Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 90?

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124Spider
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Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 90?

Post by 124Spider »

Hi,

New member here; first post.

I just got a Coronado (Meade) SolarMax II 90, double-stack with BF15 blocking filter (integral to the diagonal). I was lucky, and was able to use it a bit on the day it arrived.

I like it very much, except, at first blush, I'm not too thrilled with the helical focuser. I have good focusers on my other scopes, and so I'm spoiled by the ability to lock the focuser from moving, and to fine-focus. And I like the idea of not being forced to use a diagonal (for instance, when I start imaging with this scope).

MoonLite makes a focuser that they say fits, with some surgery (I haven't gone into details, but I suspect that it involves moving the blocking filter).

Has anyone here successfully retrofitted a quality Crayford-type focuser onto this scope? If so, was it worth it, and what was involved?

Thanks!


Mark de Regt
Redmond, Washington, USA

Coronado (Meade) SolarMax II 90 Double-Stack
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swisswalter
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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by swisswalter »

Hi Mark

welcome to that wonderful site. Have fun in the sun. I'm sure stephen can help you.


Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE :)

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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by pedro »

Welcome to SolarChat Mark

It is easy to retrofit a better focuser. Consider buying a Feathertouch. It is the best focuser period.

best regards


124Spider
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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by 124Spider »

I have a couple of FT focusers, so I'm well familiar with their products.

My larger question is whether it is fairly easy to retrofit a quality focuser onto the back of a SolarMax II 90, since the blocking filter is integrated into the diagonal (and retrofitting a focuser might make that diagonal useless).

Thanks.


Mark de Regt
Redmond, Washington, USA

Coronado (Meade) SolarMax II 90 Double-Stack
Lots of nighttime astronomy/astrophotography goodies
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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by DSobserver »

Hi

Not sure to understand, but you have no other solution than to use this diagonal that include an ITF+ the famous BF, whatever the focuser.

Now if you want to replace the helicoidale focuser, you can only unscrew it and connect your feathertouch


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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by 124Spider »

Well, I was pondering the best way to get a good focuser, and a BF-30 blocking filter, into my scope. And then one just like mine, with a Feathertouch focuser and BF-30 already installed came up for sale, for a difference that's much less than I would have had to pay to improve mine. So I've bought it. I'm pretty excited as I await its arrival.


Mark de Regt
Redmond, Washington, USA

Coronado (Meade) SolarMax II 90 Double-Stack
Lots of nighttime astronomy/astrophotography goodies
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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by swisswalter »

Hi Mark

congratulations on the new toy


Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE :)

from 7 am - 7 pm http://www.nanosys.ch

from 7.01 pm - 6.59 am http://www.wastronomiko.com some times vice versa ;)
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Re: Change Focuser Double-Stack Meade/Coronado SolarMax II 9

Post by marktownley »

Very nice! Make sure you post a few pickies of it when it does arrive.


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