Jump to content

Narrowband

Problems with Antares Speers Waler - Focusing


Recommended Posts

So there I was, all set up for SGL5 with my latest Obay purchase - the 17mm 82deg ASW lens. It looked a beauty.

  • Darkness fell...
  • Warming tea to stave off the rapidly cooling temperatures.....
  • Dobsonian ready.....
  • Eyepiece in and (as it looked so pretty) quick peek at the Moon.

Eh ? :)Why can't I get focus ?

Rack in / rack out... no, still no focus :D

Try in Dobservers 12", but still no joy. Try in Reece's 8" dob and "yes" we have image. and it looked perfect at that. Absolutely cracking.

Speaking with Andrew* later on at SGL 5 he mentioned he had some troubles like that as well and recommended a low-profile focuser.

I tried a barlow lens and it now allowed me to focus, but it took the focal length to a level that I didn't want. So, is there a way to get round this ? I'm assuming that it's a feature and not a fault, but wonder what good advice might be out there.

Thanks for any help

Steve

PS - has anyone got an e-mail address for Antares (a Canadian company) - I've tried but cannot seem to find one !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh I can still see the look of devastation in your face when it wouldn't focus! Bless...

And it did look stunning in Reece's scope - imagine what it would be like in yours if only you could rack in far enough? A new focuser seems a bit of a drastic move though.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks John. Likewise, although I never did get to peek through your 'fractor... See you at another Star Party ? I really did want to look..

I'm sure that will happen Steve :) - thanks for the view of M51 through your LB16 - sprial arms ? - no problem :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Steve.

What a shame it won't focus, I had an eyepiece a while cannot remember which one that wouldn't focus as well and I was told if you require more in focus which you do you either need to

1. Low profile focusser

2. Cut a bit of the length of your truss poles.

3. Move the primary mirror up the tube

4. Buy a eyepiece that works :D

I like number 4 best.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unfortunately this is a well documented problem with the Speers. A low profile focuser maybe one solution. Or trying to recollimate and pushing the mirror up the tube at the same time. I used my Speers with 3 scopes (12.5" Meade dob, 8" SW dob and ED80) and had no problems. Is the focus way off?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.