EAF AF problem

[Pitch Black Skies]

I've hit an obstacle on my TS 80mm F6. There isn't enough inward focus for my EAF (electronic automatic focuser) to perform an AF (autofocus) routine.

I could solve it by removing the CAA (cameras angle adjuster) but I am then stuck with one fov as everything is threaded together. 

Any suggestions?

Should I swap the .8 reducer for a x1 flattener instead?

Is there a rotator that can thread into the backspacing?

The focus position is a ~5mm gap where the yellow arrow is pointed. 

Edited September 25, 2022 by Pitch Black Skies

[knobby]

If you have 5mm movement available it should work, try using shorter steps in calibration.

Mine only moves about 2mm in and out when focusing, might even be less ?

[Stuart1971]

What is the spacer between the reducer and the filter wheel, could that be removed and or a shorter one added…?

[Pitch Black Skies]

3 minutes ago, knobby said:

If you have 5mm movement available it should work, try using shorter steps in calibration.

Mine only moves about 2mm in and out when focusing, might even be less ?

Nope, tried it. The reducer hits the face of the focuser and I get an error message. 

[knobby]

1 minute ago, Pitch Black Skies said:

Nope, tried it. The reducer hits the face of the focuser and I get an error message. 

How far does the focuser move in ? Surely 5 mm is enough ?

[Pitch Black Skies]

2 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

What is the spacer between the reducer and the filter wheel, could that be removed and or a shorter one added…?

No they're needed for the backfocus.

[Pitch Black Skies]

1 minute ago, knobby said:

How far does the focuser move in ? Surely 5 mm is enough ?

~5mm.

[knobby]

Next time it's clear (🤞🏻) I'll double check but I'm sure on my SW72ed with 0.8 reducer it barely moves in and out while autofocusing using APT.

[Pitch Black Skies]

Thanks, 5mm does sound like too much for it to be moving.

It's already manually focused at that point so only need minor adjustments. 

I do everything through the ASIair app. I will connect the eaf to my laptop to make sure all internal settings are correct. Maybe there's a driver update.

[Pitch Black Skies]

Still facing this unfortunate issue. Really stumped on what I should do. I could remove the rotator but rotating the tube in the rings isn't really ideal, and I don't think I should have to. Surely there's a way.

[whipdry]

Just looking at your problem, the only way is to move the CAA from its present position & place it behind the reducer, if you're really lucky the rear of the reducer will unscrew at the point shown by the orange arrow & reveal a M63x1 thread... maybe you could ask TS

Peter 

Edited October 3, 2022 by whipdry
Add picture

[Pitch Black Skies]

Hi Peter, well spotted. And yes your right, it does indeed have an m63 male thread there. However it increases the backspacing from 55mm to 63.3mm.

I meet my 55mm with a 10mm and 16.5mm extension. 

I've come up with another solution to incorporate an m48 rotator into the backspacing. 

What do you think?

I should mention that there's an EFW between the camera and the 10mm extension. 

Edited October 3, 2022 by Pitch Black Skies

[Pitch Black Skies]

@whipdry To use your method I will need an adapter that is m63 female to m42/T2 male.

I don't know if it's just me but I just can't seem to find one.

[whipdry]

Yes did think you could swop out the CAA as in your second sketch... how about you remove the adapter from the back of the reducer (guess it's female m63 to male m48) fit your existing CAA directly to the back of the reducer, next fit the adapter you removed from the reducer to the CAA (hope it fits) then one of your adapters m48 to t-mount... t-mount to t-mount in the size required to make up back spacing? 

Btw names Peter 

 

[Pitch Black Skies]

Peter, that's a great idea. Thank you for your help. 

I need some time to figure out the backspacing but I'm sure this will work.

Alan