Update on this focuser: I bought one for my 10" Skywatcher and have been VERY pleased. HOWEVER, I ran into a small issue recently, but was again pleased with the resolution. I use an auto-" focuser that I attached to the fine-focus knob. It worked well for many sessions, but eventually started to slip, eventually not working at all for slippage. I disassembled the focus assembly and was VERY pleased to find a well-engineered friction mechanism driving the fine focus. Nothing like the "cheesy" Crayford friction mechanism on the original focuser. It has a ring nut adjustment to apply pressure to a friction plate and some bearings. Once the ring screw was tightened a bit, all was just like new. It may be that the ring nut loosens over time, so if it reoccurs, I'll add a drop of locktite to hold the ring nut. To re-tighten the fine focus you do not have to remove the device. Four screws hold the focus assembly to the focuser. Remove it and remove the knobs and/or coarse focus knob and auto-focus adapter. Remove the coarse focus knob on the other end as well. Loosen two screws and pull the focusing shaft out through the fine-focus side. Look inside the "cup" where the shaft enters the fine-focus side and you will see a black ring nut with a couple of tightening cutouts. I tightened mine just a quarter turn past where the fine focus shaft started working again. Since there is no documented spec, I'm just guessing that tightening too much would cause undue wear. Then reassemble. Be careful re-attaching the focuer assembly to ensure the shaft engages with the brass plate on the focus tube before tightening the attachment screws.
Hi Cuiv, thank you as usual! I have a 200PDS (F5) and I've bought with it an Artesky UltraLight V3 2" as my new focuser. What you could have done is to remove the secondary mirror, place a centering point on the opposite side of the focuser hole so you could perfectly square your focuser. You can then do the centering by using the OCAL!
I recently discovered Artesky and their products seem to have better than average quality. Ultralight V3 is about €250 at the time, so if you live in the EU (like me) and don't want to get robbed by toll and import VAT rates (like me) this one makes a good alternative. Are you satisfied with the Artesky and can you also rotate it like AliExpress focuser?
@@makrospex I live near them and usually go directly there. I've just bought a new flat field generator from them and it was the only thing that fixed my flats with my ASI294Mc-pro, so yeah, the quality is good and I've talked directly to them and are quality driven (with an eye to the money). The focuser is attached directly to the base of the PDS (like the AliExpress one) and has a set of screws (6 of them) that can be unscrewed to rotate it freely + it can be leveled with a set of screws at the bottom in push-pull configuration. They also have the spider vane and primary mirror cover that cuiv also has
@@makrospex I just ordered the same focuser from Ali Express, which arrived today. The Zoll taxes were about 7,40 EUR. The focuser price was 167 EUR, including transport.
Added one of these focusers to mine a couple of months ago & it seems to be going well. Vast improvement over the piece of junk that was originally supplied.
Thanks Cuiv for all of these excellent videos, I dont usually comment on these things but I have one of the CYCK focusers already on its way. It took me a while to get here though. 1st I bought a Hertage 150 thinking I could convert it into a lighter wieght F5 astrograph and I spent some time trying to address some of the "quirks" of that only to finally realize that the 2 support tubes were not going to hold a decent focuser AND a camera and an EAF. During that time I had bought a set of the CYCK spider, mask and end plate, trying to use the spider to replace the Heritage 150's spider. During this I bought this focuser, and went ahead and got a Apetura 150, and when I got it, it had screws that had fallen out and several other problems, and I also realized that none of my CYCK stuff fit it. So I sent the Apetura back and ordered the F4 150 Skywatcher like you have, and got the same crappy focuser, and paid $100+ more for it. Fortunately I had already bought the CYCK focuser so it should be here in the next week, because now that you posted about it, it will probably be difficult to get for a while.
I was.looking at one of these for my 150P F5 reflector as upgrading that will probably be my next project so good to have a review to look at before I spend any money. Thanks Cuiv.
Hello Cuiv!!! I installed the exact same focuser a month ago and I agree with your video. It is very solid and easy to install. I was afraid that the screw adapter holes would not match, but they fit perfectly. Thanks for sharing the video. Greetings and clear skies from the other side of the world! Argentina.
Mine came from FLO with the good focuser. The one I got from a US telescope house was the bad one (I returned it). I still will look into the Ali Express one!❤
I hope you have a super time in the States, I am lucky to live in Chile and I was able to travel to see the total solar eclipses of 2019 and 2020. Next one, if everything goes well, 2026 I will visit my brother in Spain and after that 2030 off to South Africa with relatives of my wife. Back to the focuser, I bought for my 150P from the same CYCK brand, the spider holder, the primary mask, and a rear plate to prevent light coming in from the back. still in the cart the focuser, I think now I will place the order. Just in case, they also have the carbon fiber tube pre "holed" for the telescope. Greeting from BelloCielo - Chile.
Ooh I'm so jealous 🙂 I wish they made a replacement focuser for my Sharpstar HNT150 as that thing is so wobbly 😞 You new focuser even has adjustment screws to help prevent tilting, very nice! Best of luck with your new focuser!
Thanks Cuiv! Super interesting! in these days I'm searching for a focuser for my 200PDS and I found one from my local seller in italy, more or less same price, solid with rail but without field rotator. Please Cuiv add the link were you explain how to get the ortogonality between focuser and mirrors!
Oh that’s fantastic. I know some others who have purchased CYCK parts off aliexpress. This one should fit my 8” Quattro too so I wait with great anticipation. Nice to have a solid budget option. It would feel rather odd to go to the expense of a moonlight focuser.
Thanks! I gave up on using my 8 inch newt since the focuser was so bad and all of the focusers I found online cost more than the scope lol. Might give this a shot
Thanks for the review, Cuiv. Great find on a replacement focuser for the Skywatcher Newts! Can you tell something about the rotator? I have been looking for a rotator that can be place before the Koma-Corrector to save up some space of the precious 55mm. Is the rotator any good? Does it work even with an EFW?
Another good video, thanks! Small tip, turn the scope 90 degrees so you do not risk damaging the secondaty mirror if you drop something :) QUESTION: With this focuser does it allow focus using an image train of 55 mm? I would plan to use a ZWO OAG, SVBony filter drawer, ZWO 11 mm ring and of course the final 6,5mm of my ASI585MC Pro.
Hope you found a productive spot for the eclipse. In Arlington, Texas, I lucked out and used my SeeStar from my driveway (through cloud openings) for stills and video during the final totality moments. The video quality was decent considering what the SeeStar can produce. Clear Skies, Michael
Thanks Micheal! I ended up following the weather and was in northern Arkansas, in a huge pasture (with permission from the owner, whom we bribed with solar eclipse glasses!) - it was perfect!
I'm using exactly the same focuser on my 150 PSD. I like it a lot, it work great with zwo EAF. Olny one thing i'd complain about - the rotator - if it's a feature you're loking for you should reconsider buing buing this exact model
Very nice. I'd not seen this one. I finally upgraded the focusser on my 200mm Quattro a few months ago to the BDS one that claimed to be compatible. Frankly it was a real pain in the ass trying to fit it, as you have to drill holes on the tube, with no sort of template provided. This option looks way better.
Good find. I bought a CYCK spider on E-bay similar to your CNC machined unit for $50! It's well made so I assume your focuser is high quality. I've enjoyed watching you upgrade your PDS150 as I've upgraded my Orion 8" Newt.
Following your suggestion, for my Quattro 150P I recently changed camera from ASI 294 to Touptek IMX571C, then added Touptek OAG, filter drawer and their IMX290M as guide. Yesterday I could try the new setup only to find that the awful crayford stock focuser can't rise the whole new weight as it slips! Long story short: I bought it too!!! 😂 And I hope it solves my problems!
One of the best upgrades you can do to a Skywatcher Newtonian is replace the focuser as they are like you say junk, mine is only a cheap-ish generic crayford but it's still heaps better than original. Although I will say I am slightly jealous of yours as it has the rail which I prefer & a rotator. Good luck with the eclipse hope you manages to get some great images in the states
The same focuser I am also planing to buy. It seems to be one of the best options as a replacement focuser. Still watching the video so I am still tensed how much you are going to like it.
Hello Cuiv, pourquoi changer le focuser puisque l'EAF bloque la mouvement et donc annule le défaut de l'ancien focuser ? Hello Cuiv, why change the focuser since the EAF blocks the movement and therefore cancels the fault of the old focuser?
The EAF blocks movement but not slippage or tilt introduced by the poor fit of the tube within the focuser and the fact that it's a simple friction mechanism - with the flat part of the focuser not that perfectly flat, so you might need different tension at different travel points to avoid slipping but still allow autofocusin. It's just very frustrating!
Nice suggestion Cuiv! Did you have the opportinity to evaluate a cover for the telescope breech? I would like to replace the cloth cap with something rigid but I found nothing for my sw 150P quattro
Hello Cuiv :) Thanks for this presentation. I'm thinking of getting this focuser, it seems very good ! But help me please with this : Since you have made a review also of the QHY Q focuser precision, does this electronic focuser fits on this CYCK focuser ? I believe yes, the EAF fits well, so I believe the Q focuser also does, isn't it ? I cannot find any info about this...thank you !
Hello, how are you, I hope you are well, I am a fan of yours who watches your videos from Tijuana and I have a question regarding this quattro 150p telescope, since with the reducer and flattener that it comes with, it is considered fast. . My question is, can I use the optolong l-ultimate filter or do I have to look for one that is hyper fast? That is my question. I hope you can help me. I would appreciate it very much.
Cuiv have you ever tried painting the edge of your primary mirror? Or the back? And what about painting the tube of the focuser that protrudes into the tube ?
@@CuivTheLazyGeek thank you. ive just aquired a used 200P on a HEQ5Pro, and of course the first thing you do is hit RUclips to see what mods you can do. Astrobloke did the paint job ( edge only and 2nd mirror and focuser) on his 130PDS. I was just wondering how much of an improcement it is. Once again, thanks for all the great videos.
Swapped the focuser on my old Celestron 130 as well so i could get proper focus in all cases (visual and various types of cameras). Then i just got better scopes for imaging and haven't actually ever used it. Probably should pull it out at least for some basic observation.
@CuivTheLazyGeek i found collimation very difficult i always have half donuts as it goes to the outsides of the image. i found after doing what i believed to be a perfect collimation watching your videos - moving the secondary down - centering it in the focus tube - seeing all the mirror clips/collimation mask as soon as i put on my coma corrector i could never see the full primary. - so instead i have collimated it and made sure i could see the entire secondary with the coma corrector on. cant test yet but it looks promising initially. just thought i'd share that - using a zwo 071 so it has to be accurate!
Low-key turning that newt into a ZWO with all the red and black parts😂. I have a 130 I just picked up; following your tips on a smaller scale for improvements to mine and haven't even taken it out for first light yet.
Big thanks for showing this focuser. I really have to replace mine since i have the one with the flat one and focusing seems to never go correct with the autofocuser i use. I have no astro dark til august now so i have time to wait for an Aliexpress order to arrive :D
Hi Cuiv, I am wondering if you could provide a quick updated assessment of this focuser after 6 months of publishing this review video. Nothing elaborate. I just want to know whether you are still pleased with it and think it is worth the time and money investment. Cheers
Hello Cuiv, actually I have same scope on which is focuser with rail. Do u think that upgrade to one u bought is still worth it? Or should I stick to current one. I rely on Your experiences with various newtonians 😁 Thanks in advance
Hi Cuiv, do you have ever bought RC telescope? What are your view on GSO RC6, it's also very cheap but it have f/9 and with 0.75 reducer it go upto f/6.75 I have same scope and on bortal 6 sky, it do work and it have some light blockage design which generally avoid light leakage
Yep, I have a great time machine, but it only goes into the future at regular speed :) I can sell it for cheap! Jokes aside, just a video scheduled for while I'm in the US, unable to film that many more videos!
Hello Cuiv! yes yes, these Newts and their poor focusers is being the theme for so long! Imagine designing a Newtonian which is F4 and the scope is not designed for viewing it's clearly advertised as "fast imaging astrograph" ad on the website. What to do? Hmmmm.. How about we put a very cheap focuser on it, that is designed for the weight of an eyepiece! LOL! I even wrote a letter to one of the companies. "Please upgrade the focusers, I'm willing to pay an extra $100 for a scope with a better focuser! I mean the other option was buying a $400 Newtonian and buying an $800 focuser for it. 😐 Right? Yeah, of course nobody going to buy it, if the "cheap" Newtonian is suddenly no longer cheap, because they immediately need expensive upgrades just to use them! Well,at least the Skywatchers got a more economical way with that focuser, unfortunately the rest of us with GSO and Apertura and Orion, we don't have a lot of choices, kind of stuck with our cheap Newts!
Have you had any problems with reflections in the lights with that focuser? I'm having some weird patterns in the lights and flats that I think are reflections and I suspect the focuser.
The Teleskop-Service UNC series looks well built and they can make the full range of apertures and f/ratios: "UNC Newtonian telescopes from Teleskop-Service are the alternative to Far East Newtonians and to high-end Newtonian telescopes. We optimize the Newtonian according to your wishes. The telescopes are made in Germany."
Is this focuser also available for an SC thread (Schmidt-Cassegrain thread)? I have a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. Since Celestron's focusers cost over €300 in Germany, this would be ideal for Celestron's 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
You had me cringing while you were putting it back together. Especially those tiny set screws! Those could have been installed into the ring before coming anywhere near the telescope. (damhik). Also, I realize you were recording for us, but I would 've done that whole process upside down or sideways so that gravity would keep anything dropped from hiring the secondary mirror.
I'm sorry for all the pain inflected! Yeah, I was doing it that way because it's easier to see and film - and as long as you don't drop anything, gravity does work for you!
@@drtools9226 Yes, that is also useful. I just like the fact that it’s a rack & pinion focuser, not just a Crayford Friction Drive. Like Cuiv said, mine keeps slipping and losing focus mid-exposure.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek it looks like the exact same crappy focuser like the skywatcher. Same bolt pattern and everything. Could you please measure the base of the focuser for me?
Has anyone ever, somewhere, tried to skip all this and placed a small diameter camera directly at the prime focus of a Newton? I mean, remove the secondary mirror, prolong the tube a bit and with the (modified) mirror holder, place a suitable camera at the focus point.
Basically a Newt based hyper star? It's certainly doable, but it doesn't remove the issues (still need to have the coma corrector in front of camera, still need to collimate the camera plane to match the primary) and it adds some new ones (would need to have a mechanism to focus, for instance using the primary mirror, etc). I think there's a good reason why people haven't tried that!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek. I feel tempted to try, actually, having to much trouble with collimation, as you may remember from a message I sent you some weeks ago. If successful, at least we would have less problems from dust and collimation too, there being one optical path less. Focusing, yes, I was thinking in terms of fitting a small refractor type focuser on the former secondary mirror holder, into which the camera fits. Remove the focusing knobs and fit a rod, attached where the knobs were. The rod goes through the tube and by turning it, we can focus the camera. Obviously, as you said, moving the entire main mirror is an alternative, perhaps even more challenging.
What is the backfocus needed for this focuser? im using a asi 2600mc pro and i only get proper focus with just my filter drawer which is under the 55mm. when im in focus my star shapes are elongated in in the outer corners of the image
@@CuivTheLazyGeek its great nice spikes. the spider veins are much thinner then the backyard universe one but im not sure what benefit this has. other then that 5 minute job really same as yours kit came with everything but not that washer. got one out the toolbox
I find it hard to believe that a rack and pinion focuser would be better than a crayford focuser. I have that "piece of junk" focuser, and it works just fine, IF PROPERLY ADJUSTED.
It works ok with small payloads - I've used it for months like this. It will introduce different tilt at different angles with higher payloads and in my experience the proper adjustment is different depending on where the tube travel is. The flat part of the tube isn't evenly flat and that causes issues. I've also read it wears out, which causes issues in the long term.
@@CuivTheLazyGeek you're not terrible!!! the proof is always in the pudding! can't wait for the results! actually I wanted to build my own telescope and precisely the price of the focuser made me buy one from Sky watcher a PDS130 ... the whole scope was cheaper than a decent focuser ... now ... I own a few scopes and a couple of lenses... am pondering to build myself a harmonic drive mount ... or a cool fibre laser ... honestly more like choosing the order ... big DIY fan here ! love seeing someone else butting their head with adverse circumstances and coming on top!
@CuivTheLazyGeek cool, thanks, must have a look. Thanks for all the videos, I've started learning NINA from your content, still not brave enough to make any mods to my scope.
Hey man, this is the worst review ever. Could you show us the focuser itself? tell us about it? what design? what functions does it have? why is there a scale? zero answers, terrible review
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Update on this focuser: I bought one for my 10" Skywatcher and have been VERY pleased. HOWEVER, I ran into a small issue recently, but was again pleased with the resolution. I use an auto-" focuser that I attached to the fine-focus knob. It worked well for many sessions, but eventually started to slip, eventually not working at all for slippage. I disassembled the focus assembly and was VERY pleased to find a well-engineered friction mechanism driving the fine focus. Nothing like the "cheesy" Crayford friction mechanism on the original focuser. It has a ring nut adjustment to apply pressure to a friction plate and some bearings. Once the ring screw was tightened a bit, all was just like new. It may be that the ring nut loosens over time, so if it reoccurs, I'll add a drop of locktite to hold the ring nut. To re-tighten the fine focus you do not have to remove the device. Four screws hold the focus assembly to the focuser. Remove it and remove the knobs and/or coarse focus knob and auto-focus adapter. Remove the coarse focus knob on the other end as well. Loosen two screws and pull the focusing shaft out through the fine-focus side. Look inside the "cup" where the shaft enters the fine-focus side and you will see a black ring nut with a couple of tightening cutouts. I tightened mine just a quarter turn past where the fine focus shaft started working again. Since there is no documented spec, I'm just guessing that tightening too much would cause undue wear. Then reassemble. Be careful re-attaching the focuer assembly to ensure the shaft engages with the brass plate on the focus tube before tightening the attachment screws.
That's awesome to hear! It's also been working quite well for me!
Hi Cuiv, thank you as usual!
I have a 200PDS (F5) and I've bought with it an Artesky UltraLight V3 2" as my new focuser.
What you could have done is to remove the secondary mirror, place a centering point on the opposite side of the focuser hole so you could perfectly square your focuser. You can then do the centering by using the OCAL!
I recently discovered Artesky and their products seem to have better than average quality. Ultralight V3 is about €250 at the time, so if you live in the EU (like me) and don't want to get robbed by toll and import VAT rates (like me) this one makes a good alternative. Are you satisfied with the Artesky and can you also rotate it like AliExpress focuser?
@@makrospex I live near them and usually go directly there. I've just bought a new flat field generator from them and it was the only thing that fixed my flats with my ASI294Mc-pro, so yeah, the quality is good and I've talked directly to them and are quality driven (with an eye to the money).
The focuser is attached directly to the base of the PDS (like the AliExpress one) and has a set of screws (6 of them) that can be unscrewed to rotate it freely + it can be leveled with a set of screws at the bottom in push-pull configuration. They also have the spider vane and primary mirror cover that cuiv also has
@@makrospex I just ordered the same focuser from Ali Express, which arrived today. The Zoll taxes were about 7,40 EUR. The focuser price was 167 EUR, including transport.
Added one of these focusers to mine a couple of months ago & it seems to be going well. Vast improvement over the piece of junk that was originally supplied.
Fully agree!
Thanks Cuiv for all of these excellent videos, I dont usually comment on these things but I have one of the CYCK focusers already on its way. It took me a while to get here though. 1st I bought a Hertage 150 thinking I could convert it into a lighter wieght F5 astrograph and I spent some time trying to address some of the "quirks" of that only to finally realize that the 2 support tubes were not going to hold a decent focuser AND a camera and an EAF. During that time I had bought a set of the CYCK spider, mask and end plate, trying to use the spider to replace the Heritage 150's spider. During this I bought this focuser, and went ahead and got a Apetura 150, and when I got it, it had screws that had fallen out and several other problems, and I also realized that none of my CYCK stuff fit it. So I sent the Apetura back and ordered the F4 150 Skywatcher like you have, and got the same crappy focuser, and paid $100+ more for it. Fortunately I had already bought the CYCK focuser so it should be here in the next week, because now that you posted about it, it will probably be difficult to get for a while.
I was.looking at one of these for my 150P F5 reflector as upgrading that will probably be my next project so good to have a review to look at before I spend any money. Thanks Cuiv.
Will give my thoughts asap!
Hello Cuiv!!!
I installed the exact same focuser a month ago and I agree with your video. It is very solid and easy to install. I was afraid that the screw adapter holes would not match, but they fit perfectly. Thanks for sharing the video. Greetings and clear skies from the other side of the world! Argentina.
Great to hear and thanks for the feedback!
Looking foward to seeing how you like it after you have used it a while.
Excellent find! Ordered one. Learnt so many things from you, thanks Cuiv. Eclipse is over now, hope you had great fun watching.
Enjoy it! The eclipse was amazing!! I wish I could transport myself back to those few minutes of totality!
Im looking forward to see how this performs.
Mine came from FLO with the good focuser. The one I got from a US telescope house was the bad one (I returned it). I still will look into the Ali Express one!❤
Very interesting to see the difference! This is such a huge difference, it should be in the specs during purchase...
I hope you have a super time in the States, I am lucky to live in Chile and I was able to travel to see the total solar eclipses of 2019 and 2020. Next one, if everything goes well, 2026 I will visit my brother in Spain and after that 2030 off to South Africa with relatives of my wife. Back to the focuser, I bought for my 150P from the same CYCK brand, the spider holder, the primary mask, and a rear plate to prevent light coming in from the back. still in the cart the focuser, I think now I will place the order. Just in case, they also have the carbon fiber tube pre "holed" for the telescope.
Greeting from BelloCielo - Chile.
Wow enjoy those future eclipses!! Cool to see you basically got all the CYCK equipment!
Thanks a lot Cuiv!! Your video just came in time, when gray hairs grew on my Head due to a malfunctioning Skywatcher Quattro 200/800 OAZ
Ooh I'm so jealous 🙂 I wish they made a replacement focuser for my Sharpstar HNT150 as that thing is so wobbly 😞 You new focuser even has adjustment screws to help prevent tilting, very nice! Best of luck with your new focuser!
It seems to be pretty decent indeed!
Thanks Cuiv!, I've been looking at this focuser for months on Ebay, but couldn't find any reviews or inputs about it anywhere. Thanks again!
Glad it's helpful!
i ordered 1 for myself but the version for the 130 pds, shipping was about 2 weeks. great update!! Thanks for the advice !
My pleasure, it's definitely a large upgrade over the stock focuser!
Finally someone addressing this issue.
Thanks Cuiv! Super interesting! in these days I'm searching for a focuser for my 200PDS and I found one from my local seller in italy, more or less same price, solid with rail but without field rotator. Please Cuiv add the link were you explain how to get the ortogonality between focuser and mirrors!
That's great to know! I can't remember which video I have the orthogonality in but I'll link it when I find it!
Oh that’s fantastic. I know some others who have purchased CYCK parts off aliexpress. This one should fit my 8” Quattro too so I wait with great anticipation. Nice to have a solid budget option. It would feel rather odd to go to the expense of a moonlight focuser.
Excellent, hope you enjoy it!
Thanks! I gave up on using my 8 inch newt since the focuser was so bad and all of the focusers I found online cost more than the scope lol. Might give this a shot
Yep, at least the price is right with this one!
Thanks for the review, Cuiv. Great find on a replacement focuser for the Skywatcher Newts! Can you tell something about the rotator? I have been looking for a rotator that can be place before the Koma-Corrector to save up some space of the precious 55mm. Is the rotator any good? Does it work even with an EFW?
I haven't tried it enough to say, but some others are saying it introduces tilt :-(
I have the bad stock focuser, but I’ve never had any issues with it.
Glad that's the case for you! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Another good video, thanks!
Small tip, turn the scope 90 degrees so you do not risk damaging the secondaty mirror if you drop something :)
QUESTION: With this focuser does it allow focus using an image train of 55 mm? I would plan to use a ZWO OAG, SVBony filter drawer, ZWO 11 mm ring and of course the final 6,5mm of my ASI585MC Pro.
Hope you found a productive spot for the eclipse. In Arlington, Texas, I lucked out and used my SeeStar from my driveway (through cloud openings) for stills and video during the final totality moments. The video quality was decent considering what the SeeStar can produce. Clear Skies, Michael
Thanks Micheal! I ended up following the weather and was in northern Arkansas, in a huge pasture (with permission from the owner, whom we bribed with solar eclipse glasses!) - it was perfect!
Outstanding (in that field)... I can't wait to see video, if you recorded anything.@CuivTheLazyGeek
I'm using exactly the same focuser on my 150 PSD. I like it a lot, it work great with zwo EAF. Olny one thing i'd complain about - the rotator - if it's a feature you're loking for you should reconsider buing buing this exact model
I heard the rotator can introduce tilt, so that will be something I'll watch out for!
Very nice. I'd not seen this one. I finally upgraded the focusser on my 200mm Quattro a few months ago to the BDS one that claimed to be compatible. Frankly it was a real pain in the ass trying to fit it, as you have to drill holes on the tube, with no sort of template provided. This option looks way better.
Oh wow, drilling holes in the tube is exactly what I wanted to avoid... Glad you got it figured out though!
This focuser has been working great on my quattro 150p now for 2 months. Bought one for my sct as well
Great!
Good find. I bought a CYCK spider on E-bay similar to your CNC machined unit for $50! It's well made so I assume your focuser is high quality. I've enjoyed watching you upgrade your PDS150 as I've upgraded my Orion 8" Newt.
Excellent to hear! Glad you're enjoying your upgraded Newt!
Perfect ! I wanted à review if his one ! Cool to see that is a solid focuser ! Next upgrade maybe
This looks very nice focuser. Hope it is nice and light tight!
Following your suggestion, for my Quattro 150P I recently changed camera from ASI 294 to Touptek IMX571C, then added Touptek OAG, filter drawer and their IMX290M as guide. Yesterday I could try the new setup only to find that the awful crayford stock focuser can't rise the whole new weight as it slips! Long story short: I bought it too!!! 😂 And I hope it solves my problems!
One of the best upgrades you can do to a Skywatcher Newtonian is replace the focuser as they are like you say junk, mine is only a cheap-ish generic crayford but it's still heaps better than original. Although I will say I am slightly jealous of yours as it has the rail which I prefer & a rotator. Good luck with the eclipse hope you manages to get some great images in the states
Exactly! Also eclipse video coming in a matter of hours!
Have you looked into reviewing the new Apertura 150mm premium imaging Newtownian?
Yes :) ;) :D mwahahaha
Thanks for this. Ordered the focuser. Mine was so bad I stopped using the telescope.
The same focuser I am also planing to buy. It seems to be one of the best options as a replacement focuser. Still watching the video so I am still tensed how much you are going to like it.
It's definitely a good budget option!
I keep waiting for the signature telescope designed and approved by Cuiv to come out for sale. Where is it?
I'm far too lazy for that! But it looks like the Apertura Carbon Star could be that scope, I hope to be reviewing it soon :-)
Hello Cuiv, pourquoi changer le focuser puisque l'EAF bloque la mouvement et donc annule le défaut de l'ancien focuser ? Hello Cuiv, why change the focuser since the EAF blocks the movement and therefore cancels the fault of the old focuser?
please in english only, thanks!👍
after doing a translate, I agree with you; I have the same telescope with the same replacement spider and autofocus is going well
The EAF blocks movement but not slippage or tilt introduced by the poor fit of the tube within the focuser and the fact that it's a simple friction mechanism - with the flat part of the focuser not that perfectly flat, so you might need different tension at different travel points to avoid slipping but still allow autofocusin. It's just very frustrating!
I’m very been eying this focuser for my 250p for a while
I think the 250 has a decent focuser in the first place? Not sure how much of an upgrade it would be...
@@CuivTheLazyGeek looks just like the one on your 150. I see flex in the tube when collmating, so I’d like something a bit stronger.
Nice suggestion Cuiv! Did you have the opportinity to evaluate a cover for the telescope breech? I would like to replace the cloth cap with something rigid but I found nothing for my sw 150P quattro
No, I'm not even aware of any third party covers...
Hello Cuiv :) Thanks for this presentation. I'm thinking of getting this focuser, it seems very good ! But help me please with this : Since you have made a review also of the QHY Q focuser precision, does this electronic focuser fits on this CYCK focuser ? I believe yes, the EAF fits well, so I believe the Q focuser also does, isn't it ? I cannot find any info about this...thank you !
Hello, how are you, I hope you are well, I am a fan of yours who watches your videos from Tijuana and I have a question regarding this quattro 150p telescope, since with the reducer and flattener that it comes with, it is considered fast. . My question is, can I use the optolong l-ultimate filter or do I have to look for one that is hyper fast? That is my question. I hope you can help me. I would appreciate it very much.
Ohh, I want a new rail focuser for my old evostar80... The old one is terrible too. I don't know why still somebody do not use rail...
Yeah it's puzzling...
Fantastic video!! Love the work you put into these! 🤘
Glad you like them!
Cuiv have you ever tried painting the edge of your primary mirror? Or the back? And what about painting the tube of the focuser that protrudes into the tube ?
I haven't painted the edge or the back of the primary mirror, but I have painted the tube of the focuser that protrudes!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek thank you. ive just aquired a used 200P on a HEQ5Pro, and of course the first thing you do is hit RUclips to see what mods you can do. Astrobloke did the paint job ( edge only and 2nd mirror and focuser) on his 130PDS. I was just wondering how much of an improcement it is. Once again, thanks for all the great videos.
Swapped the focuser on my old Celestron 130 as well so i could get proper focus in all cases (visual and various types of cameras). Then i just got better scopes for imaging and haven't actually ever used it. Probably should pull it out at least for some basic observation.
@CuivTheLazyGeek i found collimation very difficult i always have half donuts as it goes to the outsides of the image. i found after doing what i believed to be a perfect collimation watching your videos - moving the secondary down - centering it in the focus tube - seeing all the mirror clips/collimation mask as soon as i put on my coma corrector i could never see the full primary. - so instead i have collimated it and made sure i could see the entire secondary with the coma corrector on. cant test yet but it looks promising initially. just thought i'd share that - using a zwo 071 so it has to be accurate!
Low-key turning that newt into a ZWO with all the red and black parts😂. I have a 130 I just picked up; following your tips on a smaller scale for improvements to mine and haven't even taken it out for first light yet.
Haha it's unintentional! Hope you can get that first light soon!
Big thanks for showing this focuser. I really have to replace mine since i have the one with the flat one and focusing seems to never go correct with the autofocuser i use. I have no astro dark til august now so i have time to wait for an Aliexpress order to arrive :D
My pleasure! And yeah I feel your pain with the flat base focuser...
Installed mine. Feels solid, very precise. One thing though is there is backlash with the EAF. So YMMV.
Overshoot backlash option in NINA works well for that!
Just what I needed. Ordered one today. Thanks!
Hope it works well!
Hi Cuiv, I am wondering if you could provide a quick updated assessment of this focuser after 6 months of publishing this review video. Nothing elaborate. I just want to know whether you are still pleased with it and think it is worth the time and money investment. Cheers
It's working and it's good! At least for me :)
What do you think about midnight focusers?
You mean Moonlite? If so, they're excellent. I've used several of them and it's superb quality
Yah,I think it sells al kinds of upgrade to the 150mm news even a carbon tube and spider veins in China,the quality is good at this price range.
Yep, it's impressive - and great to have that option!
Hello Cuiv,
actually I have same scope on which is focuser with rail. Do u think that upgrade to one u bought is still worth it? Or should I stick to current one. I rely on Your experiences with various newtonians 😁
Thanks in advance
It it ain't broke, don't fix it!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek well said. Than it is decided, will save money for something else 😁😁🙏🏼
Hi Cuiv, do you have ever bought RC telescope?
What are your view on GSO RC6, it's also very cheap but it have f/9 and with 0.75 reducer it go upto f/6.75
I have same scope and on bortal 6 sky, it do work and it have some light blockage design which generally avoid light leakage
I haven't tried for an RC because of their reputation for extremely difficult collimation especially for the cheaper RC6 and RC8!
You're coming for the eclipse? Do you have a time machine? Can I borrow it when you're done!?
Yep, I have a great time machine, but it only goes into the future at regular speed :) I can sell it for cheap! Jokes aside, just a video scheduled for while I'm in the US, unable to film that many more videos!
i upgraded with a ts optics rapnpin. i used the ocal collimator to realign everything. was worth it (:
Great!
Hello Cuiv! yes yes, these Newts and their poor focusers is being the theme for so long! Imagine designing a Newtonian which is F4 and the scope is not designed for viewing it's clearly advertised as "fast imaging astrograph" ad on the website. What to do? Hmmmm.. How about we put a very cheap focuser on it, that is designed for the weight of an eyepiece! LOL! I even wrote a letter to one of the companies. "Please upgrade the focusers, I'm willing to pay an extra $100 for a scope with a better focuser! I mean the other option was buying a $400 Newtonian and buying an $800 focuser for it. 😐
Right? Yeah, of course nobody going to buy it, if the "cheap" Newtonian is suddenly no longer cheap, because they immediately need expensive upgrades just to use them!
Well,at least the Skywatchers got a more economical way with that focuser, unfortunately the rest of us with GSO and Apertura and Orion, we don't have a lot of choices, kind of stuck with our cheap Newts!
Apertura is releasing the Carbon Star!
I wonder if it would fit a 190MN.
I was just about to ask the same.
Unfortunately I have no idea - but in my experience the vendors on AliExpress were quick to respond to questions!
Have you had any problems with reflections in the lights with that focuser? I'm having some weird patterns in the lights and flats that I think are reflections and I suspect the focuser.
No I can't say I've noticed anything for now..
After all these upgrades I've seen, I'm now certain it is better to save up and buy an A-list Newt (if possible off coarse).
The Apertura Carbon Star sure looks nice!
The Teleskop-Service UNC series looks well built and they can make the full range of apertures and f/ratios:
"UNC Newtonian telescopes from Teleskop-Service are the alternative to Far East Newtonians and to high-end Newtonian telescopes. We optimize the Newtonian according to your wishes. The telescopes are made in Germany."
@@thewheelieguy you work for TS optics ?
Hi! Would it fit my Quattro 254mm?
yes
Is this focuser also available for an SC thread (Schmidt-Cassegrain thread)? I have a Celestron Nexstar 8SE. Since Celestron's focusers cost over €300 in Germany, this would be ideal for Celestron's 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Looks like a nice piece of kit.
Yep! At a reasonable(ish) price too
Hate Synta focusers. Have replaced them on my dobs. Otherwise nice scopes.
You had me cringing while you were putting it back together. Especially those tiny set screws! Those could have been installed into the ring before coming anywhere near the telescope. (damhik). Also, I realize you were recording for us, but I would 've done that whole process upside down or sideways so that gravity would keep anything dropped from hiring the secondary mirror.
I'm sorry for all the pain inflected! Yeah, I was doing it that way because it's easier to see and film - and as long as you don't drop anything, gravity does work for you!
Hmm I thought I commented but I cant see my comment lol. Do you know if this focuser will fit the Artesky twist lock adapter for 150 Newt?
Can it be adapted to any newton or is it specific for quattro models? I like Newton 250mm for me...
The product description says 150mm and 200mm focusers, but wonder if it would work on my 130PDS? 🤔
me too
Would be nice. I like the Option of turn and Mark the camera Position.
@@drtools9226 Yes, that is also useful. I just like the fact that it’s a rack & pinion focuser, not just a Crayford Friction Drive. Like Cuiv said, mine keeps slipping and losing focus mid-exposure.
You should ask the AliExpress vendor, when I had questions they were fairly quick to reply...
Thanks for the video. The focuser looks sturdier than the stock one. Does it keep the ability to adjust the tilt with the pull push screws?
Does it work with the "old" skywatcher 200/800 ?
Would this fit a celestron omni xlt 150?🤔
Unfortunately I don't know... You would need to ask the seller on AliExpress
@@CuivTheLazyGeek it looks like the exact same crappy focuser like the skywatcher. Same bolt pattern and everything. Could you please measure the base of the focuser for me?
I just successfully installed the exact one on my Omni XLT 150, fit perfectly and just did an initial test, works great!
Has anyone ever, somewhere, tried to skip all this and placed a small diameter camera directly at the prime focus of a Newton?
I mean, remove the secondary mirror, prolong the tube a bit and with the (modified) mirror holder, place a suitable camera at the focus point.
Basically a Newt based hyper star? It's certainly doable, but it doesn't remove the issues (still need to have the coma corrector in front of camera, still need to collimate the camera plane to match the primary) and it adds some new ones (would need to have a mechanism to focus, for instance using the primary mirror, etc). I think there's a good reason why people haven't tried that!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek. I feel tempted to try, actually, having to much trouble with collimation, as you may remember from a message I sent you some weeks ago.
If successful, at least we would have less problems from dust and collimation too, there being one optical path less.
Focusing, yes, I was thinking in terms of fitting a small refractor type focuser on the former secondary mirror holder, into which the camera fits. Remove the focusing knobs and fit a rod, attached where the knobs were. The rod goes through the tube and by turning it, we can focus the camera.
Obviously, as you said, moving the entire main mirror is an alternative, perhaps even more challenging.
What is the backfocus needed for this focuser? im using a asi 2600mc pro and i only get proper focus with just my filter drawer which is under the 55mm. when im in focus my star shapes are elongated in in the outer corners of the image
i just got thier secondary mirror holder for the quattro 150p for £38 - came in 5 days from china cheaper then backyard universe -
Excellent to hear! How is the spider?
@@CuivTheLazyGeek its great nice spikes. the spider veins are much thinner then the backyard universe one but im not sure what benefit this has. other then that 5 minute job really same as yours kit came with everything but not that washer. got one out the toolbox
I find it hard to believe that a rack and pinion focuser would be better than a crayford focuser. I have that "piece of junk" focuser, and it works just fine, IF PROPERLY ADJUSTED.
It works ok with small payloads - I've used it for months like this. It will introduce different tilt at different angles with higher payloads and in my experience the proper adjustment is different depending on where the tube travel is. The flat part of the tube isn't evenly flat and that causes issues. I've also read it wears out, which causes issues in the long term.
haha a bit of Cuiv DIY 😅 lovely!
What is that "sweaty smile" emoji?! Are you implying I'm terrible at DIY?? Which is true, I'm terrible at DIY :)
@@CuivTheLazyGeek you're not terrible!!!
the proof is always in the pudding!
can't wait for the results!
actually I wanted to build my own telescope and precisely the price of the focuser made me buy one from Sky watcher a PDS130 ... the whole scope was cheaper than a decent focuser ...
now ... I own a few scopes and a couple of lenses...
am pondering to build myself a harmonic drive mount ... or a cool fibre laser ... honestly more like choosing the order ...
big DIY fan here !
love seeing someone else butting their head with adverse circumstances and coming on top!
Carbon tube next!!!
Haha that would really keep only the optics from the original scope!
@@CuivTheLazyGeek great for content though Sir ;-)
I would have went for a Baader steeltrack focuser.
But that's basically twice the price :( Almost as much as the whole Newt (that I bought on sale) in the first place!
I have the 150 pds version, would it be good for that?
I believe so according to the listing
@CuivTheLazyGeek cool, thanks, must have a look. Thanks for all the videos, I've started learning NINA from your content, still not brave enough to make any mods to my scope.
Thanks Cuiv.
If only they could make one for the 130P-DS! It's an awesome telescope, but the focuser is just horrible...
Working on improvements to my 130 as we speak.
The Focuser comes in two styles, one for 150 P /
Another one for 130PDS / 250PDS and other models
Any one know does this fit skywatcher 150p DOB?
yay another cuiv vid! :)
Yay!
I was counting the days till you would be replacing that thing lol.
Yeah, it finally happened lol
i just noticed that the original has a collimatable baseplate, which is a real shame that they put such a cheap mechanism with
Nice looking.
"Naaice", Tnx, Bye!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
2047is better
For twice the price, it better be better!!
Hey man, this is the worst review ever. Could you show us the focuser itself? tell us about it? what design? what functions does it have? why is there a scale? zero answers, terrible review
It's not a review, as I mentioned at the start of the video. It is a quick overview of the thing.