Synta refractor focusser

Hi

I have a Synta 120mm refractor which I am pleased with overall.

However, the focusser is stiff and not a light touch by any means. I have disassembled it, cleaned it and replaced the Chinese grease with some light ceramic grease.

While this helped greatly, I am still not wrapped in the feel or the tolerances of this focusser. I have looked at many other Chinese scope focussers and it seems to be very common.

My question is, is there a replacement 2" focusser for the Synta refractors that improves the use?

Standard focussers that I have seen, even for refractors do not seem to have a long enough draw for the Synta scopes.

Clear skies

Dave

Some thoughts and suggestions:

When you reassembled the focuser did you tighten the 4 screws down that secure the pinion gear and shaft? The scopes come with the screws tight but that is part of the difficulty. Try loosening them and playing with the adjustment until the action is smooth but not tight. This may take some playing around. Its a trade off between When you find the ideal position, put a drop of crazy glue at the edge of the screw head to secure it.

The reassembly method I have found works pretty well with Synta focusers is this:

1. First install the draw tube and adjust the two small allen screws on the top side of the focuser, (hidden near the focuser lock screw) so that the tube does not rock but does not bind. Smooth and easy but not loose. A bit of friction is OK because you will be moving it with a gear.


2. After the draw tube action is adjusted and smooth then install the focuser gear and adjust the 4 screws on the plate until the desired action is achived.

These focusers are not great but I have found that they can be pretty good and one can achieve tight focus...

jon