Robofocus - removing focus knob off refractor

Sorry Michael - I didn't look at the images properly.

Seems that you may need to remove the focussing mechanism to get to whateverr is holding the focuser knobs on. That's a tough decision to make. Anyone you can ask? Yahoo forum or similar? Dealer?

As a last resort, you can try loosening say the left hand outer hex screw and see if that has any effect on the left hand focus knob. If not, try the inner left hand hex screw and see what that does.

My guess is the two focus knobs are connected by a single steel rod. I'd imagine they are attached in a way that means you have to remove the housing. They may even be glued on...

I can come over with a hacksaw if you like. Its a bit rusty but it might help

Seems that you may need to remove the focussing mechanism to get to whateverr is holding the focuser knobs on. That's a tough decision to make. Anyone you can ask? Yahoo forum or similar? Dealer?

I sent a mail to the dealer just now...hopefully they will be able to clarify.

My guess is the two focus knobs are connected by a single steel rod. I'd imagine they are attached in a way that means you have to remove the housing. They may even be glued on...

I'm thinking the exact same.

I can come over with a hacksaw if you like. Its a bit rusty but it might help

I was hoping you might have a crowbar going spare...guess I'll settle for the hacksaw then.

Just a thought - assuming there's nothing on the flat circular ends of the focus knobs, perhaps there could be a grub screw or simialr beneath the rubber grip. That means removing the grip of course - does it come off? If not, then best wait for Pentax to come back to you.

Is the monitor OK?

Just a thought - assuming there's nothing on the flat circular ends of the focus knobs, perhaps there could be a grub screw or simialr beneath the rubber grip. That means removing the grip of course - does it come off? If not, then best wait for Pentax to come back to you.

The knobs are solid - no rubber layer to peel back. I've posted a message on the UK astro imaging forum also - we'll see what happens.

Is the monitor OK?

Superb actually! Faaar better than the one I had. Many thanks!!

Cheers,

Michael,
I have a focuser that is similar looking to the pictures above. In mine the bearing for the focuser shaft, (the shiny part with the blind holes in yours) has the hole for the focuser shaft drilled off center. This allows the adjustment of the clearance between the rack and the pinion by rotating the bush, (hence the blind holes). The grub screws in the body then lock them in place. If you must open them mark their position first.

Thanks for the suggestions lads.

As it turns out, there was a small layer of rubber on the focuser knobs. Once I peeled it away, there were two grub screws underneath. I removed them with a 1.5mm hex screw. Was than able to attach the robofocus. Here are some pics of the motors installed. Hope they are of use to someone else:







Regards & Thanks,