New Automatic Focuser

[Baskevo]

Hi Guys,

I just purchased a Rigelysis stepper focuser with temperature control for my ES 80mm FCD100 refractor, which has the 2.5" hex focuser. I think I have a problem though...

I believe the stepper motor attaches to the bottom of the focuser (correct me if I am mistaken). I have a dovetail attached to the standard L-shaped dovetail on the ES 80mm, which does not give a lot of clearance between the bottom of the focuser and the attached dovetail. Is there a way to get around this? I won't be able to move the dovetail up, because of the weight on the back of the scope...

Could I turn the focuser a bit so I have access to the bottom of it? Or would that cause issues? If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!

Clear skies!

[JayTee]

Pictures would be great.

I'm grasping here, but rotating the focuser should not be an issue as long you keep it there for as long as you are imaging an object (across days if necessary.)

Which Temperature device are you using? Or is there one built into the focuser?

Cheers,
JT

[bladekeeper]

Well, I don't have the hex focuser on mine (standard R&P here) but with my ED80 I've dispensed with the stock dovetail altogether. In my opinion, it doesn't seem to be the most secure feature on the scope. At least mine wasn't. Plus, I was having difficulty balancing with a guider scope and cams installed. I needed a longer dovetail bar. I got the longer bar and some rings for the scope. I do have room between the bar and focuser barrel for the bracket on the autofocuser.

I know this is likely not applicable to your particular model of ED80, but maybe it can offer some direction on what to consider. Would like to see pics of yours though.

[Baskevo]

Pictures would be great.

I'm grasping here, but rotating the focuser should not be an issue as long you keep it there for as long as you are imaging an object (across days if necessary.)

Which Temperature device are you using? Or is there one built into the focuser?

Cheers,
JT

The main guy from Rigelsys, Leon, gave me a temp. sensor for free with my purchase Here is the setup: http://www.rigelsys.com/steppermotor.html


Bladekeeper, I purchased those exact same rings, but I didn't like how the dovetail bar has to be so far back for it to work... and it is very close to the OTA. They also didn't seem as secure as the dovetail to me... if you notice, you couldn't move the dovetail forward because of the dew shield, and the dovetail is very close to the focuser. This would have the same problem, maybe worse, because it would move the dovetail closer to the focuser... I would have to get riser blocks but from the little I've seen, they seem expensive!