GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

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Ben Cartwright SASS
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GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

#1

Post by Ben Cartwright SASS »


I have a GSO linear focuser on my SW ED100, replaced the original focuser as the original wasn't able to lift my diagonal, Quark (1.25 lbs) and 174mm cooled (1.25 lbs)

The focuser works fine with a regular 174mm (not cooled about 1/3 lb) but if I put the heavier camera in the train and try to adjust the tension the knobs just spin and if I set it tight enough to lift the train the mini-wheel (10-1) just spins and doesn't move the focuser up, it will move it down so I have to rough focus in past the point of focus and then back it out with the fine focus.

I am aiming up at about a 50 degree or higher angle as I try to image the sun. It works on the level but that is no help.

I am thinking I should dump the GSO for these heavy loads and get a Moonlight. But before I do I thought I would ask around for thoughts and ideas.
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seigell United States of America
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Re: GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

#2

Post by seigell »


You can look to lighten the load - replace the Heavy Diagonal with a Straight Extender.
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Re: GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

#3

Post by KathyNS »


As I mentioned on the other site, I have the same problem. Although the GSO LF is rated at 8 lbs, mine has trouble holding 4 lbs. Its replacement,a FeatherTouch, shipped yesterday. Also rated at 8lbs, but it is more likely to actually hold 8 lbs.
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Ben Cartwright SASS
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Re: GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

#4

Post by Ben Cartwright SASS »


The diagonal is not a 2" but an 1 1/4" since the 2 adds way to much weight, the 1 1/4 is fairly light
I might not always be right but I am never wrong, once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken...

Ferengi Rule of Acquisition #59
Free advice is seldom cheap

"Sometimes having is not so pleasing as wanting, it's not logical but it is true"
Commander Spock

Canon DSLR's R7, R6II, 5D, 7D2, 90D 21 lenses incl. 100-400L mk ii, 70-200L mk iii f/2.8, RF600/11
Lunt LS50 DS, LS80 DS, Lunt 102ED, Stellarvue SV80 APO, Orion ST80, 127 MAK, Skywatcher Evostar 120ED, 102 MAK, Celestron 8" Edge HD, 102AZ
Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro
ZWO ASI071MC-cool, ASI174mm, ASI174mm-cool, ASI178MC-cool, ASI290 mini, ASI120MM-S, ASI120MC Revolution Player One mm (178 chip)
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mbenjaminz28 Canada
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Re: GSO focuser won't lift 3-4 pound load

#5

Post by mbenjaminz28 »


A Moonlight 2.5" model will easily lift that weight, probably good for at least 8lbs.
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