Skywatcher Auto Focuser cable mod

[m37]

Hi all

Just thought I would share my latest bit of DIY.

If anyone has the excellent Skywatcher 'Auto' Focuser but finds the curly cable a bit short, I found that I had trouble finding a long enough RJ9 cable. I bought an RJ11 cable which seems to have the same pin positioning but has a larger plastic plug body on each end.

I cut the clip bit off with a craft knife then took to each side of the plug with some 120 grit sandpaper. I managed to sand enough off so it fits snugly without forcing the socket on the hand control or motor body.

I now have a 10m cable that works perfectly.

Oh, and the plastic dust was quite fine so I cleaned the plugs and contacts with some lens cleaner solution and a bit of tissue so there were no little grains floating around in the socket.

cheers

Christoph.