TheSkySearchers

A while back (1+ years ago?) I noted in a report that after I had cleaned my mirror in my AD10, I could no longer get my ES 18mm to come to focus without the 35mm extension tube that came with the scope.

This seemed odd, but I didn't really put much time into trying to figure it out.

Recently in the Zhumell Customization thread over on CN, it was mentioned that the bottom screw in the focuser isn't really needed, and it prevents the focuser from reaching full travel.

I pulled the screw completely out for my most recent session, and sure enough, the 18mm can come to focus without the extension tube

I am going to run on the assumption I played with the screw at some point, and since I didn't think it mattered, it didn't occur that it was an issue.

With the screw removed, I do not have to worry about it happening again

{I think this is the locking screw}

It took me a couple of years to figure out the focus travel on my z10 and which sequence of screws had to be tightened. (Dumb on my part, sure)

I finally I had an epiphany.

helicon wrote: ↑Mon Sep 06, 2021 5:02 pm It took me a couple of years to figure out the focus travel on my z10 and which sequence of screws had to be tightened. (Dumb on my part, sure)

I finally I had an epiphany.

Took me even longer! What does that say about me?

It means you are both to laid back to worry about the small stuff and just get to the viewing

I remember someone (PhilipLangley?) back in AF.net forums telling me to remove the bottom screw of the focuser. Luckily it was within the first week that I had my Z8 dob

Hi Brett,

Any chance you could supply a photo of the focuser and said screw?

Cheers

JayTee wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:30 pm Hi Brett,

Any chance you could supply a photo of the focuser and said screw?

Cheers

I can. but it has to wait until the weekend as I am out of town until then.

Here you go guys, an image of the standard GSO (Zhumell, Apertura, etc.) focuser with the screws identified. And it is true, you can remove the locking screw (bottom one of the two), but leave the tension screw in place.

kt4hx wrote: ↑Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:31 pm Here you go guys, an image of the standard GSO (Zhumell, Apertura, etc.) focuser with the screws identified. And it is true, you can remove the locking screw (bottom one of the two), but leave the tension screw in place.

Thanks Alan - that's it - I removed the bottom, "focus lock" screw.

I threw my locking screw away years ago.

Clear Skies

Well hopefully not really thrown away! Anything like that I remove, I keep cause you never know when it might come in handy for something else with the same thread size/pitch.

kt4hx wrote: ↑Sat Sep 11, 2021 9:11 pm Well hopefully not really thrown away! Anything like that I remove, I keep cause you never know when it might come in handy for something else with the same thread size/pitch.

Yes, and after a while the area in your toolbox where do you keep the orphan screws will get very full. Fortunately, they all have each other to keep themselves company while they wait for their chance to be useful again.

Cheers

I have that same focuser on my Z12 and never had that problem. And I will definitely not throw the locking screw away!

JayTee wrote: ↑Sat Sep 11, 2021 9:51 pm Yes, and after a while the area in your toolbox where do you keep the orphan screws will get very full. Fortunately, they all have each other to keep themselves company while they wait for their chance to be useful again.

Or where they wait untouched for 30 years till your kids throw them out!

Regards

Graeme