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DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

Last post 08-11-2008, 2:43 PM by fkloer. 4 replies.
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  •  08-06-2008, 12:23 PM

    DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

    Hi,

    I just got a DSI III Pro Mono. I have been trying to set it up for several days. I saw JonW's post about using the F5 extension that came with the Meade 3.3 Focal Reducer. My setup is OTA, focuser, focal reducer, DSI III. Last weekend I was able to do a terrestial about a block away and get it in focus. Last night I tried to get Jupiter, and all I got was a nice view of the mirror. Can anyone help me with this? Do I need a different focal reducer?

    Frank

    8" LX200, DSI III Pro Mono.

     

  •  08-06-2008, 3:48 PM

    Re: DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

    Hi Frank,

    The images I posted were using  the DSI IIIc, so I don't have the extra filter section that you have on the Pro version. Just guessing here, but the extra distance between the focal reducer and CCD may be a problem (unless you've got a modified face on the DSI), and I've seen several posts recommending camera mods to minimise this distance. I couldn't really get the distance between focal reducer and CCD close enough with the "c" variant in order to get reasonable pictures, so think you'll struggle to do any better with the "pro". Personally, I've given up with the F3.3 reducer when using the DSI III. and for other reasons researching my way to finding the best 1.25" (possibly 2" too)  focal reducer that is compatible with the DSI IIIc (with an electric focuser on the back of the LX-90, there's no room to accommodate the DSI & focal reducer when mounted via SCT arrangements). I've posted some pictures taken with a "cheap" Astro Engineering 1.25" FR at different FR-CCD separations if you're interested? Having said this, wouldn't have thought you'd run out of focus range, but then I've got no experience with the LX-200 (focus range is huge on the LX-90).

    Anyway, one other big tip is to use a focussing screen/Hartman mask, see here: http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=518 (however would recommend using equilateral triangles rather than circular cut-outs). These really make life more simple when it comes to focussing...

    Hope this helps,

    Jon


    8" Mead LX-90 + DSI III
    Isle of Wight
  •  08-06-2008, 9:35 PM

    Re: DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

    Hi, Frank

    Using the 3.3 FR with this camera and *no* extension tube will give you .5x reduction (with a fair amount of coma & vignetting thrown in for free).

    You really want the 6.3 FR with the larger-chip DSI-III.

    Chuck

    Chuck Reese
    CDIP Certified: Nebula, Galaxy, Solar System, Stars & Clusters Imager
    CDIP Mentor: Nebulae & Solar System Categories
    For information on the Certified DSI Imager Program, see:
    http://autostarsuite.net/forums/1427/ShowForum.aspx
  •  08-07-2008, 8:28 AM

    Re: DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

    Hi Frank,

    In case it was not clear from my post, I wouldn't waste any more time with the meade F3.3 reducer and the DSI III (c or Pro). Chuck's advice is sound; I would opt for the F6.3 FR if I were going to stick with SCT thread mounted DSI and accessories...

    Jon


    8" Mead LX-90 + DSI III
    Isle of Wight
  •  08-11-2008, 2:43 PM

    Re: DSI III - Can't Get a Focus

    Jon-

    I chnage to the 6.3 FR as you recommended and have finally giotten focus.

    Thanks for the help.

    Frank

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