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Table of Contents
Focus Positions and Mounting
In this document will be the current focus positions and configurations for cameras and eyepieces on the Schulman Telescope.
Main Camera (SBIG AC4040BSI)
Mounting
Our main is mounted directly to the telescope rotator and fastened with 4 thumb screws. These screws should be placed ever 3 positions along the bracket. Also not that in order to maintain alignment for remote use please install the camera such that the power brick faces the left of the telescope as seen from the back.
There are two spacers, one 1“ and the second 1.25” between the mounting plate and the camera itself. These are threaded together (rather tightly) and are electrical taped so as to not unthread. These spacers should not be removed or replaced unless absolutely required.
Focus Position
Our main camera uses [ ] and [ ] in spacers from the mounting point and achieves focus just around 93,000 counts in the FocusPro.
Focuser (FeatherTouch)
Mounting
The focuser, unlike the Main Camera, does not require any special rotator for mounting though it is recommended to mount it such that the focus knobs face down when viewed at the park position.
Focus Positions
The focuser with most of the time be used with just eyepieces but, on occasion, other instruments and cameras may want to be installed. As such this section provides guidance on as many of these options as possible.
Eyepieces
The Focuser uses no spacers (reconfigurable spacers that is) from the mounting point and achieves focus at 70,000 counts in FocusPro. The position of 25,000 was selected so focus is right at the middle of travel on the FeatherTouch focuser using a TeleVue 31mm eyepiece.
NOTE: Focus is only achieved at 70,000 when both the diagonal AND rotator ring are attached
DSLR
To use a DSLR (Canon, Nikon, Sony) can be attached with their respective adapters with a few focuser changes. First, the Eyepiece and Diagonal must be removed. NOT the rotating thingy, just the diagonal. Once that is removed change the focus position to ~~~ counts and you should be very close to focus.
Planetary Camera (ZWO with ADC)
To use a Planetary camera, specifically our ZWO ASI183MC with ADC, remove the diagonal from the telescope (just like with a DSLR) and attach directly using the 2in adapter that is already mounted to the Planetary Camera. The camera will focus around ~~~ counts.
Other
