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Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit for Sky-Watcher Crayford Focusers
Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit for Sky-Watcher Crayford Focusers

Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit for Sky-Watcher Crayford Focusers

by Lacerta
SKU LAC-MICFOC-S
CA$159.00 - CA$159.00
CA$159.00
CA$159.00 - CA$159.00
CA$159.00
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  • Adds 1:10 dual-speed fine focusing
  • Designed for Sky-Watcher Crayford focusers without a stock microfocuser
  • Replaces the entire pressure plate with an adjustable one
  • Supports an axial load of approximately 3 kg when properly tuned
  • Adds no thickness, retaining compatibility with motor focusers
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads

  • Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit for Crayford Focusers

    The Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit turns a Sky-Watcher Crayford focuser without microfocus into a dual-speed focuser: a 1:10 fine knob on one side, the original knob on the other. It replaces the whole pressure plate with an adjustable one, and a well adjusted Crayford should then hold about 3 kg axially without the brake screw. Installation needs 1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm Allen keys and a Phillips screwdriver.

    The 1:10 Reduction: Adding Precision to Standard Sky-Watcher Focusers

    The larger Sky-Watcher telescopes, such as the ED APO PRO series, Dobsonians and Newtonians, have a very stable Crayford focuser (thanks to a long distance between its two ball bearings) but no microfocus unit. The Lacerta MICFOC-S adds fine control by introducing a 1:10 reduction fine-focus knob, while your original knob is retained for coarse adjustments. This allows small, controlled changes to focus.

    A Fully Adjustable Pressure Plate

    Unlike simpler upgrades that attach with a single screw, the Lacerta kit replaces the entire Crayford pressure plate. The new plate can be tilted and the axis of the microfocus unit can be adjusted, so the Crayford shaft does not bend when the pressure is increased. A bent shaft rubs and makes the focuser run unevenly or even jam. A well adjusted Crayford focuser should hold about 3 kg in the axial direction without the extra brake screw, without losing focus.

    • Full Adjustability: By allowing fine control over the distance and angle between the shaft and drawtube, the focuser can be tuned to run smoothly.
    • Motor Focuser Ready: Because the upgrade replaces the existing plate and adds no extra thickness, a motor focuser can still be mounted.

  • Which focusers does the Lacerta Dual Speed Microfocus Upgrade Kit fit?

    This kit is designed specifically for Sky-Watcher Crayford focusers that do not originally come with a microfocuser. It fits all Sky-Watcher Crayford focusers built so far without microfocus, on Dobsonians, Newtonians and ED APO refractors.

    How does the Lacerta upgrade provide dual-speed focusing?

    The Lacerta kit adds a new fine-focus knob with a 1:10 planetary gear reduction. You remove one of the original focuser knobs and insert the shaft into the Lacerta unit. The remaining original knob is kept on the other side of the shaft for coarse, rapid focusing.

    Why does the kit replace the whole pressure plate?

    Earlier upgrades were fixed with a single screw and allowed no fine adjustment, so the shaft could bend and the focuser ran unevenly. The new Lacerta plate can be tilted and the microfocus axis adjusted, so the focuser runs evenly; a well adjusted unit should hold about 3 kg axially without the brake screw.

    Can I still attach a motor focuser after installing the Lacerta Upgrade Kit?

    Yes. The 1:10 unit adds no extra thickness because the whole pressure plate is replaced, so the popular motor focuser can still be mounted.

    What tools do I need to install the Lacerta Microfocus Upgrade Kit?

    You will need a few basic tools for installation and adjustment: 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm Allen keys, and a Phillips screwdriver.

  • Part Number LAC-MICFOC-S (Lacerta MICFOC-S)
    Type 1:10 microfocus upgrade kit for Crayford focusers
    Reduction 1:10 (fine knob), original knob kept for coarse focus
    Fits Sky-Watcher Crayford focusers without microfocus (Dobsonians, Newtonians, ED APO refractors)
    Design Replaces the whole Crayford pressure plate; plate tilt and microfocus axis adjustable
    Added Thickness None (a motor focuser can still be fitted)
    Axial Load About 3 kg without the brake screw when well adjusted
    Tools Required 1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm Allen keys, Phillips screwdriver

    • Lacerta 1:10 microfocus unit with new pressure plate

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