Cold temps led to focuser slippage!

[UlteriorModem]

This is a first for me.

Left a SGP sequence running last night. Went out to recover stuff in the morning. SGP reported a sequence aborted in the wee hours of the morning.

It was sub freezing around that time. Me I was tucked in warm and cozy snoozing away

Checked the log and it eluded to the focuser timing out after about 6 tries. Was not moving. Was it 'frozen' no... I 'think' the metal parts in the focuser assembly got so damn cold they shrunk making it so the focuser knob was just spinning not enough pressure on the 'plate' part. It's a Crayford focuser.

Checked it this afternoon and sure enough there was a bit of slippage in the focuser. Now of course it was not -1C out but still there was some slippage in it. Snugged a few screws down and that should not happen again.

But of course...... clouds

[KathyNS]

I had similar problems. In cold weather, after a flip, the focuser would lose all traction, and the weight of the camera would pull the focuser out to full extension, ending the session. This was a GSO LF linear bearing focuser. I ended up replacing it with a FeatherTouch. No problems with it.

[UlteriorModem]

I had similar problems. In cold weather, after a flip, the focuser would lose all traction, and the weight of the camera would pull the focuser out to full extension, ending the session. This was a GSO LF linear bearing focuser. I ended up replacing it with a FeatherTouch. No problems with it.

Yea I still have the 'stock' focuser on the astrograph. Never had it totally let go and slip all the way out though. But that's one of the first things I checked it was in more or less 'normal' position.

I think my 'tweaks' will work. Lot cheaper than a feather touch

ps; sorry about your skies there K