4. The Feather Touch 3545 focuser is assembled to the OTA via the Focuser Mounting Flange (fig. 6.1), and
the Focuser Locking Collar (fig. 6.2). Loosening the focuser Locking Collar allows the focuser to be rotated to
any position relative to the telescope for ease of use. Once the focuser has been positioned, it can be locked by
turning the Locking Collar by either grabbing the grooves on this collar or by grabbing the optional Locking
Stems and rotating the Locking Collar clockwise until it is tight. The Locking Stems help to provide a better
grip for tightening the collar. They can however be replaced with the 10-32 Button Head Cap Screws for a
cleaner look if that is desired. NOTE: The focuser can be removed by loosening the Locking Collar and
unscrewing it completely and then pulling the focuser from the Adapter Flange. This should only be done in
rare circumstances and after contacting Starlight Instruments or TEC because of possible damage that may
result.
5. The Draw Tube (fig. 6.10) is fitted with 3 Stainless Steel wear strips (fig. 6.11). These strips provide very
low friction between the Housing (fig. 6.7) and the Draw Tube (fig. 6.10). There is no lubrication required on
these parts and an occasional cleaning of the Draw Tube and the Stainless Steel Wear Strips with a damp
paper towel to remove any grit or dirt is advisable. The design is such, that as the focuser is racked in and out,
the wiping action of the Wear Strips on the mating surfaces tends to be self-cleaning.
6. The drag between the Focuser Housing (fig. 6.7) and the Draw Tube (fig. 6.10) can be adjusted by using
two adjustment methods. The Tension Adjustment Screw can be adjusted using a 3/16 inch Allen wrench.
Only a slight amount of rotation on this screw makes a notable difference. Tightening this screw will allow
larger loads to be lifted without the focuser moving from the dead weight that may be attached to it and it will
also decrease the amount of deflection during positional changes during long exposures. Generally the factory
settings should be sufficient for most applications.
In addition, adjustment can be done in a simpler way - by tightening a thumb screw (not shown in the picture,
but easy to find) under the pinion assembly.
7. In the event that different equipment such as: an optional Field Flattener (not available yet) or AP 2.7"
threaded End Cap (available from Starlight Instruments) is needed at the end of the focuser, the Draw Tube
End Cap (fig. 6.12) can be removed by loosening the (3) 6-32 socket head set screw and then unscrewing the
back.
8. The 2 inch Eyepiece Holder does not use traditional thumb screws. This focuser uses an Eyepiece Collet
Locking Nut (fig. 6.14) and an Eyepiece Collet Sleeve. This design assures that the eyepiece or imaging
equipment is always precisely positioned and held into place during imaging. To secure your eyepiece, insert
the eyepiece into the 2 inch opening making sure that the nut has been turned counter clock wise to open the
collet sleeve and push in the eyepiece. Tighten the Collet Nut clockwise until it is tight.
WARNING: Failure to tighten the Collet Nut can result in personal injury and/or damage to
equipment. Always make sure that the eyepiece is secured properly during use.
WARNING: Never point the scope to the sun without proper filtering or without the Front Cover in
place. Failure to do so can result in personal injury or damage to the collet locking sleeve and/or optics.
The Collet Sleeve is plastic and can melt if it gets too hot. Possible fumes during melting can cause fog-
ging or damage to the optics.
9. If a finder base is to be attached to the focuser housing make sure that the screws being used are the proper
length.
WARNING: If they are too long they will contact the draw tube thereby causing damage to the
anodized surface of the draw tube.
WARRANTY
Starlight Instruments Incorporated guarantees this product to be free of any defects in material or workman-
ship for 3 years to the original owner. Disassembly of focuser outside of the described items voids all
warranties.
Starlight Instruments Inc. • P.O. Box 68282, Schaumburg, IL 60168-0282. USA.
Phone:
847-985-9595
.
Latest updates for this manual or new accessories are available on our web:
www.telescopengineering.com and on TEC-scopes group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tec-scopes/
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