Hands free focuser

[paracelsus]

After getting annoyed with my clumsy hands shaking the scope when focusing I've been wondering how much improvement there'd be with a better quality focuser. On searching I saw a hands free focuser for £45. This seems like a great idea and a lot cheaper than a new Crayford, but you know the old saying.... "when something looks too good to be true, it usually is".

How good are these devices. Will it work satisfactorily with the basic focuser on my Skywatcher 150p or will I end up having to get a decent Crayford as well.

Thanks in advance

[Bizibilder]

I assume you mean one of these: First Light Optics - SkyWatcher Auto Focuser They do work (My own is self-made but the principle is the same) The electronic focusser allows you to focus without causing the scop to vibrate/shake about so you can see what is going on!

The better quality focussers will still have the vibration problem - when hand operated - but do generally allow a much finer "touch" that allows you to find that "perfect" spot much more easily. However you have to consider whether or not you can justify the cost of some of them!!

[Neil McRae]

Battery Free Electric Focuser

If you can do a little DIY try this it worked for me

Neil

[Demonperformer]

Thanks for that link, Neil. I have been thinking of doing something similar [especially since buying a 3x barlow which makes accurate focussing inncreasingly difficult], and knew I had seen this before, but had been unable to find the link.

[Merlin66]

I use the SW focuser motor on the ED80 for solar, and the C11 for spectroscopy. Works well.

[paracelsus]

Thanks guys. Obviously a better quality focuser and a hands free system is the best option but the hands free solves my immediate problem. Clever idea the battery free setup. Shouldn't there be a special page for these great tips... or is this it?

[jimmyjamjoejoe]

I've been in the same boat, and after asking around people are of the general opinion that motorized focusers are great, but can be very slow. This only really makes a difference if you're switching from long to short eyepieces, adding barlows etc, but generally, it's a pretty small drawback considering the gains.

[michaelmorris]

Yes they are slow. However, the smooth precise focussing is a real boon. I now have three scopes and have electric focussers on two and am planning to get an electric focuser for the third in the next few weeks.

[Neil McRae]

I find the best and fastest way is to get my focus just about correct then use the sevo focuser for refining it.

Neil

[nightfisher]

Battery Free Electric Focuser

If you can do a little DIY try this it worked for me

Neil

this is the system i use on my tal100, it works very well

[paracelsus]

Where can I get those servers? I'd like to have a go at the DIY

[Demonperformer]

Servo Shop

from £2.49 each upwards