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Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FTM-C14
CA$518.00 - CA$518.00
CA$518.00
CA$518.00 - CA$518.00
CA$518.00
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  • Replaces the stock focuser on Celestron C-14 SCTs
  • Provides a 10:1 ratio dual-speed focusing mechanism
  • Fine focus adjustments for imaging and visual use
  • Fine focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob
  • Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT

    The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT replaces the stock mirror-focus knob assembly of the Celestron C-14 with a dual-speed Feather Touch unit, with coarse and fine focus knobs at a 10:1 ratio. It still focuses by moving the primary mirror, but the fine knob gives you the small adjustments that the C-14's long focal length and shallow critical focus zone call for at high magnification.

    A 10:1 Ratio for Precision Control on the C14

    The Feather Touch Micro Focuser gives two focusing speeds from one unit: the black knob for coarse focus and the smaller fine focus knob at a 10:1 ratio. Ultra-smooth coarse and fine knobs and an ultra-low backlash system are among the Feather Touch standard features.

    • Coarse Focus: the black knob, for finding the general focus point.
    • Fine Focus: ten turns of the fine knob equal one turn of the coarse knob, for the small adjustments of final focus.

    Mastering the C14's Narrow Critical Focus Zone

    A Schmidt-Cassegrain's long focal length makes the critical focus zone, the small range where the image is sharp, very shallow. A single-speed knob moves the mirror a long way for a small turn, so it is easy to go past best focus.

    With the Feather Touch Micro Focuser you approach focus with the coarse knob, then finish with the 10:1 fine knob. That helps on planetary detail, close double stars and star size on a camera sensor.

    Compatibility Check: Will the FTM-C14 Fit Your Telescope?

    This Feather Touch Micro Focuser, model FTM-C14, is specifically designed for the Celestron C-14 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT). It replaces the factory focus knob assembly on the rear cell. It is known to fit the Celestron C-14 SCT only.

    The focuser attaches to the C-14's brass focus shaft through the supplied Ring Adapter, so the stock knob is removed (metal knobs with a set screw, rubber knobs by pulling off) before fitting it.

    Installation in Seven Steps

    You need a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/16" hex-head wrench. Position the optical tube horizontally before removing the original focus assembly, or the primary mirror could move, with the dovetail on the bottom and the focuser on the right side as viewed from behind so flexure does not make the focuser bind.

    1. Separate the components: remove the packing foam so the Adapter Ring drops out, and remove the Knurled Sleeve from the focuser body.
    2. Remove Stock Knob: Loosen the set screw on a metal knob or pull off a rubber knob to expose the brass focus shaft.
    3. Remove Cover Plate: Unscrew the three Phillips-head screws holding the stock focuser's cover plate.
    4. Attach Ring Adapter: slide it over the brass focus shaft with the two pins pointing away from the telescope, lock it with its set screw (1/16" wrench) and turn the pins side by side.
    5. Orient the holes: with the Feather Touch logo on top, turn the black knob until the two holes in the brass plate inside the focuser are side by side.
    6. Attach Micro Focuser: slide it over the Adapter Ring so the pins enter the holes (turning the black knob slightly helps), line up the three mounting holes and secure it with the three included Phillips-head screws.
    7. Attach Knurled Sleeve: thread it on in the opposite direction from how it came off, covering the mounting screws.

    Components

    The Micro Focuser comes as three components plus mounting screws. For installation you need a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/16" hex-head wrench.

    • FTM-C14 Focuser: The main dual-speed focuser assembly.
    • Ring Adapter: Connects the focuser's internal plate to the telescope's brass focus shaft.
    • Knurled Sleeve: A threaded cover that protects the focus knobs during transport and conceals the mounting screws.
    • Mounting Hardware: three Phillips-head screws for attaching the focuser body to the C-14.

    Upgrading to Automated Focus with the HSM20 Motor

    The Handy Stepper Motor (HSM20), sold separately, fits any Feather Touch Micro Focuser, with separate installation instructions for the Micro Focuser.

    Run by a Focuser Boss II or EFS controller, the HSM20 lets ASCOM software focus the telescope from a computer, and the controllers offer temperature compensation using the motor's built-in thermistor.

    Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA

    Starlight Instruments designs, machines, anodizes and assembles its Feather Touch components in-house in Columbia City, Indiana.

    The brochure lists durable hardened stainless steel, steel and aluminum construction and an anodized aluminum fine focus knob among the Feather Touch standard features.

  • What is the main advantage of installing the Feather Touch Micro Focuser on my Celestron C14?

    The primary advantage is gaining a dual-speed 10:1 fine focus ratio. It replaces the single-speed stock knob, so you can make the small adjustments that sharp focus needs at high magnification with the C-14.

    Is the Feather Touch FTM-C14 difficult to install?

    Starlight's instructions take seven steps and need a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/16" hex-head wrench. Keep the tube horizontal, with the dovetail down and the focuser on the right as seen from behind.

    Will the FTM-C14 reduce the "image shift" on my C14?

    No. The Feather Touch Micro still focuses by moving the primary mirror, so image shift from the mirror remains. What it changes is control: the fine knob lets you reach focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob.

    Does the FTM-C14 help with planetary imaging?

    Yes. At the C-14's long focal length the critical focus zone is shallow, and the fine knob lets you make the small adjustments needed to find best focus on a planet. The mirror still moves, so the image can still shift slightly as you focus.

    Can I motorize the Feather Touch FTM-C14 for autofocusing?

    Yes. The FTM-C14 is designed to be motorized. It is directly compatible with the Starlight Instruments HSM20 Handy Stepper Motor (sold separately). It runs on the Focuser Boss II or EFS controller for focusing from a computer.

    Does the fine knob help when collimating?

    It helps you bring a star to sharp focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob, which makes small changes easier to see while you collimate.

    What tools do I need to install the FTM-C14?

    You will need two common tools: a Phillips screwdriver to remove the original focuser cover plate and attach the new focuser, and a 1/16" hex-head wrench to loosen the set screw of a metal stock knob and lock the Ring Adapter.

    Can I still use my original focus knob after installing the Feather Touch FTM-C14?

    No. The Feather Touch Micro Focuser is a complete assembly that replaces the original factory knob on your Celestron C14. You will use the new dual-speed coarse (black) and fine (brass) knobs for all focusing adjustments.

    Are there any C14 models that the FTM-C14 will not fit?

    It is known to fit the Celestron C-14 SCT, with no exceptions given. The instructions cover both metal knobs held by a set screw and rubber knobs that pull off. Contact us with a photo of your focuser if you are unsure.

    Why does the FTM-C14 come with a knurled sleeve?

    The knurled sleeve covers the mounting screws once the focuser is attached. When transporting the telescope, reverse it to its original position to protect the focus knobs.

    How do I protect the focuser in transport?

    Reverse the knurled sleeve to its shipping position so it covers the focus knobs, as Starlight's instructions describe.

    Is the Feather Touch FTM-C14 made in the USA?

    Yes. The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch FTM-C14 is designed, machined, anodized, and assembled by Starlight Instruments at their facility in Columbia City, Indiana, USA.

  • Known to Fit Celestron C-14 Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT)
    Made In USA (designed, machined and assembled)

    • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron C14 SCT

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