This shows pictures of mounting ideas for newtonians, scts/maks and refractors. If you post your focuser mounting here it lets others see the range of possible options. The pictures posted here remain the copyright of the individual concerned.
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Attaching the 17HS13-0404S-PG27 to an Explore Scientics CF127 was simple and secure. I bought the mounting bracket that the manufacturer sells on their site and with four M3 bolts, two M5 bolts, 1/2 inches spacers it attached nice a secure. I had to drill a couple holes in the mounting bracket to attach to the scope but overall a nice and secure fit. The bracket is worth the $6 they charge.
Dumb question about mounting brackets... I have an Orion ED80T-CF. When I look at the position of the screw holes in your design they seem to be in a different location than on my scope. Where yours are "above" (between the focuser shaft and the guidescope mount), mine are "below". I'm asusming you didn't drill and tap a couple of holes in your scope... Do you know if they have changed the design?
I tried a long bracket and mounting to the underside of the scope as a few others seem to have done, but the screws seemed to wobble a little too much and I was concerned about damaging the threads. I'll try posting some pics tomorrow when I can get them off my phone. Just wondering if you had any ideas.
Cheers,
Corey
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Hi Corey
The Orion ED80T-CF I have has 2 holes above the shaft - its sunk in about 1/4" - bolts are not readily seen in the hole - they need a hex allen key (I removed the single knob, left hand side when looking at rear of scope towards front). I think I also have two holes betwlow the shaft.
I just removed the top two screws and got some longer ones that threaded ok (I took the orginal ones to a hardware store, found some nuts that would screw on, then found longer matching bolts). I cant tell if the design was changed. I know I was one of the early ones to order the scope, it is a terrific performer and with the televue flattener a very impressive scope for the price. I have taken some awesome pictures with it.
Underneath is also good. With it hanging off the side I dont have issues as I have an EQ8 and it is side by side with a larger refractor then co-balanced using a small counterweight.
Attaching to the underside though - take care which screw holes you use and do not overtighten. I think from memory (I did have it apart once) that some provide tension onto the bearings that the focuser tube slides in and so one has to be pretty careful (its from memory, I can't be 100% sure anymore). I prefer the side.
Hope this helps
Robert
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Sounds like the design has changed slightly since you bought your scope. I only have the two holes below the shaft. Unfortunately the collar for the focuser shaft overhangs those two holes so I can't use them for mounting. I tried! :)
With the holes underneath, one is the focuser lock, one is the tension screw, then there are four others I don't know. I tried those last ones but the screw doesn't hold up to any lateral movement. I suspect they are holding something in place internally so I hope I haven't messed up my focuser.
Might be my excuse for finally "investing" in a 3D printer... I see a few collar designs that look like they will work well and I'm not keen to mess up my scope. As you say, it does take some fantastic photos. I just picked up an ASI-1600MM-C (moving up from a modified Canon DSLR)... Waiting for clear skies so I can put it to the test.
Awesome work on the focuser design... I have a few little tweaks I've done with mine that I'll pass along when I've had a chance to test them out. (Voltage sensor to override movements when there is no external power so the arduino doesn't lose track of position; repurposed the speed switch option to a 'jog' switch; tied the 'set home' feature so it only works when the speed switch is engaged to avoid accidentally re-setting 'home'.)
Cheers and thanks!
Corey
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
This shows pictures of mounting ideas for newtonians, scts/maks and refractors. If you post your focuser mounting here it lets others see the range of possible options. The pictures posted here remain the copyright of the individual concerned.
SCT/MAK
Newtonian
Refractor
Refractor - Explore Scientific 127
Attaching the 17HS13-0404S-PG27 to an Explore Scientics CF127 was simple and secure. I bought the mounting bracket that the manufacturer sells on their site and with four M3 bolts, two M5 bolts, 1/2 inches spacers it attached nice a secure. I had to drill a couple holes in the mounting bracket to attach to the scope but overall a nice and secure fit. The bracket is worth the $6 they charge.
Last edit: Mark Woolridge 2017-03-01
Hi Mark
Looking good! Thanks for posting the pictures, I am sure you will be happy with the performance of the PG27.
Best wishes
Robert
Hi Robert,
Dumb question about mounting brackets... I have an Orion ED80T-CF. When I look at the position of the screw holes in your design they seem to be in a different location than on my scope. Where yours are "above" (between the focuser shaft and the guidescope mount), mine are "below". I'm asusming you didn't drill and tap a couple of holes in your scope... Do you know if they have changed the design?
I tried a long bracket and mounting to the underside of the scope as a few others seem to have done, but the screws seemed to wobble a little too much and I was concerned about damaging the threads. I'll try posting some pics tomorrow when I can get them off my phone. Just wondering if you had any ideas.
Cheers,
Corey
Hi Corey
The Orion ED80T-CF I have has 2 holes above the shaft - its sunk in about 1/4" - bolts are not readily seen in the hole - they need a hex allen key (I removed the single knob, left hand side when looking at rear of scope towards front). I think I also have two holes betwlow the shaft.
I just removed the top two screws and got some longer ones that threaded ok (I took the orginal ones to a hardware store, found some nuts that would screw on, then found longer matching bolts). I cant tell if the design was changed. I know I was one of the early ones to order the scope, it is a terrific performer and with the televue flattener a very impressive scope for the price. I have taken some awesome pictures with it.
Underneath is also good. With it hanging off the side I dont have issues as I have an EQ8 and it is side by side with a larger refractor then co-balanced using a small counterweight.
Attaching to the underside though - take care which screw holes you use and do not overtighten. I think from memory (I did have it apart once) that some provide tension onto the bearings that the focuser tube slides in and so one has to be pretty careful (its from memory, I can't be 100% sure anymore). I prefer the side.
Hope this helps
Robert
Thanks, Robert.
Sounds like the design has changed slightly since you bought your scope. I only have the two holes below the shaft. Unfortunately the collar for the focuser shaft overhangs those two holes so I can't use them for mounting. I tried! :)
With the holes underneath, one is the focuser lock, one is the tension screw, then there are four others I don't know. I tried those last ones but the screw doesn't hold up to any lateral movement. I suspect they are holding something in place internally so I hope I haven't messed up my focuser.
Might be my excuse for finally "investing" in a 3D printer... I see a few collar designs that look like they will work well and I'm not keen to mess up my scope. As you say, it does take some fantastic photos. I just picked up an ASI-1600MM-C (moving up from a modified Canon DSLR)... Waiting for clear skies so I can put it to the test.
Awesome work on the focuser design... I have a few little tweaks I've done with mine that I'll pass along when I've had a chance to test them out. (Voltage sensor to override movements when there is no external power so the arduino doesn't lose track of position; repurposed the speed switch option to a 'jog' switch; tied the 'set home' feature so it only works when the speed switch is engaged to avoid accidentally re-setting 'home'.)
Cheers and thanks!
Corey