What is the main advantage of the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser?
The primary advantage is its 13-15 pound lifting capacity. The rack and pinion drive, built with the pinion assembly of Starlight's 3.0" focuser, lifts more than Starlight's 2" Crayford (8-10 pounds), which suits heavier cameras and accessories.
What is the focus reduction ratio on the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser?
This focuser features a 10:1 dual-speed mechanism. This means that ten full turns of the fine focus knob are equivalent to one full turn of the coarse focus knob, allowing for extremely precise, repeatable adjustments essential for critical focusing.
How do I motorize this Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser for automated imaging?
This focuser is compatible with Starlight Instruments' motor systems. You will need either the HSM30 Handy Stepper Motor or the PDMS-2.5/3.0" Posi Drive Motor System (sold separately) for automated, computer-controlled focusing.
Does the Starlight Instruments 2.0" R&P focuser come with a telescope adapter?
No, the tube adapter required to mount the focuser to your specific telescope is sold separately. This modular design allows you to purchase the correct adapter for your instrument's specific thread type or tube mounting pattern, ensuring a secure, flex-free connection.
Will this Feather Touch focuser solve image shift on my SCT when viewing Jupiter?
Stock SCT focusing moves the primary mirror, which can shift the image. With an external focuser, you can reach rough focus with the mirror once, then make the fine adjustments with the drawtube, which moves the eyepiece instead of the mirror. Adapters are available for Celestron C8/C9.25/C11/C14 and Meade 8, 10, 12 and 14" SCTs.
I'm imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a heavy camera. How does the 13-15 pound capacity help?
When imaging a target like M31, your telescope is often pointed at a high angle for hours. The 13-15 pound lifting capacity, the rack and pinion drive and the brake help hold the imaging train at its focus position while the telescope points high.
How do I install the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P on my telescope?
Installation depends on your telescope type and the appropriate adapter (sold separately). For an SCT, you typically remove the adapter from the focuser, thread it onto the back of the telescope, and then re-attach the focuser to the adapter, securing it with the thumb screws. For a Newtonian, you would attach the mounting base to the optical tube before securing the focuser.
How do I adjust the brake tension on this focuser?
The brake is adjusted with the thumbscrew on the underside of the pinion assembly. Turning it in adds tension; turned all the way in, it locks the draw tube. The small set screw opposite the brake thumb screw is factory-set and should not be adjusted.
Can I reverse the pinion assembly for left-handed use?
Yes, the pinion housing can be reversed. However, have Starlight Instruments perform this procedure; doing it yourself risks voiding the warranty.
What little maintenance does the Feather Touch 2.0" R&P focuser require?
Very little. Starlight ships its rack and pinion focusers with a thin film of grease on the rack and pinion, and the reduction assembly is lubricated during assembly; no further lubrication is needed. A liquid car wax, used sparingly on a cotton cloth, suits the outside surfaces.
Can I use 1.25" eyepieces with this 2.0" focuser?
Yes. While the focuser terminates in a 2.0" compression ring, you can use any standard 2.0" to 1.25" adapter (sold separately) to securely hold 1.25" eyepieces and accessories.
Are there threads for filters inside the focuser drawtube?
Starlight's 2.0" focuser manual states that its 2.0" focuser drawtubes have a 52 mm functional thread for a minus violet filter on some refractors, or a nebula or light pollution filter; 48 mm filters need a reducer.
