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Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:11 pm
by Seadawg216
Everything I've researched regarding the Starblast 6 indicates that the weakest part is the plastic focuser. Is it that bad where it would be a deal-breaker or is it really ok? I have a SB 4.5 & want to bump it up a tad. I am older & leaning towards the full size Skyline 6 but fear it would be more of a hassle & I wouldn't be as inclined to set it up as frequently as the SB 6, but it comes with the nice Crayford. Your forums are awesome & you always provide exceptional remarks.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:22 pm
by Lady Fraktor
Hello, full plastic focusers are usually workable with light weight eyepieces but will usually not stand up well if using larger/ heavier ones.
Depending on your budget and style of focuser, a metal aftermarket focuser can be purchased to replace the stock one.
Here is a quality replacement 1.25" focuser:
https://agenaastro.com/gso-1-25-crayfor ... speed.html
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:25 pm
by Seadawg216
I take it that it would fit & be relatively easy to replace?
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:32 pm
by Lady Fraktor
You would have to make measurements to be sure, that is only one example though.
There are most likely others of varying size/ length.
The Orion telescope manual may have the racked in/ racked out height listed to compare.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:37 pm
by Seadawg216
Thank you. I'll check it out.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:47 pm
by Lady Fraktor
You could also try asking Orion for those measurements, one of the phone techs may be bored
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:34 pm
by Ylem
Seadawg216 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:11 pm
Everything I've researched regarding the Starblast 6 indicates that the weakest part is the plastic focuser. Is it that bad where it would be a deal-breaker or is it really ok? I have a SB 4.5 & want to bump it up a tad. I am older & leaning towards the full size Skyline 6 but fear it would be more of a hassle & I wouldn't be as inclined to set it up as frequently as the SB 6, but it comes with the nice Crayford. Your forums are awesome & you always provide exceptional remarks.
They certainly don't make the scope a deal breaker.
As Lady Fraktor says it will work fine with Plossls and other standard weight EPs.
I added some heavy weight grease to tune mine up that was on my old Orion 6"
Dob.
I miss that scope, had too many and donated it to my club, yet today I think it was one of my favourite scopes.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:38 pm
by Ylem
Seadawg216 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:25 pm
I take it that it would fit & be relatively easy to replace?
I would check with Agena directly, they sell a lot of focusers.
I do know for a fact that you have to drill new holes if you put it on the 130 Newt.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2021 2:15 pm
by Seadawg216
Thank you Jeff & Lady Fraktor. I had been looking at the Starblast for a long time. I found a 4.5" SB EQ for $50 with no EPs so I bought a 32, 20 & 6mm plus a barlow & Cheshire. The wife was a little surprised when I spent almost $150 for the "accessories." I really like it, but still want the 6" tabletop. Don't care for the EQ1 tripod. The Skyline 6 is enticing but I don't think I'd pull it out as often. That's why I question the focuser on the Starblast.
Re: Starblast 6 focuser
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:28 am
by Bigzmey
Ylem wrote: ↑Wed Feb 17, 2021 10:38 pm
Seadawg216 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 17, 2021 9:25 pm
I take it that it would fit & be relatively easy to replace?
I would check with Agena directly, they sell a lot of focusers.
I do know for a fact that you have to drill new holes if you put it on the 130 Newt.
Agena sales baseplates to adapt
GSO focusers for scopes 6" and up.