C8 focusing question

Folks - I'm interested in getting an electronic focuser for my Celestron C8 SCT. This will do two things for me - lock down the primary mirror to avoid flop and give me better (remote) control over focus.

My questions are:

1. How can I lock down the primary mirror
2. Are there any special considerations for electronic focusers for SCT's?

As a supplemental question, if I can't afford an electronic focuser, what's the best mechanical retrofit focuser for an SCT?

Appericate your input.

Cheers

Dave McD

Folks - I'm interested in getting an electronic focuser for my Celestron C8 SCT. This will do two things for me - lock down the primary mirror to avoid flop and give me better (remote) control over focus.

My questions are:

1. How can I lock down the primary mirror

Dave McD

This might seem a silly question to you old hands, but why would you need to lock down the primary mirror?
Bill H.

Woops! :oops: the answers already there. To avoid flop. sorry folks.
anyway I'm a viagra user :lol:
Bill.

I only suffer flop at certain inclinations...

I think the Meade OTA's have a primary mirror lock built in Bill so you're right - you shouldn't suffer from flop a tall. Happy days!

Dave McD

Hi Dave.
I got an electronic focuser for my SCT a number of years ago.
To be honest, I prefer the manual focuser as its much easier to get a feel for it.
The electronic focuser is so slow and can be difficult to achieve focus.

The only advantages to an electronic focuser I can see are.

1, makes it possible to focus on a shakey mount, not a problem for you I'd imagine :lol:
2, you can do remote focusing from your house.

The classic lx200 doesnt have a built-in mirror lock, but there was a locking bolt which was used for locking the mirror down during transport. This is easily modified to give you an effective mirror lock during observing.
If the C8 has a similar locking bolt, then it probabily can be altered also.

Otherwise you'll have to drill a few holes :lol:
Seriously, have a look at this!!!
easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/lx_flop.htm

Also,
heres a home made electronic focuser he built
easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/lx_ef.htm

This guys site is great, check out other home brews he built
easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~chrish/