RE: [APML] Using a Mitsuboshi Knife-edge Focusers?

First, I been focus as precisely as possible using a 6x loupe on the ground glass of the Pentax camera. I then center the star and switch to the KEF. Is this the proper procedure? When I do this, the star is generally in a mottled state; however, I think the focus can be improved or at the very least I use the KEF to double check focus. In the diffuse, mottled state, is the star "perfectly" focused are is there still some tweaking to do?

I was able to go out tonight and try my luck with the Mitsuboshi KEF. I used my new Takahashi FSQ-106. I have a few questions. As mentioned above, I start with the star in a diffused, mottled state; however, after a few tweaks I seem to always go the wrong way (i.e. I'm getting farther from focus), and I can't get back to a mottled state. I realize your supposed to go just beyond where the KE appears on the other side and then back track slightly; however, I never see "a first quarter moon" image (i.e. it always looks like a last quarter moon), despite me intentionally moving it in and out of perfect focus, substantially at times. Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong? Does anyone live near Pendleton, Oregon that's uses this particular KEF that could show me exactly what I'm looking at? Is the star's light supposed to cover the entire FOV? For me, it sometimes does, especially when I approach "perfect" focus; however, other times it only covers a small area (e.g. a quarter). Finally, is it possible to manually focus the required small increments or do I need an aid (e.g. Takahashi 10-to-1 Micro Edge Focuser or RoboFocus)?