Essex Stew Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Hi, would it be possible to fit a Auto focuser to a SW BK1309 EQ2 ? This is my first telescope and I'm really enjoying the views, but when trying to get pin sharp focusing the object I'm viewing ends up moving all over the place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronin Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Not sure if one can be fitted but not sure if one would really help.The problem is the movement of the scope when you handle it to adjust focus, since in most instance you will still be touching the scope when you go to look through the eyepiece so the scope will still shake and the image move.The solution is sort of expensive - a more solid mount and better mounting of the scope to the mount.I am afraid that instability is a problem of the EQ2 mount, even the EQ3 is not great and many suggest the EQ5 as a reasonably stable mount to start with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ward Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 The SkyWatcher Autofocuser can be fitted to most of their range , it might just need a little adjustment as far as the mounting bracket is concerned.They are a great help in achieving fine focus , especially on less than rock-solid mounts as you need no physical contact with either the tube or the mount when using them , the focus is adjusted via an attached motor that is operated by a small variable speed handset.I have them fitted onto four of my 'scopes and wouldn't be without them , especially with the additional USB controller that I have that allows extremely precise focus adjustment from the laptop , invaluable where imaging is concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuthton Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 If you're a little bit handy you could build your own. Have a look at the Ascom Arduino focuser thread in the DIY Astronomer section, it's usually knocking about on the first page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Stew Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 Thank you for all your comments :-)I'll take a look at the Ascom Arduino focuser thread. Cheers guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Stew Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 Also Steve, could you tell me how I would remove the right hand side focusing wheel, there isn't a Allen key fitting. Would it be a case of brute force? Thanks. stew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ward Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 They tend to be fitted with Loc-tite , a good grip and a bit of grunt usually frees them ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Stew Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 Thanks for the fast reply Steve. Now I need to man up and give it a good go. I did try yesterday but thought I may break something. Thanks again :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starlight 1 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 With Loc-tite you can warm it up abit if you got rubber round the wheel remove before heating, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Stew Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 Top tip! Thank you Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollypenrice Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 I think we're talking about electric focusers rather than autofocus. Personally I always found electric motor focusers a pain if the eyepieces had significantly different focal lengths. They were so slow to make it to the new position.Autofocus is used in imaging when software measures the focus on the chip and then adjusts the drawtube accordingly.Olly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ward Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Yes Ollie , the never-ending 'confusion' caused by Skywatcher's naming of the product in question ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thalestris24 Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 HiAnyone happen to know what, if any, differences there are between the SW and the more expensive Orion version?ThanksLouise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lensman57 Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 HiAnyone happen to know what, if any, differences there are between the SW and the more expensive Orion version?ThanksLouiseI don't think that all Orion's scopes are sourced from SW.A.G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 The focuser driver/motor controller is identical between Orion and SW - I have both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thalestris24 Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 The focuser driver/motor controller is identical between Orion and SW - I have both.Ah, ok. I thought they probably were. I suppose the Orion is more expensive cos it comes from the States? How do you find them? Do you operate either via usb? It's a pity you can't just by the motor and brackets...ThanksLouise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin66 Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 Yes, I use a Shoestring adaptor to allow remote focusing from the computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thalestris24 Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 Yes, I use a Shoestring adaptor to allow remote focusing from the computer.Ok. I thought I'd build my own usb interfaces especially as I want two of them You'd think they would have designed them with usb in the first place - and supply a longer cable! It does annoy me that so much astro hardware needs modifying or upgrading in order to arrive at a half-decent, working configuration - grr!Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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