AR 102 Focuser problem

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Michael131313 Mexico
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AR 102 Focuser problem

#1

Post by Michael131313 »


I have an ar 102 that the focuser knob has taken a hit and now it has a spot where it slips and is loose. I removed the focuser knob mechanism and found that the problem is in the bearings of the knob unit. I removed the fine tune knob but it looks like I will need a spanner wrench to look at the bearings. Is this correct?
If I can't fix it I would like to buy a focuser knob mechanism for the focuser. However I have not been able to find one online. I have found them for GSO, Skywatcher and ES 2.5 HEX focuser but not for the ar 102. Does anyone know where to get one? I am in touch with ES and they are helping.
Thanks very much for your help .
Michael
20211018_204225.jpg
ES AR 102 102mm, f/6.5, ES 254mm f/5 DOB, Obie 10x50, GSO SV 30mm, ES 68° 20mm, ES 82° 14mm, 11mm, 8.8 mm, 6.8mm, 4.7mm. Twilight 1 mount.
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#2

Post by turboscrew »


It looks kind of familiar, even if I have ACU-2S focuser.
focuser.jpg
The slow speed focusing knob is attached to the little pin. There's the "lump" at the end of the bar. The pin goes in to the other end of the "lump". There is a tightening ring inside the "lump" at the bar end. If that ring is too loose, the slow speed focusing knob rotates without moving the focuser tube, and if looser still, the pin comes out from the "lump". If the ring is too tight, the focusing knobs are heavy to turn. Try to find the right tightness. A little too loose, and it will become looser after you turn the knob back and forth. Takes tens of turns, though.
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Michael131313 Mexico
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#3

Post by Michael131313 »


Thanks for the reply Turbo.
I have turned the tightening ring to make the knobs both
loose and tight. I can still feel the bearings wobble in both directions. I would like to look at the bearings to see if I can fix or replace them. It looks like I need a spanner wrench to do this. I am wondering if this is correct?
Thanks
Michael
ES AR 102 102mm, f/6.5, ES 254mm f/5 DOB, Obie 10x50, GSO SV 30mm, ES 68° 20mm, ES 82° 14mm, 11mm, 8.8 mm, 6.8mm, 4.7mm. Twilight 1 mount.
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#4

Post by lostone »


Ouch, I wouldn't know how to fix it with out sending it in. But i'd be thinking of looking for an upgrade focuser, A good rack n pinion focuser or even a Moonlight focuser would work great for you.
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#5

Post by turboscrew »


Just came to mind. If it's too tight, you can feel the bearing balls "jump".
You can easily over-tighten it by pushing with a screwdriver from the slots.

Oh, and for lubrication WD-40 white lithium grease is generally considered good.
- Juha

Senior Embedded SW Designer
Telescope: OrionOptics XV12, Mount: CEM120, Tri-pier 360 and alternative dobson mount.
Grab 'n go: Omegon AC 102/660 on AZ-3 mount
Eyepieces: 26 mm Omegon SWAN 70°, 15 mm TV Plössl, 12.5 mm Baader Morpheus, 10 mm TV Delos, 6 mm Baader Classic Ortho, 5 mm TV DeLite, 4 mm and 3 mm TV Radians
Cameras: ZWO ASI 294MM Pro, Omegon veLOX 178C
OAG: TS-Optics TSOAG09, ZWO EFW 7 x 36 mm, ZWO filter sets: LRGB and Ha/OIII/SII
Explore Scientific HR 2" coma corrector, Meade x3 1.25" Barlow, TV PowerMate 4x 2"
Some filters (#80A, ND-96, ND-09, Astronomik UHC)
Laptop: Acer Enduro Urban N3 semi-rugged, Windows 11
LAT 61° 28' 10.9" N, Bortle 5

I don't suffer from insanity. I'm enjoying every minute of it.

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Michael131313 Mexico
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#6

Post by Michael131313 »


Thanks Iostone and Turbo. It works good enough to use but it bugs me. You know how that is. I would still like to look at the bearings and lube them with white lithium grease. Getting a replacement part from ES or buying a new focuser is the next step.
Thanks for your help.
Michael
ES AR 102 102mm, f/6.5, ES 254mm f/5 DOB, Obie 10x50, GSO SV 30mm, ES 68° 20mm, ES 82° 14mm, 11mm, 8.8 mm, 6.8mm, 4.7mm. Twilight 1 mount.
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Re: AR 102 Focuser problem

#7

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Did you manage to get this repaired Michael?
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