CURRENT MOON
(North America)
(North America)
Starlight Instruments History
October 2008
Newest Addition: Feather Touch® 3000 Series Focusers
We are pleased to announce the newest addition to our line of focusers - the
Feather Touch® FTF3025 Focuser. The 3 inch diameter focuser has a draw tube
travel length of 2.5 inches. This intermediate size focuser is perfect for applications
that need something larger than our
2 inch Crayford-style, but smaller than our 3.5 inch refractor-style focusers.
The FTF3025 Series focuser is similar in design to the FTF3545, but incorporates advanced features that are ideal for applications which demand precision imaging while also managing a heavier weight capacity than the 2 inch models.
Currently on the drawing board are a variety of draw tube lengths, ranging from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches of travel. Also in the works are tube adapter rings for special and semi-custom applications. If you have custom requirements and/or needs, please do not hesitate to contact us with details -- our precision machine shop can get your parts made to the most demanding tolerances!
This focuser comes with our Fine Focus Reduction Unit which allows very accurate focusing. It is typically a 9:1 planetary reduction assembly that makes focusing extremely precise and easy. We were the original developer of this type of system for telescope use and have been making and improving these for longer than any other manufacturer. These units have undergone continuous improvement and we believe they are, quite simply, the best in the industry.
The smooth and precise feel of our Fine Focus Reduction Unit is the key, and it allows our users to focus precisely with unparalleled accuracy, speed, and reliability.
The 3000 series focusers can be rotated easily relative to OTA via one Thumb screw. And, can be detached from the OTA via Thumb screws.
Our standard Tube Adapter Ring allows attachment to a 109mm x 1mm male thread. Other options will be available as the need arises within size limitations.
Rack and pinion design using a precision fine pitch ½ inch wide Brass rack and matched hardened Stainless Steel pinion.
Our original Brake Feature is included to allow for easy load adjustment of the weight on the focuser. This feature also allows locking the pinion/draw tube when needed.
The end of the draw tube uses a 75mm x 1mm thread to allow other End Cap Options.
And, as with our other focusers, the 3000 series uses internally machined light baffles for superior light-reducing.
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The FTF3025 Series focuser is similar in design to the FTF3545, but incorporates advanced features that are ideal for applications which demand precision imaging while also managing a heavier weight capacity than the 2 inch models.
Currently on the drawing board are a variety of draw tube lengths, ranging from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches of travel. Also in the works are tube adapter rings for special and semi-custom applications. If you have custom requirements and/or needs, please do not hesitate to contact us with details -- our precision machine shop can get your parts made to the most demanding tolerances!
This focuser comes with our Fine Focus Reduction Unit which allows very accurate focusing. It is typically a 9:1 planetary reduction assembly that makes focusing extremely precise and easy. We were the original developer of this type of system for telescope use and have been making and improving these for longer than any other manufacturer. These units have undergone continuous improvement and we believe they are, quite simply, the best in the industry.
The smooth and precise feel of our Fine Focus Reduction Unit is the key, and it allows our users to focus precisely with unparalleled accuracy, speed, and reliability.
The 3000 series focusers can be rotated easily relative to OTA via one Thumb screw. And, can be detached from the OTA via Thumb screws.
Our standard Tube Adapter Ring allows attachment to a 109mm x 1mm male thread. Other options will be available as the need arises within size limitations.
Rack and pinion design using a precision fine pitch ½ inch wide Brass rack and matched hardened Stainless Steel pinion.
Our original Brake Feature is included to allow for easy load adjustment of the weight on the focuser. This feature also allows locking the pinion/draw tube when needed.
The end of the draw tube uses a 75mm x 1mm thread to allow other End Cap Options.
And, as with our other focusers, the 3000 series uses internally machined light baffles for superior light-reducing.
Back to Top
Base Focuser [Body with Internal Brake] - $421.00Options and Accessories: 3.0" End Cap Compression Ring Sub-assembly - $55.00 3.0" Tube Adapter Ring-(108 X1 mm thread) Assembly - $92.00 2.25" Extension for the 3" Focuser - $98.00 Back to Top |
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| FTF3025 Focuser Specifications | Units (Metric) | Units (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Tube Travel | 63.50mm | 2.50 In. |
| Distance from OTA to End of CR End Cap, Racked In | 93.22mm | 3.67 In |
| Distance from OTA to End of CR End Cap, Racked Out | 156.72mm | 6.17 In |
| Opening at entry side of draw tube | 76.20 mm | 3.00 In |
| Draw tube thread, used for accessories | 75mm x 1mm | |
| Draw Tune Drive Mechanism | Rack and Pinion | Rack and Pinion |
| Rack and Pinion Pitch | 72 Pitch | |
| Reduction Unit type | 2.7 Inch Planetary Drive | |
| Reduction Ratio | 9:1 (Approximately) | 9:1 (Approximately) |
| Linear distance per one revolution of pinion | 17.60mm per Revolution | .693 In per Revolution |
| Linear distance per one revolution of Fine Focus knob | 1.960mm per Revolution | .077 In per Revolution |
| Weight Lifting Capacity | 5.5-6.8kg | 12-15 lbs |
| Weight carrying capacity | 5.5-6.8kg | 12-15 lbs |
| Weight of focuser with standard TAR and EC | 1570 Grams | 3.46 lbs |
| Weight of focuser with out TAR and EC, Body only | 1230 Grams | 2.71 lbs |
| Weight of Tube Adapter Ring (TAR) 109mm x 1mm | 200 Grams | .44 lbs |
| Weight of Compression Ring End Cap, (CREC) | 144 Grams | .32 lbs |
July 2008 Press Release
Starlight Instruments acquired by world-renowned, precision machining expert Jon Joseph.
Starlight Instruments Inc. became Starlight Instruments, LLC, when the company and its
entire product line transferred
ownership in July of 2007. Joseph, recognized world-wide for his expertise in machining
precision
components for astronomy, military, and medical applications was the perfect choice
when founder Detlef Werner Schmidt expressed his desire to step down from the helm of
Starlight Instruments to pursue research and development. Already under contract to
produce Starlight Instruments' entire line, Joseph was the perfect candidate to take
over operations. With the continued quality of Starlight Instruments products assured,
operations were transferred officially to Joseph in July of 2007.
Click here to read the press release...