Attachign QHY5 to ST80

[kirkster501]

Hello guys,

How would one connect a QHY5 camera to the ST80 please? Also, is a 1.25 extender required to achieve focus in the absence of using a diagonal on the ST80?

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/startravel/skywatcher-startravel-80-ota.html

I'd much prefer a "screw in" solution if it were possible. I am not happy with the systems with two screws and no compression ring so i woudl rather avoid that if possible, even if it cost a few quid more....

Thanks and Regards, Steve

[Photosbykev]

you will need a short extension, somewhere between 25-50mm

[kirkster501]

RTFM

And I see that an extender *is* required.

Still would prefer a screw in mechanism so all the bits in the train from focuser to QHY5 are screwed together..... Not too sure about that maybe its not possible.

Thanks, Steve

[IanL]

Unscrewing the lens from a 1.25" Barlow works as an interim measure, screw that to the ST80 and use the supplied nosepiece in the eyepiece end of the Barlow. Doesn't meet your all screw-fit requirement, but better than the hopeless thumbscrews on the stock ST80 focuser if you are stuck for an appropriate extension tube.

[martin_h]

Sorry I'm a bit late to this topic...you can directly connect a QHY5 to an ST80....remove the nose from the QHY and you will have a T thread....there is a T thread on the end of the ST80 focuser, att you need is an extender (50 - 70 mm) to fit between.

I have an adjustable spacer in mine - only because I had one kicking about.

[Gina]

That's what I do with mine - with a fixed T2 extension.

[RikM]

I use a dead Meade Barlow with the lens element removed.

[ollypenrice]

I needed 2 dead barlows araldited together for the Lodestar. I don't feel there's any great danger of flexure with push fit myself and have never found any, but clearly screw fit is better. (I won't have compression rings at any price anywhere, though. They're an accident waiting to happen, not compatible between makes and prone to half-snagging as you take out an EP or camera.)

The ST80 has two other possible flexure points; the focuser drawtube itself (so screw the lockscrew down hard and leave it since good focus isn't desirable for guiding anyway.)

The other thing to check is that the focuser assembly's three radial screws through the main tube at the back are tight. They can be a little slack sometimes.

Good guiding setup. Have fun.

Olly

[Earl]

I used 2 x 30mm T-Thread extensions when I was using a ST80

[kirkster501]

I would like an extension that screws onto the focuser, not pushed on and held using those stupid two screws. Is there an extender that can screw onto the 2" focuser do you know guys? So that would be a compete screw in solution right? QHY5 screws onto extender that screws onto focuser...

[kirkster501]

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/t2-extension-tube-set.html

Would these do it guys?

Steve

[RikM]

Yes, or these. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adaptors/baader-t2-extension-tube.html

My barlow/spacer adds about 42mm but I normally use mine for solar imaging and I have a couple of filters in there which might move the focus position back a bit.

[kirkster501]

Just for completeness for anyone googling this subject...

I got this working great. I bought a 40mm T2 extension. I unscrewed the nosepiece off the QHY5 and screwed it directly into this extension. The extension then screws directly onto the threads of the ST80 stock focuser. i.e. focuser<>extension<>QHY5. A total screw in solution - which I like. The QHY5 just reaches focus with the focuser completely out. Ideally another 10mm or so would be nice to give a little "play" but it is not essential and my guiding worked fine with the above.

Rgds, Steve

[Gina]

I used a 60mm extension same way. Nice and solid