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Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade f/10 10" or 12" SCTs
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade f/10 10" or 12" SCTs
Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade f/10 10" or 12" SCTs

Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade f/10 10" or 12" SCTs

by Starlight Instruments
SKU SI-FTM-M1012
CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00
CA$490.00 - CA$490.00
CA$490.00
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  • Fits only the f/10 Meade 10" and 12" SCTs (not f/8)
  • Replaces stock focuser on LX90, LX200GPS, and LX200 Classic models
  • Dual-speed coarse and fine focusing
  • Installs with the supplied 5/64" hex wrench and the original screws
  • Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro for Meade f/10 10" or 12" SCTs

    The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Micro Focuser replaces the stock mirror-focus knob assembly on f/10 Meade 10" and 12" Schmidt-Cassegrains with a dual-speed Feather Touch unit, with coarse and fine knobs. It still focuses by moving the primary mirror, but the fine knob makes the small adjustments of critical focus much easier at long focal length.

    A Precision Upgrade for Meade 10" and 12" f/10 SCTs

    This focuser will only fit the f/10 Meade 10" and 12" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, including the LX90, LX200GPS and LX200 Classic models. It replaces the single-speed factory focus knob assembly.

    It is not for f/8 models; for f/8 tubes Starlight makes the FTM-M1012-F8.

    Dual-Speed Focusing

    The Micro Focuser gives two focusing speeds: a coarse knob for large adjustments and a fine knob for final focus. Feather Touch standard features include 10:1 coarse and fine knobs and an ultra-low backlash system, so ten turns of the fine knob equal one turn of the coarse knob.

    That makes small focus changes much easier than with the single-speed stock knob, on planets, close double stars and in imaging.

    The Critical Focus Zone

    The long focal length of an f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain creates an extremely shallow depth of field, known as the critical focus zone. With the stock focuser, it is easy to "overshoot" this narrow zone, moving from slightly soft to slightly soft without ever landing on perfect focus. The fine knob lets you make deliberate, small adjustments near focus.

    SCTs focus by moving the primary mirror, which can cause image shift, and the Micro Focuser still moves the mirror. What it adds is fine focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob.

    Installation in Three Steps

    The only tool needed is the included 5/64" hex-head wrench. Position the optical tube horizontally before removing the original focus assembly, or the primary mirror could move; on a German equatorial mount, remove the scope from the mount.

    • Step 1: Rotate the original focus knob counter-clockwise to move the mirror fully forward. Then, use the included 5/64” hex wrench to remove the three screws holding the stock assembly in place.
    • Step 2: Pull the original focus assembly back and tilt its outer part to the left, so its shaft slides off the right end of the small rod on the mirror assembly.
    • Step 3: Thread the inner shaft of the Micro Focuser all the way out, tilt it to the left and slide the tip of the brass shaft over the right end of the same rod, making sure it is centered. Attach it with the three original screws. If the knobs feel tight, stop and check the shaft is centered. Expect the telescope to be well out of focus at first.

    Ready for the HSM20 Handy Stepper Motor

    The Handy Stepper Motor (HSM20) fits any Feather Touch Micro Focuser, for computer-controlled focusing.

    The HSM20 is sold separately and runs on a Focuser Boss II or EFS controller, which work with ASCOM software and offer temperature compensation using the motor's built-in thermistor.

    Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA

    Starlight Instruments designs, machines, anodizes and assembles its Feather Touch components in-house in Columbia City, Indiana. The brochure lists durable hardened stainless steel, steel and aluminum construction among the Feather Touch standard features.

    The fine focus knob is anodized aluminum.

  • How does the FTM-M1012 improve focusing on my Meade LX200 12" SCT?

    It replaces the single-speed factory knob with dual-speed coarse and fine knobs, so you can make the small adjustments sharp focus needs at high magnification.

    Will the FTM-M1012 help me get sharp images of Jupiter with my Meade 10" f/10 SCT?

    It helps. Planetary detail needs exact focus, and the fine knob lets you approach it in small steps instead of jumping past it. Seeing still sets what you see and record.

    Can I install the FTM-M1012 on my f/8 Meade SCT?

    No. This model will only fit the f/10 Meade 10" and 12" SCTs. For f/8 tubes, Starlight makes the FTM-M1012-F8.

    How difficult is it to install the Feather Touch Micro Focuser?

    Starlight's instructions take three steps. The only tool required is a 5/64" hex wrench, which is included. You remove three screws, slide the factory assembly off the mirror rod, slide the Feather Touch unit on, centered, and replace the screws.

    Does the Micro Focuser change the back of the telescope?

    No. It replaces the focus knob assembly and is not in the light path, so the rear port and your image train are unchanged.

    Does the FTM-M1012 eliminate image shift on my LX90?

    No. Image shift is inherent to the SCT design, where the primary mirror moves to focus. The Feather Touch Micro still uses this mechanism. What it adds is fine focus without the coarse jumps of the stock knob.

    What tools are needed for installing the FTM-M1012?

    The only tool required is a 5/64" hex-head wrench, which is included with the focuser. You will use it to remove the three set screws holding the original focus assembly and to install the new one.

    Can I motorize this Feather Touch Micro Focuser later?

    Yes. The Handy Stepper Motor (HSM20) fits any Feather Touch Micro Focuser. It is sold separately and runs on a Focuser Boss II or EFS controller.

    What is the reduction ratio of the fine focus knob on the FTM-M1012?

    Starlight's Meade instructions and site copy do not state a ratio for this model. The brochure lists 10:1 coarse and fine knobs among the Feather Touch standard features, meaning ten turns of the fine knob equal one turn of the coarse knob.

    Is the FTM-M1012 made of plastic or metal?

    Feather Touch standard features include hardened stainless steel, steel and aluminum construction and an anodized aluminum fine focus knob.

    My telescope is on a German equatorial mount. Does that affect installation of the FTM-M1012?

    Remove the scope from a German equatorial mount for the installation. The tube must be horizontal before the focus assembly is removed, or the primary mirror could move.

    The FTM-M1012 focuser feels tight after installation. What should I do?

    Stop turning the knob immediately. If the brass shaft is not properly centered on the small rod of the mirror assembly, the focuser may bind, potentially breaking it. Remove the focuser again and check that the shaft is centered.

  • Made In USA (designed, machined and assembled)
    Fits (scopes / focusers) Meade 10" and 12" f/10 SCTs (LX90, LX200GPS, LX200 Classic), not f/8
    Interface / control Dual speed (coarse and fine)

    • Feather Touch Micro Focuser for Meade 10"/12" f/10 SCTs

      × 1

    • Hex Wrench

      × 1

  • Starlight Instruments 2-Year Warranty