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Help with moonlite

geordie85

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geordie85

geordie85

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Hi

I need some help with my moonlite focuser. When I bought a used flt98 it came with a moonlite focuser which was silky smooth and performed flawlessly. But recently its pretty much stopped racking out, even with nothing attached. 

I've tried loosening and tightening the compression screws but to no avail. 

Has anyone else had this problem or know of a way to fix it. 

Thanks 

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geordie85

geordie85

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23 minutes ago, Skipper Billy said:

Sounds like cracked bearings to me - very easy to do.

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAr93gBRDSARIsADvHiOrc_68WALJsyZK5-mObG8sfB_kyZYUEcxSKQy2k9c9kAXFhQKIVdK8aAl47EALw_wcB

will be your friend!

I hope not. I'm absolutely terrible with small fiddly bits and have more so have no idea how to fix small fiddly bits. I should also add completely clueless. 

There was a very small metal piece that just fell out of it. I've tried to take a clear picture but it is very small. 

DSC_2637.JPG

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Stu

Stu

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6 hours ago, geordie85 said:

I hope not. I'm absolutely terrible with small fiddly bits and have more so have no idea how to fix small fiddly bits. I should also add completely clueless. 

There was a very small metal piece that just fell out of it. I've tried to take a clear picture but it is very small. 

DSC_2637.JPG

Unfortunately it looks like Skipper B might be right :(

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AdeKing

AdeKing

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When you remove the bearing(s) be very careful that you don't lose the really thin shims which are between the bearing and the focuser body, they are paper thin.

See this link for details.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.focuser.com/media/Downloads/Service/MoonLite%20Focuser%20Bearing%20Replacement%20Procedure.docx&ved=2ahUKEwj1yea06ajfAhUGNOwKHSjVBMoQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw3HdOxy3tan_5yo4F-Kav8O

 

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geordie85

geordie85

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Cracked bearings is definitely correct. 

5 hours ago, AdeKing said:

When you remove the bearing(s) be very careful that you don't lose the really thin shims which are between the bearing and the focuser body, they are paper thin.

See this link for details.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.focuser.com/media/Downloads/Service/MoonLite%20Focuser%20Bearing%20Replacement%20Procedure.docx&ved=2ahUKEwj1yea06ajfAhUGNOwKHSjVBMoQFjAAegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw3HdOxy3tan_5yo4F-Kav8O

 

Thank you for this link, without it I would not have realised I've been looking in the wrong place for the problem. I was looking Inside the focuser where the knobs and bar connect to the drawer tube. 

DSC_2638.JPG

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geordie85

geordie85

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28 minutes ago, Skipper Billy said:

If you aren't comfortable making the repair yourself I think Rother Valley Optics do small repairs.

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/services.html

 

Thanks for the heads up. As the bearings are on the outside, I'll give it a try. I've sent moonlite focusers an email asking what size bearings I'd need. 

Hopefully I'll have a reply and be fixed before the next clear night, which isn't in the foreseeable future at the moment. 

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Skipper Billy

Skipper Billy

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They will probably be Imperial sizes as Moonlite is an American company - you will be able to get them from the link I sent you.

Take a couple of photos of the focuser before you start and take the focuser off the scope - you really dont want to be dropping allen keys etc down the eyepiece hole!

If you cant get them from Simply Bearings then try http://www.dobsonians.co.uk/ hes is the UK importer of Moonlite spare parts.

Attached is a document you might find useful.

You will need Imperial Allen keys - B&Q sell them.

Good luck and dont overtighten the drawtube after you have fixed it!

MoonLite Focuser Bearing Replacement Procedure.docx

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geordie85

geordie85

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Thanks for the links Skipper Billy. I've emailed David as well as moonlite focusers so hopefully I'll have everything sorted and ready to roll in no time. 

Once again this amazing forum and those who reside here have came to a simpletons aid. 

Thank you 

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John

John

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I had the same problem with an older Moonlite unid that came on a used scope. Moonlite supplied me with a new set of bearings for a few dollars. They were relatively easy to fit and the focuser then performed very well indeed (and still does).

 

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geordie85

geordie85

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1 hour ago, John said:

I had the same problem with an older Moonlite unid that came on a used scope. Moonlite supplied me with a new set of bearings for a few dollars. They were relatively easy to fit and the focuser then performed very well indeed (and still does).

 

Thanks. Fingers crossed the same thing will happen for me too. 

Still waiting on a reply 

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geordie85

geordie85

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30 minutes ago, AdeKing said:

These are the bearings that I ordered to replace the ones I managed to crack.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F183568858031

3.99 each despatched from the UK.

Hope this helps, 

Ade

Thanks. I've just ordered 4 so I'll have spares, just in case. 

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geordie85

geordie85

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Well finally after the Xmas rush at work I've been able to sit down and try to replace the bearings. I'm happy to report the process was a success and my moonlite is working flawlessly once again. 

I just hope I haven't introduced any tilt. 

Once again thank you to everyone that commented. 

 

DSC_2895.JPG

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