Before I mess it up...2

[TheThing]

If I take out this screw/bolt from the dovetail, will it cause anything to rattle about in the OTA (nut or washer) or is it just a bolt on its own?  SW127 mak.

Thanks.

 

[Captain Scarlet]

If you look through the front corrector plate with a torch you might be able to see? You might be able to tell if a/the nut on the inside is welded or bonded to the tube.

Magnus

Edited October 29, 2022 by Captain Scarlet

[RT65CB-SWL]

Why are you removing the dovetail ?

If you do have to remove it, then I suggest you remove the front and rear cell, so you have a 'naked' tube to work with. You don't want anything rattling about or swarf in the tube and damaging the surfaces. Also, a piece of masking tape at each end, so you can realign them when you reassemble it.

This reminds me to think about/find a [better]solution to attach a dovetail to my 're-modded' ETX105. At the time of posting, the dovetail is secured to the OTA with a pair of self-adhesive lined Jubilee hose rings/clips.

 

Edited October 30, 2022 by Philip R

[TheThing]

I want to add a L shaped bracket to hold a motor focuser.  I won't be removing the dovetail, just taking that bolt out to then bolt the bracket on.  Possibly will have to try a longer bracket and use one of the spare holes  instead.

[LaurenceT]

On 29/10/2022 at 19:23, TheThing said:

I want to add a L shaped bracket to hold a motor focuser.  I won't be removing the dovetail, just taking that bolt out to then bolt the bracket on.  Possibly will have to try a longer bracket and use one of the spare holes  instead.

What motor focuser will you be adding?

[TheThing]

A Skywatcher one (I think, I've had it for may years on my old 6" Newt).

[LaurenceT]

How are you planning to connect the focuser to the Mak127? I tried a few methods that didn't work but eventually found a fellow in Portugal who makes a great 3d printed system.

If you're interested I could post a link to his YouTube channel.

[TheThing]

I'm going to hang the Motor off a L shaped dovetail them use a belt drive and toothed cogs to actually turn the focusing know.  I've seen a YouTube on it, I think from Cloudy Nights, which seems to work quite well.  I struggle to find focus for solar system imaging, even with a clothes peg on the focusing knob. I'm hoping that the motor focuser with an old HiTechAstro controller will do the trick like it used to on my old newt.

 

I would be interested to see the video you suggest though.  Might be easier then trying to find a L shaped bracket long enough but not too heavy!

[LaurenceT]

1 hour ago, TheThing said:

I'm going to hang the Motor off a L shaped dovetail them use a belt drive and toothed cogs to actually turn the focusing know.  I've seen a YouTube on it, I think from Cloudy Nights, which seems to work quite well.  I struggle to find focus for solar system imaging, even with a clothes peg on the focusing knob. I'm hoping that the motor focuser with an old HiTechAstro controller will do the trick like it used to on my old newt.

 

I would be interested to see the video you suggest though.  Might be easier then trying to find a L shaped bracket long enough but not too heavy!

I tried a couple of times with an L bracket and had big problems, I then found this fellow on YT who makes a 3D printed adapter kit that suits Mak127's with a fixed dovetail, just make sure that the orientation of the dovetail on your tube corresponds with the one in this video. If it doesn't then he also makes a kit that is suitable for the other orientation.

 

[TheThing]

Now that is neat!  You have one of those on your scope?  I'm going to drop him an email right now!  Many thanks for sharing that.

[LaurenceT]

The finished product

[TheThing]

That is so neat.  A simple solution to the problem.  Have you had it for long?  How do you find it in use?

[LaurenceT]

I fitted the focuser about a year ago I think.

I decided to fit it to eliminate the annoying trembling in the eyepiece when focusing, it works very well.

[TheThing]

So, I've e-mailed Vasco and was pleasantly surprised at the price of the bracket etc.  I've ordered one this morning and he thinks he'll be able to post it out tomorrow.  Pretty good service.  I'll update once received.

 

[TheThing]

So it has arrived and is a great bit of kit.  Can't wait to try it out now!