What controller do I need for the Feather Touch Gen II focuser?
The Feather Touch Gen II focuser requires an external electronic controller, which is sold separately. To power and operate the included Posi Drive motor, you will need either the Starlight Instruments EFS (Electronic Focusing System) or the Focuser Boss II control hub.
What is the benefit of the 0.23 micron step size on the Gen II focuser?
A 0.23 micron step size provides extremely fine control over the focus point. This matters most with fast telescopes, where the zone of sharp focus is shallow, and it lets an autofocus routine sample focus positions finely.
How does the 56 lb lifting capacity of the Feather Touch Gen II benefit my imaging rig with a large refractor?
The Gen II flyer gives a 56 lb capacity, and Starlight's product page says the focuser can lift in excess of 20 pounds. Add up your camera, filter wheel and other accessories and keep within the figure; the 3.5" travel version has adapters for many refractors.
Can I still focus the Feather Touch Gen II manually?
Yes. The Feather Touch Gen II retains the signature manual 10:1 dual-speed focus knobs. Loosen the PDMS thumbscrew and turn the motor housing counterclockwise to the stop to focus by hand; to re-engage, rotate it clockwise to tension the belt and tighten the thumbscrew.
How do I attach the Feather Touch Gen II to my specific telescope?
To mount the focuser, you will need two items sold separately:
- A telescope-specific tube adapter ring to connect the focuser body to your optical tube.
- An end cap to connect your camera or accessories to the focuser's threaded drawtube.
Adapters and end caps are offered for each travel version.
What is the Posi Drive Motor System (PDMS) on the Gen II?
The Posi Drive Motor System (PDMS) is a high-precision, timing-belt motor drive included with the Gen II focuser. The Gen II has extremely low backlash for automated focusing. Its design allows for quick disengagement for manual focusing and re-engagement for motorized control.
How do I switch between motorized and manual focus with the PDMS?
To enter manual mode, loosen the thumbscrew and turn the motor housing counterclockwise to the stop. To re-engage the motor, rotate the housing clockwise to tension the belt, turning the coarse focus knob back and forth to take up slack, then tighten the thumbscrew.
Why is the Gen II's threaded drawtube better than a compression ring for imaging?
A threaded drawtube lets the camera, spacers and corrective optics thread on, which is more secure than a compression ring held by thumbscrews. A 2" compression ring end cap is still available for eyepieces.
Will the Feather Touch Gen II work with my imaging software?
The motor drive system is fully ASCOM compatible and has direct support in TheSkyX. It runs through the EFS or Focuser Boss II controller.
Does the Gen II fit a Celestron C11 or C14?
The A30-1903-7 adapter fits Celestron C11/C14 telescopes with the 1.5" travel version (sold separately). The three-point draw tube support system prevents image shift, and the threaded draw tube takes camera, spacers and corrective optics.
What is the purpose of the 10:1 manual reduction if the Feather Touch Gen II is motorized?
The 10:1 manual reduction provides essential flexibility. It's invaluable for:
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Initial Setup: Quickly finding rough focus when setting up a new optical configuration.
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Visual Use: Allowing the focuser to be used with an eyepiece for visual observation or alignment.
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Manual Backup: Focusing by hand with the PDMS in manual mode.
What are the two Feather Touch Gen II draw tube travel options (1.5" and 3.5") for?
The choice depends on your telescope type:
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1.5" Travel: Adapters are available for Meade and Celestron SCTs, RCOS and RC scopes, Sky-Watcher Esprit 80/100 and Takahashi FSQ-85 with this version.
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3.5" Travel: Adapters are available for many refractors with this version, giving more range for accessories with different focus positions.
