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A couple quick Feathertouch questions

Started by David Martin, 08/22/2007 05:35PM
Posted 08/22/2007 05:35PM Opening Post
Hi there. I am building a telescope and am likely to use a Feathertouch. I have a couple questions about them.

I’m thinking of designing my next telescope in a way that requires that the focuser be removed during travel. Do Newtonian Feathertouch focusers unscrew from the mounting base in the same way that they can unscrew from refractors or SCTs? If so, is it feasible to believe that I could easily install the focuser every time I set up the telescope? Or would it involve unscrewing multiple little mounting screws and risking messing up the “squareness” of the focuser to the focal plane?

My second question is if the angle at which the focuser is mounted can be modified? In other words, (let’s visualize a little) let’s say I install the base so that when the telescope is pointed towards the zenith, the mounting plate is square to the telescope (i.e., the bottom of the plate is parallel to the ground). Can the focuser be oriented so that the knobs are, say, at a 45 degree angle?

For what it’s worth, the model I’m planning to get is the 2” Newtonian version with either a curved or flat mounting base with leveling screws, in case this makes a difference.

Thanks!
Posted 08/22/2007 06:48PM #1
To answer your second question, yes, you can orient the focuser any way you want. I did exactly what you are proposing on my 20". It has an unusual rotating secondary cage and I wanted to be able to reach the focusing knobs from either direction, so I oriented the focuser so that the focusing knobs are on the bottom when the scope is pointed to the zenith. I used the flat mounting base since it is on a flat board.

As for the first question, I'm not sure, I'll have to look at it when I get home.