Fettling my Tal-100R

[Dave_D]

Hey all, been a long time... new house... major refurbishment, but still a little bit of time to play astronomy (and soon, after far too many years, a permanent obsy).

Anyway, the old focuser on my 10" newt got damaged and the spindle snapped. Its still functional, but not when it's got a camera attached.

The focuser was a leaving present when i worked at Jodrell Bank so there's no way i'm going to get rid of it so thought i'd stick it on my Tal-100R.

Bit od 3D printing and an adaptor is in place. I's basically a tight push-fit so in order to align the focuser, I'm basically tapping it with a mallet lol

Once the laser is central, i'll glue the focuser to the adaptor.

Anyone see a problem with this. The Tal is for purely visual.

 

Using the old focuser with a cap where the objective would be.

Edited March 26, 2022 by Dave_D

[Trevor PC]

Hello Dave 

I have just bought a Tal 100r, I am enquiring if you know if other diagonals than the original Tal supplied can be used.

The other issue being the use of non Tal Barlow lenses with the original diagonal, have you any information on this.

I am interested in how you have progressed with the change, and if it has been successfull. 

I have been directed to this thread by another member, and would like to know why you have made the change? 

Many thanks

Trevor 

 

[Dave_D]

2 hours ago, Trevor PC said:

Hello Dave 

I have just bought a Tal 100r, I am enquiring if you know if other diagonals than the original Tal supplied can be used.

The other issue being the use of non Tal Barlow lenses with the original diagonal, have you any information on this.

I am interested in how you have progressed with the change, and if it has been successfull. 

I have been directed to this thread by another member, and would like to know why you have made the change? 

Many thanks

Trevor 

 

I've never seen another diagonal that could be used with the original focuser to be honest... it's an odd design, but at least it takes 1 1/4" eyepieces so i would assume any 1 1/4" barlow would work. The Tal diagonal though seems as good as any and I would assume it's up to the same standard as the rest of the optics.

As to the 'why', well, basically because i could  

It's been quite successful, focusing is far easier and accurate than with the original rack-and-pinion focuser, plus, i can check collimation with my glatter laser.

 

[Trevor PC]

Hello Dave

As always thanks for responding.

So you don't use it for astronomy any more, what did you do with the original focuser,  and you still use the original tripod.

And lastly did you have any light issues around the original baffles?

As always many thanks

Trevor 

 

[Dave_D]

51 minutes ago, Trevor PC said:

Hello Dave

As always thanks for responding.

So you don't use it for astronomy any more, what did you do with the original focuser,  and you still use the original tripod.

And lastly did you have any light issues around the original baffles?

As always many thanks

Trevor 

 

I've got the original focuser and EQ head stored away in case i find a use for them in the future. I'm still using the original tripod as it's great and stable with a Vixen GP head and eq5 upgrade  on it for my Tal 100R and OO 150mm scopes, I call it my Frankenstein mount lol

Can't say I've had any issues with the baffles

[Trevor PC]

Hello Dave

As always thanks for responding.

Looks like a very good setup, have you a photo of the original focuser you could share with me?

As always many thanks.

Trevor 

[Dave_D]

52 minutes ago, Trevor PC said:

Hello Dave

As always thanks for responding.

Looks like a very good setup, have you a photo of the original focuser you could share with me?

As always many thanks.

Trevor 

 

[Starman18]

Nice job! I have a 100RS going to my Granddaughter (1/2 Russian).  She is TALL  for her 12 years.

[wookie1965]

Just to jump on this how hard was it to align the focuser once you swapped it. I'm thinking of using a skywatcher dual focuser with mine I just need a adapter plate making do you think this would be easy to do please. 

Best Wishes 

Paul 

[Dave_D]

On 05/07/2022 at 16:13, wookie1965 said:

Just to jump on this how hard was it to align the focuser once you swapped it. I'm thinking of using a skywatcher dual focuser with mine I just need a adapter plate making do you think this would be easy to do please. 

Best Wishes 

Paul 

it was actually quite easy, if you look at the last picture on my original post, i put the original focuser with a plastic cap on the tube at the objective end, then put my glatter laser into the new focuser without the diagonal and adjusted it to centre the laser in the plastic cap. i then did the same with the diagonal fitted and adjusted the alignment screws in the diagonal (thats why i like the Tal diagonal)

seems to work just fine.

of course i trust the accurace of my glatter laser.

[wookie1965]

9 minutes ago, Dave_D said:

it was actually quite easy, if you look at the last picture on my original post, i put the original focuser with a plastic cap on the tube at the objective end, then put my glatter laser into the new focuser without the diagonal and adjusted it to centre the laser in the plastic cap. i then did the same with the diagonal fitted and adjusted the alignment screws in the diagonal (thats why i like the Tal diagonal)

seems to work just fine.

of course i trust the accurace of my glatter laser.

Did you make the adapter plate yourself.?

[Dave_D]

18 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

Did you make the adapter plate yourself.?

yeah, it's literally just a push fit cylinder with a lip at one end so it can be pushed square into the tube.

 

[wookie1965]

10 minutes ago, Dave_D said:

yeah, it's literally just a push fit cylinder with a lip at one end so it can be pushed square into the tube.

 

If I get a focuser could you make me one I will pay for all materials and time, as you live not to far if you are agreeable I could pop down and if you didn't mind help me fit it please. 

[Dave_D]

13 hours ago, wookie1965 said:

If I get a focuser could you make me one I will pay for all materials and time, as you live not to far if you are agreeable I could pop down and if you didn't mind help me fit it please. 

i'm sure something could be arranged

[wookie1965]

10 hours ago, Dave_D said:

i'm sure something could be arranged

Thank you I will let you know when I get a focuser.

[Starman18]

Enjoy following this ! Wife "informed" me the 100RS will be too heavy for Tamara. Lucky found another Russian 4" (wish) Reflector in Garage to substitute once get a finder!