Can't reach focus on terrestial objects...

[emadmoussa]

Collimation is spot on, but haven't be successful in testing scope on terrestrial objects. I am looking at some high trees about half a mile away but can't bring them into focus...are they too close for my SW 12" Flextube and tnat is why I can't reach focus?

Frankly last thing I want to do is set up tonight and find out I still cant focus on stars...

Im using moonlite focuser with standard 50mm travel and one plate.

Has anybody had a similar problem? It is a first for me...

[Moonshane]

you'd need to bring out the focus with an extension tube for such close objects. the sky is effectively at inifinity so should be within range. until you set it up and test the focus position (on the sky) you cannot test it.

[emadmoussa]

Indeed, I felt it needed more back travel. But if on the sky is OK then..who cares about terrestrial objects. I was simply trying to align the finders.

here is the focuser set up. For me everything seems correct. Im hoping ...

[Moonshane]

should be OK. I never align finders until I gout out at night, although I have the far easier spring loaded standard 9x50 RACIs and telrads.

[John]

should be OK. I never align finders until I gout out at night, although I have the far easier spring loaded standard 9x50 RACIs and telrads.

Thats how I do it too. 

Do you have a Telrad / Rigel as well as the optical finder eMad ?

Maybe it's hiding behind that big optical one ?

[emadmoussa]

I actually find the spring finders quite a pain to align. Ah well..I'll stick the Rigel finder now and wait for some clear sky. Thanks, Shane!

[emadmoussa]

Thats how I do it too. 

Do you have a Telrad / Rigel as well as the optical finder eMad ?

Maybe it's hiding behind that big optical one ?

Yep, will add the Rigel shortly. I had to let go of the Telrad as it added weight and had a big foot print.

[Moonshane]

vive la difference I suppose.

[umadog]

should be OK. I never align finders until I gout out at night, although I have the far easier spring loaded standard 9x50 RACIs and telrads.

Yeah, me too. Never understood why I should set up during the day to align a finder

[emadmoussa]

Yeah, me too. Never understood why I should set up during the day to align a finder

Im awkwatd enough in daylight...imagine what could happen in the dark

[Daniel-K]

What size travel did you get on the moonlight focuser? With my 14" flexi u have the standard focuser and need an extension tube for 2"ep but the 1.25" are ok

[emadmoussa]

50mm. I still got another plate though. Damn, half my EPs are 2". Which extension did you get, Dan?

[bingevader]

Daytime alignment is a very good technique for newbies, but becomes second nature after a while. The Skyliner finder shoe is pants, but it does mean you can just give it a little twist to align rather than using the screws! 

[emadmoussa]

Daytime aligning is only a facilitation technique and you only do it once. Then you precision align once out.

[Daniel-K]

Not sure what one it is .looks like one that came with my sw CC. I found it in my box of adapters I have. Im not keen on using the extension though as it makes the ep stick out loads.

[emadmoussa]

Humm..surprisingly only my ES 100-deg 2" eyepieces reached focus...none of the 1.25" televues or hyperions was successful. I wonder if adding the extra plate will help? Not keen on extension tubes either.

[Daniel-K]

This may be just me but I find that if I have pushed the primary mirror to far up trying to collimate then I find it difficult to get focus