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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 True 3.0" Base Curved w/ Leveling Screws

Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Base Curved w/ Leveling Screws

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-BA32CL
$200.00 - $200.00
$200.00
$200.00 - $200.00
$200.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Designed for the Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Feather Touch Focuser
  • Custom-machined to match your specific telescope tube radius or diameter
  • Features integrated leveling screws for precise focuser collimation
  • 4.4-inch center-to-center mounting hole pattern
  • Requires A32-3203-1 Tube Adapter Ring (sold separately)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Base Curved w/ Leveling Screws

    The Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Base Curved w/ Leveling Screws is custom-machined to provide a perfect, no-flexure fit for your specific telescope tube, creating an unshakable foundation for the True 3.0" Feather Touch Focuser. This base utilizes a 4.4" center-to-center mounting hole pattern and connects to the A32-3203-1 tube adapter ring's M120x1 threads, completing a high-precision mechanical chain from your telescope tube to your camera sensor.

    Custom Machining: A Perfect Foundation for Your True 3.0" Focuser

    A generic, flat base on a curved optical tube creates stress points and invites flexure, compromising the stability of your imaging train. This base eliminates that problem by being custom-machined to the exact radius of your telescope. By providing your tube's diameter in your order notes, you receive a component that mates perfectly with your instrument, ensuring the weight of a heavy focuser and camera is distributed evenly and securely.

    This component is the critical link between your telescope and the focuser. It is designed to thread into the A32-3203-1 tube adapter ring (purchased separately), which in turn accepts the True 3.0" Feather Touch Focuser. This modular system guarantees a rigid, stable connection essential for serious astrophotography.

    Collimation Control: Integrated Leveling Screws for Orthogonal Alignment

    For astrophotographers, achieving a perfectly flat field requires more than just precise optical collimation; the focuser itself must be perfectly orthogonal to the optical axis. The integrated leveling screws on this base provide the fine mechanical adjustment needed to square the focuser assembly to the light cone. This crucial step eliminates tilt, ensuring pinpoint stars across the entire imaging sensor.

    After mounting the base, you can make minute adjustments to the tilt, compensating for any imperfections in the tube or mounting surface. This level of control is non-negotiable for imagers using large sensors or fast optical systems where field flatness is paramount.

  • What information must I provide when ordering the Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Curved Base?

    You must specify the exact radius or diameter of your telescope tube in the order notes. Starlight Instruments will then custom-machine the base to ensure a perfect, flush fit against your optical tube.

    Does this True 3.0" Curved Base attach directly to the focuser?

    No. This base is part of a three-piece system. It attaches to the telescope tube, and then the A32-3203-1 tube adapter ring (sold separately) threads into this base. The True 3.0" Feather Touch Focuser then installs into the adapter ring.

    Why are leveling screws important on the Starlight Instruments focuser base?

    The leveling screws allow you to make minute tilt adjustments to the entire focuser assembly. This is critical for astrophotography to ensure the camera sensor is perfectly perpendicular (orthogonal) to the telescope's light path, which is necessary for achieving sharp, round stars from edge to edge in your images.

    Can I use this Starlight Instruments base with a flat-sided telescope, like a box-truss Dobsonian?

    No, this model is specifically machined for curved tubes. For flat surfaces, Starlight Instruments offers a corresponding "flat" base designed for that purpose.

    How does this custom base help when imaging with a heavy camera on my large Newtonian?

    A heavy camera and focuser can cause a generic or poorly-fitted base to flex or sag, which introduces tilt and ruins focus. By being custom-machined to your tube's exact curve, the Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Curved Base distributes the load perfectly, providing a rigid, stable platform that eliminates flexure and preserves the precise alignment of your imaging train.

    What is the mounting hole pattern for the Starlight Instruments True 3.0" Curved Base?

    The base has a mounting hole pattern measuring 4.4 inches from center-to-center. You will need to drill holes in your telescope tube to match this pattern for installation.

  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty