Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Celestron CPC9.25, C9.25 Edge HD, SCT

For Celestron CPC-9.25 & C9.25 Edge HD Telescopes

This Micro Focuser fits the Celestron CPC-9.25 and C9.25 Edge HD and replaces the factory focus knob assembly.

If your telescope is less than a few years old, the back cell shows the version: a triangular pattern on the back needs the "CPC" version (this one), and a flat back needs the standard "C" version.

Dual-Speed 10:1 Focusing

The Micro Focuser gives you two focusing speeds: the larger black knob provides coarse focus for initial adjustments, while the smaller brass knob engages the fine-focus system. The 10:1 reduction ratio means that ten full turns of the fine-focus knob equal just one turn of the coarse knob.

The fine knob makes small adjustments of the telescope's primary mirror easier. Feather Touch standard features include hardened stainless steel, steel and aluminum construction, ultra-smooth coarse and fine knobs and an ultra-low backlash system.

Critical Focus on a Schmidt-Cassegrain

The long focal length of a Schmidt-Cassegrain creates a very narrow critical focus zone, especially at high magnifications used for planets or double stars. The stock single-speed focuser can make it difficult to hit this zone precisely, often causing the image to jump or overshoot focus. While the Micro Focuser still operates by moving the primary mirror, its 10:1 fine knob lets you focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob.

That helps when imaging a planet or trying to split a close double star, where small, deliberate adjustments make the difference.

Confirming Your Telescope's Rear Cell Design

Starlight makes two versions of the Micro Focuser for Celestron SCTs and says that, on a telescope less than a few years old, the back cell shows which one you need.

• This "CPC" Version: for a triangular pattern on the back; it fits the CPC-9.25 and C9.25 Edge HD.
• The Standard "C" Version: for a flat back.

Contact us if you are unsure which back your telescope has.

A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

You need a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/2" or adjustable wrench. Position the optical tube horizontally before removing the original focus assembly, or the primary mirror could move.

The process involves a few key steps:

1. Pull off the original black rubber focus knob.
2. Remove the three Phillips-head screws and the focus assembly cover plate.
3. Rotate the brass part clockwise to bring the mirror back, then remove the small Phillips screw at the tip of the focus shaft and keep it, since it goes back on.
4. Rotate the brass part counterclockwise, quite a few turns, to remove the brass cylinder and bearing assembly.
5. Unthread the stop from the Micro Focuser and thread it onto the focus shaft far enough that the end of the rod is exposed; the stop keeps the mirror from falling off the baffle tube.
6. Attach the SCT Micro Focuser body to the telescope using the three included M3-14 hex-head screws.

Use the black knob for coarse focus and the brass knob for the 10:1 fine focus. Expect the telescope to be far out of focus at first, so you may need to turn the focus knob quite a few times.

What's In The Box & Tools You'll Need

Starlight's parts list and tools:

• Included with the Focuser: Feather Touch SCT Micro Focuser unit, a spacer plate, three M3-14 hex-head screws, and a 2mm hex-head wrench.
• Additional Tools Required: You will need a Phillips screwdriver and a 1/2" or adjustable wrench to complete the installation.

Upgrading to Automated Focus with the HSM20

The Handy Stepper Motor (HSM20), sold separately, fits any Feather Touch Micro Focuser.

Separate HSM installation instructions are available for the Micro Focuser. The motor runs on a Focuser Boss II or EFS controller, which work with ASCOM software and offer temperature compensation using the motor's built-in thermistor.

Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA

Starlight Instruments is a veteran-owned and operated company that designs, machines, anodizes, and assembles its 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.