Skip to content
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Starlight Instruments Micro Pinion Assembly Retrofit - fits Tele Vue w/ Black Draw Tube

Starlight Instruments Micro Pinion Assembly Retrofit - fits Tele Vue w/ Black Draw Tube

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-MPA-TELBb
$440.00 - $440.00
$440.00
$440.00 - $440.00
$440.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Adds Feather Touch dual-speed focusing to stock Tele Vue focusers
  • Provides ultra-fine control for high-magnification viewing and imaging
  • Includes an integrated brake to prevent focus shift with heavy loads
  • Direct-fit replacement for Tele Vue focusers with black draw tubes
  • Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
Backordered
Request Stock Alert
Availability Info
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Micro Pinion Assembly Retrofit - fits Tele Vue w/ Black Draw Tube

    Upgrade your Tele Vue telescope's stock focuser with the Starlight Instruments Micro Pinion Assembly (MPA) Retrofit. This assembly replaces the original single-speed pinion block, installing the acclaimed Feather Touch dual-speed mechanism for exceptionally fine and repeatable focus adjustments. Designed specifically for Tele Vue focusers equipped with a black draw tube, this upgrade includes an integrated brake to securely lock the drawtube, eliminating focus shift when using heavy eyepieces or an imaging train.

    Feather Touch Dual-Speed Control for Tele Vue Focusers

    The core of this upgrade is the Feather Touch planetary reduction assembly, which provides two focusing speeds. The coarse focus knobs offer the familiar, rapid drawtube travel, while the fine focus knob delivers precise, minute adjustments essential for achieving critical sharpness at high power. This level of control is indispensable for splitting tight double stars, resolving planetary detail, or nailing focus with a CCD or CMOS camera.

    • Fine-Focus Mechanism: A robust planetary gear system provides smooth, backlash-free fine adjustments, translating large turns of the fine-focus knob into tiny, controlled movements of the drawtube.
    • Integrated Brake: A dedicated thumbscrew allows you to increase drawtube tension or lock it in place entirely. This prevents any downward creep or focus shift caused by the weight of heavy 2" eyepieces, diagonals, or cameras, especially when the telescope is aimed near the zenith.

    Stock Focuser vs. Feather Touch MPA: The Critical Difference

    While the stock Tele Vue focuser is a capable unit, its single-speed operation can make achieving perfect focus at high magnification a challenge. The slightest touch can overshoot the mark. The Feather Touch MPA eliminates this "focus snap" by introducing a highly controlled fine-focus stage, transforming the user experience from frustrating to effortless.

    This is not just a convenience; for imagers, it's a necessity. The precision of the Feather Touch mechanism allows automated focusing software to make repeatable, minute steps, resulting in sharper stars and more successful imaging sessions. For visual observers using a Nagler on Jupiter or Delos on the Moon, it's the difference between a sharp view and a critically sharp one.

  • How does the Starlight Instruments MPA Retrofit improve focusing on a Tele Vue refractor?

    It replaces the standard single-speed knob with a dual-speed mechanism. This gives you a fine-focus knob that makes extremely small, precise adjustments, eliminating the difficulty of achieving sharp focus at high magnifications. It's a critical upgrade for planetary imaging and visual observation.

    What is the purpose of the brake on this Tele Vue MPA Retrofit?

    The brake is a thumbscrew that increases tension on the drawtube. It allows you to lock the focuser in place, preventing any movement or "slip" caused by the weight of a heavy camera, binoviewer, or large eyepiece like a 31mm Nagler. This ensures your focus remains exactly where you set it throughout an observation or imaging run.

    Will this Micro Pinion Assembly fit my Tele Vue telescope with a chrome draw tube?

    No. This specific model is designed exclusively for Tele Vue focusers that have a black draw tube. Starlight Instruments makes different models for other focuser versions; you must verify your focuser type before purchasing.

    Is installing the Feather Touch MPA Retrofit difficult on my Tele Vue NP101?

    Installation is straightforward for most users. The MPA is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement for the original pinion block. It typically involves removing a few screws to release the stock assembly and then attaching the new Feather Touch unit with the same screws. Basic hand tools are all that is required.

    Why is fine focus from the MPA Retrofit important for imaging Jupiter with my Tele Vue telescope?

    When imaging planets like Jupiter, you are working at very long effective focal lengths and dealing with atmospheric seeing that constantly changes. The fine control of the Feather Touch MPA allows you to make tiny, continuous adjustments to track the narrow plane of perfect focus as the seeing stabilizes. This is nearly impossible with a single-speed focuser and is essential for capturing the sharpest possible data.

    Does this Starlight Instruments MPA retrofit replace the entire focuser body?

    No, this is not a full focuser. The MPA Retrofit replaces only the pinion assembly—the block that contains the focus knobs and gears. You retain your telescope's original focuser housing and drawtube.

  • Made In USA (designed, machined and assembled)
  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty