1.25" Crayford Focuser for an XT6

Hi All,

Some of you may know that I have an Orion XT6. In other words, it is a f/8 150mm Newtonian Reflector on a Dobsonian base. I purchased it two years ago, and I love it. Thanks to recommendations by some IFAS members I upgraded some of the hardware on the scope. For example, last year I replaced the red dot finder with a 10X50 finder scope, and a Telrad. Both items have greatly enhanced my experience at the eyepiece.

This year I'd like to upgrade the 'rack and pin' focuser that came with the scope. I have spent the past few weeks reading around on 1.25" focusers for the XT6, and I am considering upgrading to this focuser:

www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_inf...h-T2-connection.html

If anyone as any thoughts with regards to upgrading the focuser, I'd love to hear from you.

Clear skies,

Darren.

I replaced the focuser on my 8" Newtonian with this same focuser.  It is a vast improvement on the original, the brass compression ring protects the eyepieces while holding them secure, the action is smoother and focusing easier.
I had to perform a little surgery on my tube, because the holes did not line up exactly, it was a simple job using a drill to make new holes.
Why are you going for the 1.25" focuser?  I would recommend the 2" version, that way you can employ 2" eyepieces and this allows you to have a wider field of view.  It is a little more expensive because you have to buy the base plate extra, but in my opinion it is worth the extra expense for the greater variety of eyepieces that open up to you.

Hope this helps.

Paul.

Hi Paul, 

Very many thanks for your reply - I really appreciate it. I was opting for the 1.25" because I only saw one scope on CN that fitted a 2" focuser. It looked amazing, and that observer raved about how it performed. It seemed like a bit of work to get it right though. More importantly, some people were saying that there are illumination issues because of the size of the secondary mirror in the XT6. I saw some detail figures on the size of one's scope, the focuser, and illumination percentage. As I am not entirely sure what all the details meant the whole thing scared me off, but your message has encouraged me to take a closer look.  I'd love a 2" focuser for the reasons you have outlined. 

Some might say that I should go up to a bigger scope. I'm just not there at the moment. I feel there is still plenty for me to see with the 6" mirror. And truth be told, I don't think I'd ever sell the XT6. 

I had another great session with it this morning.... More about that shortly! 

Clear skies, 

Darren. 

Hey Darren

They say the best scope you have is the one you use, there is no need to change your scope, a 6" will show so much .
I'm as confused as you about illumination percentage and all that, go for the 1.25" focuser and enjoy.

Let us know how you get in.

Paul

...or go and buy a 2" focuser.
You will never regret it!!

Clear skies,

Aubrey.

Hi Paul and Aubrey, 

Thanks a million for your supportive messages... I'm not sure what to do. Unlike your last suggestions (the 10X50, and the Telrad), I won't be buying both. Can you imagine what mounting both focusers would look like on the scope  

I'll keep you posted. 

Thanks again, 

Darren.