cables the wrong way round. The second is possibly the most likely cause: a software issue. You may have the latest driver, but that doesn't mean the driver software is properly installed. It may not have downloaded correctly (data loss) and/or the memory section it's living in may be damaged. If a few bytes of code are corrupt or missing, the handset may appear to function properly but could get messed up when certain functions are run.

The problem/solution was this: You know the scope dove tail on the mount has to be at right angles to the actual mount so you can see through the polar scope to do your polar alignment . Well, on one occasion I forgot to return it to the proper position after attaching the scope and before using the hand set. I got a result similar to that which you have described. Does that make sense?

Just a quick update in case anybody else has the same problem in the future. Larger washers didn't help, so I made a gasket out of foam insulation tape (the sort you use for windows and doors). The base plate sits on the gasket - and the gaps are gone! Thanks to Martin at FLO for the tip!

Many thanks, Skipper Billy. I shall give that a go in the morning.

I never overtightened the original focuser, but I did commit a cardinal sin a few years ago and put the scope on the mount without the counterweights attached. Bang! I guess that's the what caused the peaks. I'll try some larger washers - thanks for the idea. If it's still not flush, I guess I can fill/cover the gap with something.

Interestingly (and rather worryingly), if I move the curve adaptor a couple of inches down (next to the OTA focuser hole rather than over it), it's completely flush (more pics below). It's only when it's positioned correctly that it isn't meeting the OTA correctly. And that suggests a problem with the scope tube itself, correct? Anything I can do to remedy the situation (apart from panel beating)?

Not a stupid question at all, but yes I did. I bought the 8" Moonlite installation kit (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/moonlite-focusers/moonlite-installation-kit-for-newtonian-focusers.html) for it. I guess in my rush to get it installed I must have used the wrong holes. I think I'll take it off and try again.

My new Moonlite CR2 focuser arrived this morning (and what a gorgeous looking thing it is!). I've just spent the last 90 minutes mounting it on my Sky-watcher 200PDS. The fiddly (understatement of the year) bit was trying to attach the small head bolts to the curved adaptor plate. I eventually ended up following someone's advice on CN and made a paper template, which made finding the right holes a lot easier. It's now finally installed, but (there's always a but) the curved adapter isn't completely flush to the OTA, as you can see from the pics. Does this mean I've actually used the wrong holes or is this normal?