Re: ATM Berry dimension modifications for 8"

[Adam Perkins <scopeguru@yahoo.com>]

--- Shannon Hughes <sr.hughes@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> 

> 
> I also have not decided whether I will make the
> focuser or buy it. Has
> anyone had success with Orion's R&P or Helica
> focusers shown on their TM
> pages? Any other good recommendations?
> 
> --Shannon Hughes
> 


Hi

I bought Orion's 1.25" helical focuser for my first ATM project.  I was
not impressed with its wobbly and sticky action.  The tensioning screw
idea is not a good one here, although it works if you constantly fiddle
with it.  

However, the thing worked very nicely after I wrapped some teflon
plumbers tape around the eyepiece tube (this is used to wrap male pipe
threads before screwing together waterproof fittings).  This idea is
not new, many have tried it and complained the tape eventually shreds
(its cheap stuff).  I had no more problems with it before I replaced it
with a 2" commercial crayford unit.

The focuser is REALLY IMPORTANT.  An inexpensive design may work well,
but a crumby focuser will ruin your scope.  I spent more money than a
poor college student could afford on my second focuser, but never
regretted it.  

A good focuser can be built by an ATM, but it is a project in itself.

Good Luck

Adam Perkins
Covington, Louisiana
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