Old blue tube Explorer 200P questions

[dyfiastro]

Hi everyone

I have just purchased an older 8" Newt (older blue explorer 200p I think is the correct model) to build up a dob and also for use with the HEQ5 when needed.
Unlike my 130PDS this seems to have an older style R&P focuser.
Can anyone give me any advise on what adaptor is needed to attach a DSLR and Baader CC directly to the focuser.
From what I can tell the tube is a none standard fitment and I cannot seem to find the correct adaptor needed.
The inside of the focuser tube measures about 60mm. Any info or advise would be great.
I did notice that Modern astronomy do one with an M54 thread but I am not sure if this is the correct one.
Here is a photo of the focuser and standard adaptor, my standard 2" ones do not fit
This is very much going to be a project so any tip or advise would be great.

Thanks in advance for any help or advise.

Mark

[cuivenion]

The Baader CC should fit in the 2" eyepiece holder, so you can connect your dslr to the scope this way. If you unscrew the top off the 1.25 eyepiece adapter you should be able to connect the dslr via a T ring. You won't be able to use the CC then of course. I have the same scope and although the focuser looks a little different hopefully those options are still there. I don't know if you can reach focus with a dslr with either of these methods though. I purchased a low profile 2" eyepiece holder from Astroboot so hopefully I'll be OK.

[dyfiastro]

Thanks for the reply.

I have the 2" adaptor but not the 1.25" adaptor. I am going to have to test it tomorrow to see if the 2" adaptor will allow me to obtain focus but my suspicion is that it will put the camera too far back. I was hoping to get a low profile adaptor that would replace the screw fitting on the tube like you can get for the Crayford focusers.

[John]

Would this adapter be any use ?. It screws straight into the top of the aluminum drawtube giving you a "low profile" 2" push fit connection:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/flo-compression-ring-adapter-for-skywatcher-newtonians-m54.html

[dyfiastro]

1 minute ago, John said:

Would this adapter be any use ?. It screws straight into the top of the aluminum drawtube giving you a "low profile" 2" push fit connection:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/flo-compression-ring-adapter-for-skywatcher-newtonians-m54.html

Thanks for the link. I did see that one and also the the one on the modern astronomy website. I am not sure if this focuser uses the M54 thread however, if anyone can confirm this then the adaptor would solve the problem.

[John]

5 minutes ago, dyfiastro said:

Thanks for the link. I did see that one and also the the one on the modern astronomy website. I am not sure if this focuser uses the M54 thread however, if anyone can confirm this then the adaptor would solve the problem.

Your scope is a Skywatcher newtonian so it's likely that it will fit. I'm sure First Light Optics would advise though.

[dyfiastro]

I have just been out to the observatory and taken the threaded adaptor from my 130PDS off to see if it was the same, its not.
The threaded adaptor on this is a fair amount larger than than the crayford adaptor from my 130.

[John]

26 minutes ago, dyfiastro said:

I have just been out to the observatory and taken the threaded adaptor from my 130PDS off to see if it was the same, its not.
The threaded adaptor on this is a fair amount larger than than the crayford adaptor from my 130.

Sounds like what is needed is a much shorter version of the 2" adapter that you already have (the 2nd pic you posted)

I'm sure I've seen these for sale somewhere but I can't recall where just now. I'll get back to you if it comes to me.

[dyfiastro]

Just now, John said:

Sounds like what is needed is a much shorter version of the 2" adapter that you already have (the 2nd pic you posted)

I'm sure I've seen these for sale somewhere but I can't recall where just now. I'll get back to you if it comes to me.

Thankyou very much. If it comes to it I may end up replacing the focuser, If I can find a short term solution I would however be very happy.