Skywatcher Dual Speed Crayford

This excellent smooth dual speed replacement focuser (10:1 gear ratio) suits Sky-Watcher Newtonian (Dobsonian) telescopes sold without dual-speed capability.

Especially if you’re in to lunar and planetary imaging with an f/5 Newtonian then this focuser is a must have upgrade.

Now you can replace your old Sky-Watcher Rack n Pinion or single speed Crayford style focuser to achieve finer focusing capability. Also suitable for DIY telescope projects.

Includes dual speed 2-inch focuser, 2 inch dust cap, 2 inch to 1.25 inch and T-thread adaptor.

The focuser fits directly to the most Skywatcher Newtonian telescopes.

Hole spacings 86.5 mm x 78 mm so it can be as simple as bolt off / bolt on.

The telescope side of the Pyxis LE is a simple two-inch "push-fit" barrel. The long barrel adapter, just short of 2-1/2 inches, is easily inserted into any 2" focuser such as the Optec TCF-S Temperature Compensating Focuser. Combined with the TCF-S or TCF-Si, the Pyxis LE creates a focuser/rotator combination requiring less than 4-1/2 inches of back-focus.

The camera side of the Pyxis LE is a standard male T-thread. Any T-thread camera, filter wheel, off-axis guider, or industry standard T2 ring can screw directly on to the exit port of the Pyxis LE - no other adapters are required. All of the users existing accessories - T-thread spacers, off-axis guiders, filter wheels, etc. - can be attached directly. With the Pyxis LE, the confusion typically surrounding adapters is eliminated since the Pyxis LE is ready to use out-of-the-box. Simply attach your camera, slip into a 2-inch focuser, and you're ready to go.

The Pyxis LE is ideally suited for small, well-balanced cameras such as the QSI, Fish Camp, Starlight Xpress or SBIG ST-series CCD cameras. Canon and Nikon DLSR cameras will attach directly using an optional T2 bayonet ring. Optional T-thread extender rings can be added in 7.5 and 15mm lengths for additional offset to avoid filter wheel stepper motors such as with the SBIG CFW9.

Specifications

• Physical Size: 3.14" x 4" x 6.5" (80mm x 102mm x 165mm)
• Clear aperture: 1.515" (38.5mm)
• Weight: approx. 1.1 lb. (.5 kg)
• Telescope Adapter: 2" barrel adapter for any 2" focuser
• Camera Adapter: T-thread
• Back-Focus: .68" (17.3mm)
• Resolution: 0.050 degrees/step
• Power: 12 VDC 1 Amp (12 Watts max)
• Communications Interface: USB 2.0
• Software Interface: Pyxis LE-Control and ASCOM-compliant driver

Technical Specs

• Feathertouch 2″ Diameter Dual Speed Focuser with 2.5″ of Travel.
• Great choice for refractors and Ritchey Chretien and CDK telescopes.
• It is precision engineered to deliver smooth operation and no image shift.

Following the long tradition of the TCF-S Temperature Compensating Focuser, Optec's TCF-LSI features a robust 2-inch Crayford-style design for smooth focus. The updated model is faster and offers greater versatility in the same compact, yet solid, focuser design.

The TCF-LSI has all of the control electronics integrated into the focuser body. This means that you do not need any external controller. Simply connect power and the control cable and you are ready to begin. The TCF-LSI uses the same drivers as the rest of our FocusLynx family of focusers.

As a robust Crayford style 2-inch focuser, the TCF-LSI drawtube accepts any of our 2-inch adapters developed especially for the TCF-S and TCF-Lynx focusers. The optional 1-1/4" Centering Adapter allows any 1-1/4-inch diagonal or eyepiece to be added behind the focuser. Visual users will appreciate the In-Out Keypad for no-touch operation of the telescope focus.

Requires OPTEC 2400 Telescope Adapter

Specification:

SKU: 19702

Optec Gemini Focuser Rotator

Temperature Compensation:

Like all Optec focuser products, Gemini includes a remote temperature probe for automatic temperature compensation. Simply attach the temperature probe anywhere in the linear response zone of your OTA (usually the tube or truss assembly) and Gemini will automatically keep the camera package in sharp focus. The Gemini Commander software provides a convenient wizard to help determine your telescope's TC or temperature coefficient.

Robust Compact Design

To maintain a flat, rigid base for heavy camera packages, Gemini's shell consists of two parallel plates machined from MIC-6 tool plate providing flatness within 0.001" (25 microns). Seven precise stand-off spacers maintain the 2.25" separation of these plates. The rotating drawtube is moved linearly with 1/2" of total travel using a premium timing belt driven by a high torque stepper motor. The entire package is accented with a beautiful carbon fiber wrap. Dual RJ45 connectors provide connection to the Gemini Control hub. The independent rotating drawtube is supported by a custom X-cage bearing system supported by large, 6mm chrome ball bearings.

Support for Multiple Telescopes

Featuring identical OPTEC-4300 mechanical interfaces front and back, the Gemini can be easily fitted to most any large telescope OTA. Recessed oval point setscrews provide three-point direct contact with the heavy wall OPTEC-4300 dovetail mount. Gemini's clear aperture of 3.75" is maintained through each adapter, passing even large light cones through to the camera image plane without vignetting.

On the camera side, a typical configuration might include a 4300 receiver for the Optec-DSI 3.5 High Performance spacer sets configurable to 1/4" increments when additional spacing is needed.

Currently designed telescope adapters include support for the AG Optical iDK's, Ceravolo Optical Systems Astrographs, Meade and Celestron 10-inch and larger class SCT, and Plane Wave Secure-Fit.

Multiple Ways to Connect:

The Gemini Control hub acts as the central controller to link both focuser and rotator to any control PC. The hub includes communication ports for Serial and USB (using Optec's USB/Serial cable) and wired Ethernet Network protocols as standard. An optional WiFi board and antenna can be added and installed at any time. Focuser and Rotator ports are available at the top of the Gemini hub with 12VDC Power, Network, optional Hand Control, and Serial connection ports available at the bottom.

Multiple Options Available:

Each Gemini package comes complete with everything needed to connect. An optional Hand Control allows manual access while at the telescope. WiFi add-on board mounting plate, precision external temperature probe, and motor-specific cables round out a complete integrated package.

Specifications for Gemini and Controller:

Focusing Rotator Physical Specifications:

• Clear Aperture: 3.75" (95mm)
• Back-Focus Usage: 2.2" to 2.7" (55.9 to 68.6mm)
• Focuser Travel: 0.5" (12.7mm)
• Focuser Resolution: 0.11 microns per step
• Rotator Resolution: 600 steps per degree
• Minimum Overall Thickness: 2.2" (55.9mm)
• Dimensions: 9.4" x 7.4" (239mm x 187mm)
• Weight: 6 lb. 6 oz. (2.9 kg)

Gemini Controller Hub Specifications:

Controller Hub Specifications:

• Length: 5.1" (130mm)
• Width: 3.2" (81mm)
• Height: 1.0" (27mm)
• Weight: 10 oz. (285 g)
• Mounting Holes: Four 4-40 x 1/8" depth (reverse side)
• Case Material: 6061 aluminum, anodized black.

Gemini Hub Port Connections:

• Focuser: RJ45 socket for standard Cat-5e/Cat-6 cable to Focuser port,
• Rotator: RJ45 socket for standard Cat-5e/Cat-6 cable to Rotator port,
• Power: 12VDC input, 2.5 x 5.5mm plug, center pin positive,
• Network: Standard RJ45 Ethernet socket,
• Hand Controller: RJ22 socket for standard telephone handset cord,
• Serial: RJ12 socket for Optec USB/Serial cable (included),
• Wireless: 802.11 WiFi option (coming soon).

Optec Temperature Compensating Focuser-S3i

No corners were cut with this model. The massive drawtube has a 3.00-inch I.D. and is made from 7075, the strongest of the commercial aluminum alloys. To prevent any slippage common to Crayford style focusers, the drive rod is pressed onto the drawtube with a force of about 500 pounds. The TCF-S3 can take this extreme pressure because the drive rod is made from a ground bar of high speed steel with a diameter of 0.375 inch. Hardened rails of stainless steel are embedded in the drawtube to engage the drive rod and take the strain.

The total linear travel of the drawtube is 1.00-inch with a resolution of 0.0001-inch. Like the TCF-S, a control box with IN and OUT pushbuttons, serial computer interface and digital display control all functions of the TCF-S3. All other features of the TCF-S3 are similar to the TCF-S. It uses the same cables, temperature probe and the new remote keypad. It is also compatible with the current Optec control software TCF-S.exe.

Other telescope mounts can be made custom in our shop. This focuser is only intended for large scope with massive mounts. See price list for a list of available mounts. A 3-inch to 2-inch adapter is available to fit Optec and other standard 2-inch accessories.

For owners of the Paramount ME, Optec offers a special kit that can conveniently wire the TCF-S3 through the mount. In addition, both the IFW and Pyxis can also be mounted and wired through the mount for easier use and less cables.