BAZ Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 My first impressions are that this is a nice solidly built bit of kit. The focuser has a slightly tight feel to it, but this I would expect to ease off as it wears in. There are no instructions with it , which I feel lets it down a bit, but this will not present any problems to you. First remove the original back plate and axle. Remove the focus lock screw, the 4mm Allen screw and tension pad. Here's the Lacerta focuser, note the small 2.5mm Allen screw in the brass collar. Rotate the focuser to gain access to this through the hole provided and loosen so you can remove the axle. This is to allow you to fit the tension pad. Replace the other components onto the new back plate, leave the focus lock screw and the 4mm tension adjustment screw loose, this is so it does not foul when fitting the back plate onto the focuser body. Using a 2mm Allen key, remove the left hand focuser knob off the old axle, and fit it onto the Lacerta axle. This is now ready for fitting back onto the focuser body. Replace the four fixing screws, and get them all in place before tightening, also double check the focus lock screw and tension adjustment screw are not stopping the back plate sitting flush with the focuser body. Gently tighten the four fixing screws. Then adjust the tension screw, this should be tight enough so that the focuser does not slip freely, but not that tight to allow slip at maximum and minimum extension. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. You then have a nice new duel speed focuser without having to remove the entire unit and at a reasonable cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 That looks very nice Martyn - I want one now lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Type-R Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Nice one Martyn, looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Rusty Strings Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Who makes that focuser, the knobs are the same as the skywatcher dual speed jobby I fitted to my C80ED Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted December 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 I assumed Lacerta, although I have no idea if they manufacture or badge another product, or if it's Chinese or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Doc Posted December 26, 2011 Report Share Posted December 26, 2011 Very comprehensive instructions Martyn thanks for posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted January 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 I managed to get the scope out for a bit tonight, and started on Jupiter. I can say that the focuser works a treat, and it is now easy to get straight to the sweet spot, without having to rack backwards and forwards to get a good image. I like the positive feel that it has as well, a nice smooth action and with the tension set correctly, no slop or play at all. Well worth the money I would say. Next time we are down a dark site (maybe this year!) come and have a twiddle and see what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Rusty Strings Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 Glad to here it works well Martyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glider Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 Looking forward to having a twiddle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Type-R Posted January 2, 2012 Report Share Posted January 2, 2012 Looking forward to having a twiddle. Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red dwalf Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 (edited) i love to twiddle my wife says Edited January 3, 2012 by red dwalf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted January 3, 2012 Report Share Posted January 3, 2012 Nothing wrong with a good twiddle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Well mine arrived and I fitted it - no probs at all and it works fine with a WO 40mm Swan - absolutely smashing. That's a relief after the fiasco with the flocking - really didin't wanna mess up twice lol. Thanks for the brilliant instructions Martyn - spot on all the way and great pics to illustrate. Took all the hesitation out of the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAZ Posted March 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Glad it went smoothly for you, nice bit of kit isn't it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catman161 Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Fitted mine the other night too. Thanks for the great guide Martyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted March 2, 2012 Report Share Posted March 2, 2012 Yup - it's a very nice bit of kit - smooth and positive action - easy to adjust - and handles my biggest eyepiece. Just gotta try it in the field now and I'm sure it's gonna make focusing easier and much more accurate - absolute bargain. But first I gotta sort out that flocking mishap I had last w/e. Just got two rolls of black velour from Wilko's today so here goes ........ lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kheldar Posted March 16, 2012 Report Share Posted March 16, 2012 Where did you guys purchase this from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brantuk Posted March 16, 2012 Report Share Posted March 16, 2012 365 Astronomy - that Zoltan chap - great service and very quick turn around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kheldar Posted March 16, 2012 Report Share Posted March 16, 2012 365 Astronomy - that Zoltan chap - great service and very quick turn around Cheers, may end up getting one as I've got my eye on something that will definitely need it .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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