What is the purpose of the Adapter for ESATTO 3.5" LP for GSO RC telescopes?
This adapter allows you to securely mount a PrimaLuceLab ESATTO 3.5" LP robotic focuser onto the rear cell of large GSO, Orion, or TPO Ritchey-Chretien telescopes. It provides the correct M117 thread and has a very low profile to save as much back focus as possible for your camera and accessories.
Which specific telescopes is this ESATTO 3.5" LP adapter compatible with?
This adapter is designed specifically for GSO, Orion, and TPO Ritchey-Chretien telescopes with an M117x1 rear thread. This includes the following aperture sizes:
- 10-inch (254mm)
- 12-inch (304mm)
- 14-inch (355mm)
- 16-inch (406mm)
How does this ESATTO 3.5" LP adapter help with my astrophotography setup on a 12" RC?
On a 12" RC, back focus is limited. This adapter's minimal thickness is crucial when building an imaging train that includes an off-axis guider (OAG), a filter wheel, and your camera. It allows you to install the high-precision ESATTO 3.5" LP focuser without consuming the space needed for those essential accessories, which is a common challenge with stock focusers.
Will I need extension tubes with the ESATTO 3.5" LP adapter?
Yes, it's possible. This adapter is designed to maximize the available back focus by mounting the focuser close to the tube. However, depending on your specific camera's sensor-to-flange distance and other accessories, you will likely need to add the correct combination of extension tubes to position your camera sensor precisely at the telescope's focal point.
I'm imaging the galaxy pair M81 and M82 with my 16" TPO RC; why is this low-profile ESATTO 3.5" LP adapter essential?
For imaging deep-sky targets like the M81/M82 group with a long focal length 16" RC, precise, repeatable focusing is non-negotiable for sharp details. The ESATTO 3.5" LP provides this robotic precision. This low-profile adapter is the essential component that lets you install the focuser on your telescope's M117 thread without giving up the back focus required for your guide camera and filters.
What thread does this PrimaLuceLab adapter use to connect to the Ritchey-Chretien telescope?
The adapter features a female M117x1 thread on the telescope side, which is the standard rear cell thread for the compatible GSO, Orion, and TPO Ritchey-Chretien models from 10" to 16" aperture.