What is the main advantage of the Lightweight Feather Touch 2.0" Focuser?
Its primary advantage is its reduced weight. At 385 g for the 1.5" travel model, it is 0.278 lb lighter than Starlight's standard 2.0" focuser, which helps where weight on the tube is a concern.
Can I mount the Lightweight 2.0" Focuser on a Newtonian or Dobsonian reflector?
The 2.0" manual covers Newtonian tubes: the focuser sits on a flat or curved base (sold separately) with a square 2.75" bolt pattern, and the drawtube opening in the tube must be at least 2 5/8". The lighter housing adds less weight at the top of the tube, and the 10:1 fine focus helps at high power.
Can the 8-10 pound capacity of this Crayford focuser handle my camera setup for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?
Our specification gives 8-10 pounds, the published figure for the 2" Crayford. If your imaging train is heavier, Starlight's rack and pinion focusers lift 13-15 pounds (2" Rack/Pinion, 2.5", 3.0") or 18-20 pounds (3.5").
What else do I need to mount the Lightweight Feather Touch Focuser to my telescope?
This focuser is sold as a "body-only" unit. You will need a telescope-specific adapter or base plate from Starlight Instruments to attach it to your optical tube. These are sold separately.
How do I attach filters to the Starlight Lightweight 2.0" Focuser?
The drawtube has a 52 mm functional thread. It suits a minus violet filter on some refractors. A nebula or light pollution filter can also be installed here; 48 mm filters need a reducer.
What does the 10:1 dual-speed reduction on the Feather Touch Focuser achieve?
The 10:1 reduction means that ten turns of the fine focus knob equal one turn of the coarse focus knob. This mechanical advantage allows for extremely small, precise adjustments, which are essential for achieving critical focus at high magnification, especially for planetary imaging or visual observation of targets like the lunar terminator.
Which draw tube travel length (1.5", 2.0", or 2.5") should I choose for my SCT?
There is no specific travel recommendation for the lightweight focuser on an SCT. On an SCT the main focus is the mirror, so the drawtube travel is used for fine focus; longer travel simply gives more range for accessories that need different focus positions.
Is the focuser brake necessary for visual observing?
It depends on your telescope and eyepiece weight. For a Newtonian where the focuser is horizontal, you may need very little brake tension. However, on a refractor or SCT pointed near the zenith, a heavy 2.0" eyepiece can cause an un-braked focuser to drift. The adjustable brake allows you to add just enough tension to hold the load securely without compromising the smooth focusing feel.
Can I switch the focus knobs on the Feather Touch Focuser for left-handed use?
Yes, the pinion housing can be reversed. However, have Starlight Instruments perform this procedure to avoid potential damage or misalignment. Attempting to do it yourself may risk voiding the warranty, as it involves disassembling the factory-set pinion block.
Is the Feather Touch Focuser compatible with automated focusing software?
Yes. With the HSM20 motor and a Starlight controller (Focuser Boss II or EFS, sold separately), the focuser can be driven by ASCOM clients; TheSky X and Equinox for Mac also work with the Focuser Boss II. The EFS adds temperature compensation.
What makes the build quality of this focuser different from others?
The difference lies in the materials and in-house manufacturing. Starlight Instruments designs, machines, and assembles its focusers in the USA. On its 2.0" Crayford focusers, the all-steel running gear and friction plate make the focuser more durable than less expensive focusers that use aluminum plates.
Do I need special tools to install the Feather Touch Focuser?
No, installation typically requires only simple hand tools like Allen wrenches or screwdrivers, depending on your telescope. The manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions for mounting on Newtonian, SCT, and refractor telescopes.
