Table of Contents
Balance and Focus Positions
In this document will be the current focus positions and configurations for cameras and eyepieces on the Phillips Telescope.
Mounting
Our camera and eyepiece focuser are mounted directly to the telescope rotator and fastened with 4 thumb screws. These screws should be placed ever 3 positions along the bracket.
Changing Focus Positions
Different positions may be needed for different instruments. To do so simply open Maestro4 and then select the Focuser tab on the left hand side.
Once this is selected you should see an area for Go To just type in the position you want the focuser to move and click the button.
Main Camera (SBIG STX16803)
Balance Position
With the main camera on there are no additional weight needs to achieve balance. Confirm that sides of the telescope looks like the below:
Focus Position
Our main camera achieves focus just around 12500 counts in the Maestro4.
Focuser (FeatherTouch)
Balance Position
The Phillips is considered balanced for Focuser/Eyepiece viewing when the six ~2lb weights are installed three on either side. They are labeled and the their mounting positions are as well. Below is a picture of their positions.
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 achieves focus at 12,500 counts in Maestro4. That position was selected so focus is right at the middle of travel on the FeatherTouch focuser using a TeleVue 41mm eyepiece.
NOTE: Focus is only achieved at 12,500 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
