Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade 14.0" SCTs

A Direct-Fit Upgrade for All Meade 14.0" SCTs

This focuser fits all 14" Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, including the LX200GPS and LX200 Classic models. It replaces the original focus knob assembly and is held by the telescope's three original screws.

• Confirmed Fitment: All Meade 14" Schmidt-Cassegrains
• Specific Models Listed: Meade LX200GPS and LX200 Classic

Dual-Speed Focusing

The Micro Focuser gives two focusing speeds: a coarse knob for large adjustments and a fine knob for final focus. With the 10:1 ratio of Feather Touch coarse and fine knobs, ten turns of the fine knob equal one turn of the coarse knob.

The Feather Touch standard features also include ultra-smooth knobs and an ultra-low backlash system.

Why Fine Focus Matters at Long Focal Lengths

A 14-inch SCT has a long focal length, so the critical focus zone, the range where the image is sharp, is shallow. A single-speed knob moves the mirror a long way for a small turn, so it is easy to go past best focus.

The fine knob turns a comfortable turn into a small movement of the primary mirror, so you can approach focus slowly, for planets, deep-sky imaging and visual use.

How It Attaches

The stock focus assembly and the Feather Touch Micro Focuser attach to the internal mirror assembly through a small horizontal rod, which points toward the right side of the tube when you look at the back of the scope.

The brass shaft of the Micro Focuser slides over the right end of this rod. It must be properly centered on the rod: if it is not, the focuser may bind and could break.

Installation in Three Steps

The only tool needed is the included 5/64" hex-head wrench.

Position the optical tube horizontally before removing the original focus assembly, or the primary mirror could move. If you are using a German equatorial mount, remove the optical tube from the mount entirely.

• Step 1: Position Mirror & Remove Screws: Rotate the original focus knob counter-clockwise as far as it will go to move the primary mirror fully forward. Use the included 5/64” hex wrench to remove the three set screws holding the stock focus assembly.
• Step 2: Remove Stock Assembly: Pull the stock assembly back and tilt it slightly to the left. This movement allows its internal shaft to slide off the small horizontal rod on the mirror assembly.
• Step 3: Install the Micro Focuser: thread its inner shaft all the way out, tilt it to the left, slide the tip of the brass shaft over the right end of the rod and make sure it is centered. Attach it with the three original screws. If the knobs feel tight afterward, stop turning, remove the focuser and check the shaft is centered. Expect the telescope to be well out of focus at first.

What You Need

No other parts are needed: the Micro Focuser is held by the three original screws of the stock focus assembly.

• Supplied by Starlight Instruments: The Feather Touch Micro Focuser assembly and one 5/64” Hex-Head Wrench.
• Supplied by You: The three original mounting screws from your telescope's stock focuser.

Future-Proofing Your Focus: Motorizing 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 HSM20 runs on the Focuser Boss II or EFS controller, which work with ASCOM software and offer temperature compensation using the motor's built-in thermistor.

Made 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.