Skywatcher Auto Focusser

[EssexGazer]

Hi there. This is my first post, but I've been skulking on here for ages:) Does anyone know if you can get an auto focusser for a Skywatcher 130 PM AZ Goto? I am not sure if this would work?

Misc’ - SkyWatcher Auto Focuser

I could phone FLO I suppose, but I thought I would ask here first.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

[rowan46]

welcome to sgl, I noticed on the link that it says the 150 is the smallest explorer it will fit

[russ.will]

What does AF do, beyond motorise the focussing? It doesn't actually AF so what's the point?

Cheers

Russell

[lukebl]

What does AF do, beyond motorise the focussing? It doesn't actually AF so what's the point?

That's true, it doesn't autofocus! But it does enable you to focus the scope without touching it, thus reducing vibration and making focussing a lot easier and accurate. Particularly important when imaging.

[Stargazer Jack]

I would like to know the same but for my 130M (basically the same) because the scope moves a lot when I touch it to focus

[JamesM]

Sadly its not the scope's fault but the mount/tripod. One idea is that you could try suspending some weight from the tripod's spreader plate or its connections to help settle the vibrations down, in a similar fashion to when you are attempting to steady a photographic tripod.

James

[russ.will]

Thanks.

Russell

[stargazerlily]

I use a SW auto focuser on my 150PL. It certainly does cut down on the vibrations when changing the focus especially at high magnifications (you are not touching the scope).

A trap I fell into was to place the hand set actually on top if the OTA after focusing. Guess what ... lots of vibrations. If you can, don't put the hand set onto the OTA, put it into a top jacket pocket or something.

Pete

[Stargazer Jack]

Why does the model numbers start at the 150 and so on? Isn't it just the same telescope just bigger?