Upgrading my focuser

[stephec]

I have this Skywatcher 150 with a 1.25 focuser, the hole centres of the screws on the horizontal across the top are approx 68mm, and I'd like to fit a dual speed focuser to it. 

I've contacted the UK importers who say they have nothing available, does anyone know of anything that might do the job? 

[Alan64]

I have a 150mm f/5, just like your own, with a 1.25" as well...

If you're wanting to fit a 2" dual-speed, the existing secondary-mirror may not fully illuminate 2" eyepieces.  When going from a 1.25" focusser to a 2", it is assumed that 2" eyepieces will be used.  The secondary-mirror may need to be larger for that usage, hence, replaced in addition.  Of course, that can always be postponed, or omitted if using only 1.25" eyepieces with the micro-focus...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000256486538.html?pdp_npi=2%40dis!USD!US %24119.19!%24113.23!!!!!%402103222516697607147454503ea13d!10000001045732238!btf&_t=pvid%3A91d01b78-d1cb-4bc0-a24b-e64ff8482d0d&afTraceInfo=4000256486538__pc__pcBridgePPC__xxxxxx__1669760715&spm=a2g0o.ppclist.product.mainProduct&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt

[louizi]

I wish I have something like this

[imakebeer]

This doesn't answer your question but while searching for something else I stumbled upon this article on Astro Baby's website which might at least help you get the most out of your current focuser:

https://www.astro-baby.com/Skywatcher Focuser Tune up/Skywatcher Focuser Tune-up.htm

🔭👍

[stephec]

On 30/11/2022 at 11:38, imakebeer said:

This doesn't answer your question but while searching for something else I stumbled upon this article on Astro Baby's website which might at least help you get the most out of your current focuser:

https://www.astro-baby.com/Skywatcher Focuser Tune up/Skywatcher Focuser Tune-up.htm

🔭👍

That looks like a good idea, I've got exactly the same grease lying around from my cycling days. 

Edited December 1, 2022 by stephec

[Alan64]

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/314294-the-synta-wonky-plastic-focusser-fix/

...no slop, and butter-smooth.

 

[wookie1965]

You can also get a lacerta 10:1 upgrade 

https://www.365astronomy.com/lacerta-dual-speed-1-10-microfocus-upgrade-kit-for-skywatcher-crayford-focusers?path=119_416

[PeterStudz]

1 hour ago, wookie1965 said:

You can also get a lacerta 10:1 upgrade 

https://www.365astronomy.com/lacerta-dual-speed-1-10-microfocus-upgrade-kit-for-skywatcher-crayford-focusers?path=119_416

I’m not sure that the Lacerta will fit that focuser. Eg looking at the picture the focus locking thumb screw is on the opposite side. 

[wookie1965]

1 hour ago, PeterStudz said:

I’m not sure that the Lacerta will fit that focuser. Eg looking at the picture the focus locking thumb screw is on the opposite side. 

You can fit these left or right 

[Ed the Fox]

 Wanted a dual focuser in my 130m.  Im not sure if the focuser on the 150 has a thread on the very end of it as my 130m has but I purchased one of these to solve my problem. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-125-to-364mm-helical-focuser-fits-vixen-thread.html

I hope this helps.

[PeterStudz]

54 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

You can fit these left or right 

Indeed, I have a Lacerta. But is his focuser even a Crayford? The Skywatcher Crayford on my 200p has a distance of 85mm between its fixing screws. The OP says his are 65mm. It could be a rack and pinion like this…

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-1252-rack-pinion-focuser.html

If it’s a Crayford then the Lacerta should fit and would be a good solution. If not then it won’t!

Edited December 7, 2022 by PeterStudz

[stephec]

5 hours ago, PeterStudz said:

Indeed, I have a Lacerta. But is his focuser even a Crayford? The Skywatcher Crayford on my 200p has a distance of 85mm between its fixing screws. The OP says his are 65mm. It could be a rack and pinion like this…

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-1252-rack-pinion-focuser.html

If it’s a Crayford then the Lacerta should fit and would be a good solution. If not then it won’t!

That's what it is, but a 1.25 size only. 

 

I like the look of the Lacerta but it says for 200mm and above, mine's only a 150mm.