Will the Feather Touch Micro completely stop image shift on my Meade LX200 Classic 8"?
It will dramatically reduce or eliminate the image shift caused by the focusing mechanism itself. The Feather Touch provides a much smoother, more precise action than the stock knob, which prevents the mirror from tilting as it moves. This is the single most effective upgrade for combating focus shift on Meade SCTs.
How difficult is it to install the Feather Touch Micro on an LX90?
Installation is straightforward and can typically be done in under 30 minutes with simple hand tools (the required hex wrench is often included). The process involves removing the stock rubber knob and plastic housing and replacing it with the Feather Touch assembly. Starlight Instruments provides detailed instructions to guide you through the process.
Is this focuser necessary for visual observing or just for imaging with my Meade 8" SCT?
While it's considered essential for imaging, it's a massive improvement for visual observing as well. When you're trying to split a tight double star like Epsilon Lyrae or see fine detail in Jupiter's cloud bands at 250x, the stock focuser's "jumpiness" makes it nearly impossible. The Feather Touch allows you to snap objects into perfect focus with ease.
I have a Meade 6" LX80; how do I know if this Feather Touch Micro will fit?
For the 6" LX80 and several other models, you must measure the diameter of the flange on your telescope's current focuser knob. If it measures 38mm, this focuser will fit, but you must specify this when ordering to receive the correct version. If it is a different size, this model is not compatible.
Does the Feather Touch Micro work with the Meade 7" Maksutov?
Yes, this model is fully compatible with the Meade 7" Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. It provides the same significant improvement in focusing precision and reduction of image shift as it does on the 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain models.
Why can't I just use an external Crayford focuser instead of the Feather Touch Micro?
An external Crayford focuser adds to the optical train length and still requires you to use the stock mirror focuser for coarse adjustments, leaving the original image shift problem unsolved. The Feather Touch Micro corrects the problem at its source by upgrading the primary mirror focusing mechanism itself, which is a more direct and effective solution.
