MoonLite CF Model (2 inch format) Refractor Focusers

The modular design of the CF refractor focuser makes it very versatile for just about any refractor. Just pick the options you need in these 4 categories: Flange, Drawtube, Focus knob/motor, and Color.

We offer everything from single rate drive configurations to our popular dual rate 8 to 1 Tri-knob reduction unit for heavy duty loads such as (CCD imagers and bino viewers). We offer several different types of motor systems and PC based interfaces providing automated focus ability running today's ASCOM software. Plus different draw tube travels and configurations for every kind of EP, Bino viewer and CCD camera. Our collimatable mounting flanges provide flexibility for achieving perfect mechanical centerline collimation. Our shaft lock option provides focus lock with no image shift. Custom anodized colors and custom machining (by request) make for a perfect custom focuser to match your refractor.

Flanges:

Please see the "Technical Specifications" tab for available flanges.

Drawtubes:

MoonLite offers 4 different drawtube configurations for the 2" format CF model refractor focusers. Please use the pull down menu to select the drawtube located at the bottom of this page. Please Note - All focusers include a 2" to 1 1/4" adapter. The adapter is threaded for 2" filters. All drawtubes have a 3 Thumbscrew Brass Compression system for great gripping power.

• 4.5" travel  is the most popular drawtube for a 2" format focusers on a refractor. 
• 2.5" short travel version drawtube is designed for small fast scopes. The shorter length of the drawtube keeps the edge of the drawtube from bumping the light cone when racked the whole way in on Fast refractors. 
• 4.5" travel "low position" compression ring style drawtube. This drawtube also uses 3 thumbscrews for extreme grip like the models above but the brass compression ring is located in a lower position so the brass compression ring clamps around the true 2" OD of diagonal, not at the beveled under cut area. Some Diagonals such as AP and WO brands have bevels back cut in to the 2" OD barrel. MoonLite's "Low position" drawtube solves the misalignment problem and grips the diagonal properly to maintain accurate collimation and load bearing ability. Please note- the "low position" comp ring bump out on the top of the drawtube adds .8" to the height of the focuser, not 3/8" like the regular comp ring design does.
• 2.5" travel "Low position" compression ring style drawtube is designed for fast scopes. The shorter length of the drawtube keeps the edge of the drawtube from bumping the light cone when racked the whole way in on Fast refractors. It also offer a Low Position brass compression ring location like the 4.5" travel drawtube above.  Adds .8" the focuser's profile, not 3/8" like the regular drawtubes do.

Please consider Moonlite's T-thread adapter for attaching your CCD / Filter wheel to a MoonLite focuser. It fixes the mis-match size problem between the 2" compression ring drawtube standard and the under cut section (1.9") nose piece. It makes for a very rigid and collimated solution when clamping on to a true 2" smooth bore surface.

Focus

MoonLite has many knob and motor configurations. Our reduction systems and motor options are integrated into the focuser at the time of assembly. Please use the pull downmenu located at the bottom of this page to select the configuration you need.

• The Single rate configuration uses 2 regular 1.5" diameter knobs providing .58" travel rate per revolution. The single rate configuration is only recommended for light weight duty due to the 3 lb vertical load capacity, or for customers planning on installing a Motor kit. Almost all MoonLite focusers are dual rate Tri-knob or motorized versions, however we do offer this single rate model for smaller scopes that are not using heavy loads and do not need a 2 speed reduction unit, such as a finder scope.
• The dual rate Tri-knob option is a 2-speed configuration with a regular knob on one side and a fine and coarse knob on the other. Both coarse knobs are 1.5" OD, and the fine knob is 1.2" in size. The fine knob uses an oversized 8 to 1 reduction unit featuring a preloaded, all ball bearing planetary reduction design that has no backlash or play. The inline unit can simple be rolled by the slightest touch of your finger to make very fine focus movements plus has an auto brake when focus is stopped. No scope wiggles here and perfect collimation plus an 6 lb weight capacity make this option ideal for typical visual or imaging use. The fine knob is on the right by default, but can be made a lefty if needed. If increased lifting capacity is needed, please consider one of our motor options below. The motor option give the CF focuser an 8 lb lifting capacity rating.
• The dual rate Tri-knob with Shaft Lock option also uses the 8 to 1 reduction unit like above but adds a Shaft Lock knob on the standard side. The Shaft lock option uses a unique mini brass compression ring clamp sub system that allows the user to lock the shaft with out deflecting the drawtube. This type of focus lock is much better then the old "thumb screw against the draw tube" style that would shift the image when pressed against the draw tube. The fine knob is on the right by default and can not be configured as a lefty.
• High Resolution Stepper Motor/stand alone for customers that may all ready have a stepper motor controller. – The high resolution stepper motor option provides extremely fine focus resolution required by today's high-end CCD imaging platforms. It provides an 8 lb. load capacity once installed on a CF focuser. It gives the focuser great repeatability and automated focus ability for today’s imaging requirements when using a PC. The high resolution stepper motor’s slip clutch feature allows both manual operation using the focusers knobs and electronic PC control at the same time. The stepper motor follows the 9 pin DBA standard pin out so it will work with ROBO focus (pin for pin) controllers along with many other brand controllers. We offer two different controllers below if you do not have a controller.
• High Resolution Stepper Motor with MoonLite Mini V2 Controller – The high resolution stepper motor with mini V2 ASCOM compliant controller. The MoonLite Mini controller features a remote temp probe, Speed control and up/ down buttons on the controller box for manual operation of the motor alone with full PC control. It uses a USB connection to your PC and runs off standard 12 volt DC. We include an AC adapter with a universal plug so it will work in any country, USB cable, 9pin DBA cable, and remote temp probe. Works with all ASCOM based software once the driver is loaded. We also include a basic Non- ASCOM program for customers to operate the focuser that may not have ASCOM set up. The 8 lb. load rating and precise focus ability make this a good configuration for permanent or remote imaging platforms. The slip clutch feature for manual knob operation is always included with all Motor options so the focuser can be used in many configurations, manual knob, controller buttons, or remote PC operation.
• High Resolution Stepper Motor with Dual Port DRO Display Controller. This option includes a 2 port controller and can operate 2 separate focusers at the same time, or 1 focuser running both focus and a rotator. It is a full ASCOM compliant controller along with the high resolution stepper motor with slip clutch. Along with our ASCOM driver, we also include a basic Non- ASCOM program for customers to operate the focuser that may not have ASCOM set up. This controller is best for both visual and PC operation due to its buttons and full DRO display on the controller box located at the scope. It has a fine and fast mode using the buttons on either channel with a full DRO position readout on the display that shows the exact step count position just like in the software of your favorite imaging program. The controller has a remote temp probe just like the mini V2 above and full digital display, plus manual buttons for stand alone use. The 8 lb. load rating on a CF model focuser and extreme precise focus ability at .00008” resolution and repeatability make this the ultimate configuration for permanent and remote imaging platforms. This controller / stepper motor option is recommended for both PC and hand held manual operation. It comes with universal voltage AC adapter and USB cable. The slip clutch feature for manual knob operation is always included with all Motor options so the focuser can be used in many configurations, manual knob, controller buttons, or remote PC operation.

MoonLite offers ASCOM drivers to run with your existing imaging software, and a simple non ASCOM program for customers not running a full blown ASCOM automated system (for someone who just wants a simple automated control app to run the focuser). See the Download tab on our Web site for Software. Please note: Motor kits can be added at a later time, as we sell motor kits that customers can install themselves.

The amount of slip can be adjusted on the new slip clutch by adjusting the tightness of the slip clutch ring. For manual knob operation of the focuser, turn the silver knurled ring loose. For motor operation of the focuser, tighten the silver knurled ring.

To adjust the knurled rings tension, it helps to hold the manual knob still with your right hand and turn the clutch ring with your left hand. Holding the manual knob in place will keep the shaft from turning allowing the clutch ring to tighten / loosen the clutch.

Note: No damage will be done if the focuser motor continues to run past the mechanical stops of the drawtubes travel. Even if the clutch is tight, it will simply slip when the travel runs out.

Maintenance:

All CF model focusers equipped with a 2 part flange can be collimated. All focusers have a lifting capacity adjustment.

Adjustments:

• Lifting Capacity: The drawtube pressure can be adjusted to each user’s preference. Increasing the pressure increases the load capacity (vertical lifting capacity) of the focuser. Decreasing the pressure lowers the load capacity but gives the focuser a smoother focusing action. We set the focuser at approximately 4 lbs. at time of assembly; however, you can adjust it to be more depending on your specific needs. The ideal setting is to have it adjusted so the focuser can hold the heaviest load presented without slipping and requiring no additional force. This will give the focuser the best feel and still provide the vertical lifting capacity required. To adjust, turn the aluminum thumbscrew located between the two setscrews on the bottom of the focuser CW to increase load capacity. The aluminum thumbscrew can only add pressure, not take away pressure. This is due to the 2 set screws on each side of the thumbscrew applying a min set pressure amount. In some rare case it may be necessary to do a coarse adjustment by turning the 2 setscrews located on each side of the aluminum thumbscrew (1/8 Allen wrench) a very small amount. Normally, 1/20 of a turn or less should be made on the setscrews in a CW direction, then check the lifting capacity pressure by racking the drawtube up and down with your heaviest load.
• Collimation: To adjust collimation, turn the 4 mini setscrews located in the top part of the 2-part flange. A small amount of tip/tilt (.015 max) can be made by adjusting the setscrews. We collimate each focuser dead on before shipping it so no adjustment should be required; however, if collimation is required due to some sort of OTA defect when the focuser is installed, then the tip/tilt ability of the focuser's flange will come in handy. Please Note: rotating the focuser will throw off any collimation reference once the flange is tilted off plane. So please do not collimate the focuser off center line unless it is absolutely necessary to fix a gross error in the OTA.

Maintenance:

• To maintain the CF focusers performance, keep all bearing and shaft riding surfaces clean. All crayford style focusers require a clean bearing to drawtube surface for smooth operation. The drawtube has been polished to remove all machine marks and hard anodized resulting in the action having a super smooth feel. Keeping the surfaces clean will keep the focuser operating at optimal performance. Dual rate focuser owners may want to break in the 8:1 reduction unit by running it up and down when first receiving the focuser. It is adjusted fairly tight at the time of assembly and requires a little use to come up to peak performance. No maintenance should be required on the reduction unit as it is packed with lithium low temperature grease for the life of its operation.