How to Install the Celestron Focus Motor (Detailed Version)

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

In case this helps anyone else out down the line........ Despite great videos like this one from Cody and despite reading numerous articles, I could not get my Focus Motor installed on my CPC1100 correctly. I know I'm not the only person to encounter problems with this. No matter what I did, I could not get the motor work correctly with the screws for the mounting plate and motor mount installed anything other than loosely - which is obviously not right. I read up on a lot of threads about this and it seems the basic problem is that the mounting plate supplied with the motor causes pressure to be put on the focus bearing. People have come up with many solutions including installing washers / shims and, taking Celestron's Tech Support advice, to install the orginal focus mounting plate first and then the Focus Motor kit mounting on top. - and that's what I did. Whether by luck or design, my CPC1100 came with quite long screws in its original mounting plate so there was ample thread left to pass through both plates. With both plates installed, all the screws can now be tightened down (snugged down, nothing OTT), including the 2 hew screws for the motor mount. Before, the screws had to be left loose just to allow the motor to turn anfd, believe me, I spent hours making sure everything was true and aligned correctly to try and solve this. Anyway, that's what worked for me and I am happy that my motor is now working as intended. Celestron are a starnge set up - they produce great scopes but some of their kit and accessories leaves a lot to be desired. I hope this may help someoen else out down the line.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Great details Slymin! I need to try the new focus motor and see if it works for the C14 Edge HD as well!

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks Ray! The new focuser is product # 94155-A if you want to make sure you get the new version!

[@RaysAstrophotography]

@@AstroBlender Will do

[@JerryM726]

Hey Slymin! I love your videos. Could you please do a video demonstrating your method of alignment for the 8se in Alt-Az? Specifically I’m interested in your thoughts on which direction buttons you use when precisely centering the alignment stars to compensate for backlash. There seems to be a great deal of confusion and controversy on this subject.

[@Supersnake2014]

Thank you Slymin. I just installed the focuser on my 8SE following your recommendations and it went very well. To help with leveling and centering the focuser plate and motor assembly I placed the OTA vertically, front-side down and this technique effectively ensured that all the hardware had not gap or tilt. And it is also much easier to align and install the parts to the OTA since gravity helps and you have your two hands free for doing the fine work, One extra step that I did in order to ensure a stronger hold was to put Loctite 242 on the 3 screws of the plate. Overtime the motor movements will induce tension on the assembly that might eventually loosen the bolts and make the system wobbly. The screws have a very thin thread and are not really designed to hold such a piece of hardware like a focus motor. Loctite will definitely help in maintaining the hold tight.

[@BRP42]

It seems to me the sensible way to install the focuser plate is to partially put the screws in and then tighten them in rotation (i.e., making them tighter a bit at a time, until they are all tight). Your method is basically that, so great idea! Thanks for the explanation Slymin. I really appreciate your content on the Celestron telescopes.

[@tomtektest8042]

Thank you for these videos - they are really useful. I recently got a Celestron 8SE and today I added the focus motor. I had watched this and your earlier video on installing the focus motor so I thought it would go smoothly. I ran into the same problem you talk about in this video, the motor would stall and not travel throughout the range. I re-watched your video and this time I made sure everything was just as you recommended. After the re-installation, the focus motor operated perfectly, the controller went through a complete calibration from end to end and then put the scope back at the exact focus point where it started. Needless to say I am pleased with my new telescope and can't wait to use the focus motor as soon as the clouds clear! Best wishes, clear skies, and please keep the videos coming - they are great.

[@AstroBlender]

tomtektest Glad you found it helpful and got it working!

[@deepskytrekkin9600]

It could happen to you. I was troubleshooting an issue with my Celestron Focus Motor (CFM) a couple of days ago. I reinstalled the driver/software. This necessitates recalibrating the device. While it was traveling to the zero point, it was making a knocking sound. Yikes! (There only $200+ these days) So I watched this video a couple of times to re-familiarize with the install process. Been years. (Thanks AstroBlender! Great video as always) So I got to the point where I was going to loosen the allen screws and found that they had moved behind the focus motor housing. ( 10:08 ) I could just barely see the set screw but did not have enough clearance to loosen it. The other screw was completely covered of course. Hmm, I tried just standing there staring at it but this didn’t seem to help. The cure. I took some needle nose pliers and cover the inside of the jaws with duct tape (thank you Vesta Stoudt) to protect the surface of the CFM. I was able to grip the housing (were the allen screws are located) and then by hand turn the shaft above it revealing both screws. No surface damage resulted in this step. Next I took the CFM off and inspected it. There was no visible damage or misalignments. So I replaced/reseated the CFM. Realigned the arrows ( 8:55 ) and tightened down the allen screws. Performed a calibration and there was no more knocking. All smiles here. Side note: I was not able to find the alignment wrench ( 8:00 ) but I was able to turn the shaft to the arrow alignment using a small crescent wrench.

[@eliotrose6980]

Thanks for the instruction. I followed your tutorial and installed the focus motor with ease. I'm new to astrophotography and appreciate your knowledge. Keep the videos coming!

[@darrylnelson6264]

Screw, screw, screw! Not bolt! Good video though.

[@wendellkimura2902]

Agreed that the clip is excellent by being very easy to understand and follow, although yes, being a toolmaker by trade, I'm very picky in many ways and one of them is using the correct terminology when describing fasteners. Screws they definitely are. The even, systematic application of fasteners also apply to any group of fasteners, whether nuts, screws or bolts that include things like wheel lug nuts, etc. That being said, thank you slymin for taking the time and effort for producing your many helpful guides.

[@jasonwilliams675]

Great video Slymin. Quick question, is there a certain position the focuser needs to be in before installing to autofocus motor? Should the motor be installed in the middle of the focuser's allowed movement? Or does it matter?

[@mjklein]

You might want to try an electric guitar knob puller. Your situation looks like the perfect application for that tool. I really would like to know why this focus motor will not work with the 127 SLT MAK.

[@joselitostotomas8114]

Well, I tried installing the motor today and a couple of things as regards to the Celestron 6SE.: 1) The cover plate screws are 5/16 hexagonal screws, not Philips screws. The philip screw supplied is not going to work. 2) I had issues with installing the cover plate. No matter if I set the scope pointing down and snugging it, it tilts and binds. I ended up stripping the gears. The good thing is I had a loss prevention plan so I'll get a replacement and I'll get longer hexagonal screws since the original screws are too short.

[@randybost3876]

There is a note about compatibility with this focuser. How do I determine if my 8SE was manufactured prior to or after 2006?

[@woldsweather]

I've never used my Celestron Hand Controller is there a software way of adjusting the focuser?

[@gjman1972]

Question, in order to connect my 8se to a computer I use a usb to micro usb connected to the hand controller but what about my dslr camera? Do I need to connect a second usb cable from the camera itself to the computer? I mean how else will I see the image on screen? I will be using starry night btw. Thank you

[@MGR1900]

Is the 9.25 adaptability the only improvement on the 2nd version? Is that all it is? I have an 11 CGX and the 1st version. I guess the upgrade would be a waster of money.

[@YASAJTV]

How do motor knows when to stop when focus knob is fully turned or maxed out and not force break the knob?

[@scidav87]

Updated my starsence controller to the 1.20 and it still doesn't show the focuser option. Not happy

[@Noncenx]

I recently bought a Celestron Focus Motor for a C8 SCT and when I went to install the new orange focus plate, the screws I removed from the original one don't fit. They're too wide at the top to go into the recessed area for the screw head leaving the screw too short to come out the other side of the new focus plate. And even if they weren't too wide at the top, that would only leave 2 mm or so to protrude out the other side. Does anyone know what size screw I need to look for at a local hardware store? Has anyone else run into this before?

[@franksuesmith5607]

Hey Slymin, thanks for these great videos. Will the Celestron Focus Motor work with the StarScense controller?

[@AstroBlender]

KODI PLAYER Yes, as long as your Starsense HC is up to date.

[@scidav87]

@@AstroBlender mine was updated today with cfm and the starsence shows updated and still no focuser option in the menu

[@alexbrons9681]

Hi Slymin I have Nexstar 8se telescope and I like the telescope and I subscriber your channel.

[@craigharker7926]

same

[@christiana8820]

My lawn mower is quieter! Wow! Need to work on making that motor grind acceptable...

[@jerrykapchan103]

I’ve had the focus motor on my Celestron evolution 9 1/4 telescope for the last year or so and it seems to work but I have not been able to calibrate. What could possibly be the issue with calibration?

[@anwarsadat3261]

In installed the focuser but i don't understand how to make it work. During the day I am aiming my telescope at a building. But I see nothing in the eyepiece and I can no longer focus because of the installed auto focuser! What a Catch-22. I cannot align because I cannot see anything in the eyepiece. And I cannot use the hand sets nexstar etc because they all want to proceed only once the alignment is done!

[@cmhapan]

I installed it without a problem but when I use the focuser the image tend to drift to the side a bit. Did I make an error installing it? Probably should have watched your video first.

[@rudiroothooft2414]

I have recently put a focuser an my old cpc celestron 9.25 , but i cannot control it with the handcontroller because there is no option in the menu. Any suggestions ?

[@duke227]

Installed focus motor on se8 i bought 2nd hand wobbles. Motor works fine but wobbles. The 2 hex bolts are stripped and will not loosen so i can reinstall. Help!

[@anwarsadat3261]

I cannot get the autofocuser to focus automatically. is there something that i need to do in settings? i am using the iphone skyportal app to control the mount. i can focus using the software quite nicely now but i cannot get it to focus automatically! I have to manually adjust the focus using the software whereas the video here seems to suggest that the focus happens automatically. what a pain. how come they did not send clear instructions with the focuser!

[@diogod126]

Thanks for the review! Has the AVX given you any headaches in this long time? I'm looking to get one because I love the design, the portabillity and ASPA, but I am really not sure about its quality.

[@AstroBlender]

DioGo Nope, I love my AVX. It runs like a charm after 6 years now and I’ve had no problems with it. It just goes and goes.

[@robvilla622]

I had stalling issues as well on my CPC-11. I've had the focus motor for a while, but when I recently added a field reducer, I couldn't achieve focus due to stalling issues. Even just lightly tightening the three screws on the adapter plate would cause the brass focus sleeve to become tight and cause the motor to stall. Too loose, and the bearings would have movement. I tried different ideas and finally decided to tap out three of the holes on the adapter plate to accept 8-32 set screws equally spaced around the adapter plate. With the set screws just barely protruding past the face of the plate it allowed me to tighten the three mounting screws with just the right amount of pressure onto the bearings. I also put a small amount of blue thread locker on the two captive screws on the focus motor just to keep them secure. So far I have had no issues. If you try this, I'll caution you not to tap out either of the two holes needed to mount the motor.

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

Thanks for your post Robert. I have had issues with my CPC1100 as well. If you follow Cody's instructions ( which I am sure 100% match Celestron's) all you get is binding. That's not Cody's fault but Celestron's. Their manual saying make sure everything doesn't move around is a joke. The screws on the mounting plate and on the motor have to loose just to allow the motor to turn. Celestron have tried to make a product that weill fit and work on every SCT telewcope but it's not possible. They should have made one for the 6-9.25 and one for the 11-14. My motor now works BUT the screws are loose and the motor moves during operation. If I try and tighten the screws any more past loose the motor won't turn - and I have spent 2 days doing this and making sure everything was done as per Celestron's instructions. Cody - how is it that EVERYTHING allways works for you??!! ;) hug Great video as usual, thanks.

[@denodan]

There is one major issue. If your focus motor does bind and cannot access the screws which tighten the drive to shift then your basically stuffed with no way to remove the focuser motor. After all there is only a small part of the motor you can access these bolts so if it binds and has bound where you cannot access these tightening bolts to thr focuser then no way in hell can you remove the motor

[@tkheaps]

Is the Celestron focus motor controllable from a PC? How about the SkyPortal

[@lmo3154]

Slymin i have ben in touch with Celestron and they are sending me some longer screws that enable me to fit the the new focuser cover plate over the original as the manufacturing has failed to machine in the recces for the bearing this causes the new cover plate to wobble on the bearing causing the angular lock you have described. Fixes for this issue are get it machined, use longer screws, use packing or as you describe make sure you don't install it off axis.

[@AstroBlender]

Hi Phil, that is unfortunate. I am glad you have found a solution though!

[@malanstecker]

Thanks for your excellent presentation. It appears you are using the small diameter 0.63X focal reducer. Is there enough clearance to use the much larger diameter 0.7X Celestron reducer with the focus motor on the Edge HD 925 OTA?

[@AstroBlender]

There is if you get the latest version. The new version of the focus motor has a little notch cut of the side that accommodates the C9.25 EdgeHD with 0.7x reducer.

[@jamesbeisen672]

would the celestrn focus motor work on a meade lx90 8 inch

[@MilwaukeeMax]

How do you take the focuser knob off when it’s one of the classic metal knobs not a rubber knob?

[@klokskap_]

Very detailed and serious review. Thank you!

[@AstroBlender]

SGAK I’m glad you liked it!

[@chris-ip4pk]

Why have a bearing that doesn't sit in the hole ? Pointless having a bearing.

[@jgcheak]

I thought I would take a chance and ask this. I just installed the Celestron Focus Motor. It works properly with my original Nexstar+ hand controller, CPWI, Skyportal. It does not work with my Starsense HC. It has been updated with the latest firmware (currently 1.20.20162) this is what is being reported by the HC. Focuser option is not in the menu anywhere. Would you have any idea what might be wrong? Thanks in advance.

[@sebas_ruel]

Thanks for this video Slymin. I'm in the process of installing a ZWO EAF on a RASA8, and I must say that after I removed the orange plate of the focuser shaft, I was shocked to see the floating bearing! Cannot understand why....seems weird. Anyone knows why the design is like this?

[@philfastmike3496]

Hi, thanks for all your very useful videos! Just thinking about buying a SCT I have a question: I do have a Nikon P1000 camera and even if not great quality at 3000, I do not have the blurred moving image you got on your video when focusing on the trees at 2350... is that the best image quality we can get with a Celestron? Kind regards

[@fdboucher]

Wow! Thank you VERY much Slymin. This video is excellent, very clear, and reassuring! 🙂

[@douglasmacgregor7436]

Thanks for the great review and instructions. I bought the focuser last week and installed it but I have issues with the design. It's working OK for me, however with some issues. First, when I calibrated it initially the motor had a pitch change in the sound it made - a rythmic change once per rotation, which I attirbuted to a slight misalignment. I removed the motor and double-checked the orientation of the mounting plate and found it was just a "hair" off. Re-installed the motor but the pitch change remained. I am of the opinion that the set screw is only meant for the C-11 and C-14 scopes. Set screws are supposed to be meant for metal-to-metal contact. That's not possible if you use the plastic adapter sleeve for 8" and 9.25" Celestron scopes (I have the 8" SE8). The set screw is pressing against plastic (and deforming it). The primary method of securing the motor sleve to the brass knob is the clamping screw, which squeezes the metal sleeve, which squeezes the plastic adapter. I think the set screw in my case is redundant. What do you think Slymin?

[@ainttakenanyshit]

When you showed the plate angled when you had one screw snug for an example, it looks to me to be that the motor plate DOES NOT sit flush to the flat part of the telescope body. IF the plate rocks at all it means that the plate back ridge is a bit larger than the scope recess. I plan on VERY SLIGHTLY SHIMMING the plate back ~1/32 or so, (one or two thicknesses of electrical tape), which would ensure that the plate is actually flush to the scope body recess.... Then to only tighten until snug. I will be examining this process in person when I get my CPC 800 XLT and focus motor in hand next week. My comments are based on what I saw during this video.

[@kumarmvnk3654]

What is the ideal electronic focuser you suggest for ASTRO FI 5" (mind you that this model does not support the 5") ideally working with the SkyPortal app too !!

[@timbo50]

I want to say thank you so much for providing that great video on how to install the Focus Motor. I have just purchased the 11" Edge HD W/ CGX-L & It sure made it easy following your great instructional video. I look forward to watching more of your great videos in the future again. Thank You.

[@johnpetty8932]

Does it get power through the aux cord? Or do you need to hook up another power source?

[@lawrenceharris1819]

Unfortunately it has not been like that for me. Firstly I found only two screws inside the focuser unit. Several days later I put a video probe inside the barrel and discovered a rubber sleeve covering one of the holes! No indication where it is supposed to go. I edged it out of the way to reveal the third hole - but where is it supposed to fit and why did it not stay there? I assembled the motor meticulously according to your and Celestron's instructions. I was able to move the motor in a bit and out a bit. When I selected calibration it made a small move and then stopped for all time. Having already followed the instructions there seems little else that I can do.

[@lawrenceharris1819]

I had really hoped that there would have been a reply to my detailed observations shown above. No progress then since I bought the focuser. I cannot make it concentric because the cover plate is *fixed* by the 3 screws and the tube will not move laterally to place it in the centre, Disappointed.....

[@duke227]

what did you use to test the autofocuser? dud you need wifi adapter?

[@dirklehew1824]

Your tutorials are very helpful. I have one question: If I have a Star Sense unit and the Focus motor, am I able to control the focus motor with the Star Sense hand controller and/or the Sky Portal app like I could with the Telescope's hand control?

[@davidwilliams7935]

Is there no way to manually focus and then switch to using the hand box? I recall, I think, that you could do something like that with the JMI focuser.

[@robertsipes7391]

For those who have the Celestron 11-inch, like me, I have found that installing the plate so that the spot with the greatest number of mounting holes is facing down, if you want a vertical orientation of the focus motor. Otherwise, you will get the focus motor slanting in toward the back focus, or you will only have options for the focus motor base (the surface with the inputs) to be straight out to the side or straight up. I wanted mine vertical, so I had to unmount it, take the plate off and reorientate it so the holes were at the bottom, that worked just fine. Thanks for sharing your expertise. It helped me bunches in installing this focus motor.

[@briandenley]

Is it normal for the focus motor to move slightly as it winds and sound like it struggles a little bit as it turns (sound pitch goes up and down in frequency a little as it turns)? I have assembled and reassembled it three times with no difference. It’s mounted flat as I used your video for a guide. I did notice that only the set screw holds against anything. The plastic screw seems to be very weak and not really do much of anything. The motor calibrated ok but just sounded labored to me.

[@DieterWiedenhofer]

Thanks a lot for this really helpful video. Best regards from Munich and be safe! Dieter

[@scottdunker6189]

I bet if you poke a small hole in the end of the old focus knob, the vacuum created when pulling will be eliminated.

[@gpetheri]

Doesn't the hand controller require reprogramming? Didn't see any mention of it in either of your video's.

[@JensenStark-y9m]

Hey thanks for the video, .... I am setting up my scope for the first time here... not sure how to tell if the focus spindle is centered for installation of the motor?

[@leorasic6253]

Thank you for this great video. You are really great with making these helpful videos.

[@wicklowjohn]

Great instructions. Nice. Concise. Easy to follow. Thanks

[@akuna1966]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I followed your steps as I installed my own focus motor on my 8se. It was smooth and without issues, thanks to your steps and tips..

[@emilcarste]

I installed this a couple of days ago on my RASA 8". I can see that during calibration, when motor is running and move the focus from one end to the other the motor body also sligthly moves. Is this normal?

[@brinkoo7]

Great video. Unfortunately I installed my focuser on my 11” RASA before seeing this. I legitimately ran into every problem you outlined lol!! On my RASA V2 there is also a rubber gasket that fell out initially when removing the original plate.. just a warning for others as it’s greasy and fell on the ground. Also on the larger mounting bracket you have to really pay attention to the orientation it mentions in the manual. In the end I had to just loosen up my screws on my mounting plate way more than I thought i should to get my motor working. I don’t think that can be stressed enough about how loose it might need to be, but my focuser has been working great.

[@AstroBlender]

Good notes, I’m glad you found the video helpful. Clear skies to you!

[@dsneill]

That's a screw not a bolt lol

[@4thumbsdown]

Isn't the plate to be installed with the crescent side facing outward?

[@louiedee279]

Should I buy a focus motor on my 5se Celeste in??

[@AstroBlender]

No, it isn't compatible with 5" SCTs.

[@bencrosthwaite3542]

My issue with the latest focus motor on the 9.25 scope is at the calibration stage., It gets stuck at 25% and will not proceed. I have installed the utility program which can not connect and also installed the ascom drivers. When running through CPWI it says the focuser is connected and I can manually focus but I can not callibrate it. Any help would be great.

[@AstroBlender]

Can you calibrate it with the hand-controller without issues? If so, it could be a software problem in CPWI.

[@kjlk59]

Hey slymin, idk if im doing something wrong but when I'm in the alignment mode for my NS8se I can't access the motor focuser in the handheld computer controller. could you help me out as its for me to align if the stars are out of focus

[@gpetheri]

I think you need to upgrade the firmware version of the hand controller. The original old hand controller firmware doesn't have the focuser in it.

[@stevel3671]

Just put the Focus Motor on thanks for all your great videos

[@peeb2896]

Is the only difference between the old and new the actual cut out of the body for the larger scope? Thanks and great tutorial!

[@AstroBlender]

I believe that is the only difference, yes.

[@sdaron4574]

Great job, thanks!

[@billmorrison1301]

I installed the focus motor on my CGEM 9.25 two days ago. First step after install was to run the calibration routine. At first it appeared to run fine. The motor rotated in one direction, then another, then back the other way. At that point, the hand controller displayed the message “calibrating focuser” and did not complete. After 15 minutes, I powered off the scope to try again. Now, the scope will not initialize with the focus motor attached. The controller states “ERR Model Num. The telescope model could not be read, and initialization cannot proceed.” Now, I’m waiting a response from Celestron.

[@AstroBlender]

Strange, I've never had that issue. Usually the calibration process takes about 3 minutes for me. It goes to the end of focus travel for each direction and then gives me the calibration complete method. If you haven't you could always try updating your focuser in CFM and see if that resets it, and try it out again. Have a good one!

[@bencrosthwaite3542]

My calibration is stuck on 25%. Look at my other post here for more detail.

[@gregorys6838]

He said he likes to set the plate up a certain way. How did he figure that out? How many of these has he mounted? Or, is he continually removing the focuser for some reason? Also, he doesn't mention mirror shift. Why would I choose this focuser over something like the Moonlite? A Moonlite is a very easy add-on and no mirror movement. I can even keep the mirror locked with the Moonlite. I just installed one on my 9.25Edge. And it was a hell of lot easier than what appeared to be required on the Celestron focuser.

[@marioslrzn]

Gregory S if you’re using OAG, I don’t think the moonlite will clear.

[@gregorys6838]

@@marioslrzn Hi Thanks for your feedback. If I did use an OAG, it would have to be thin one.

[@Revmayes]

Slymin, out of curiosity can the skyportal control the focus motor?

[@AstroBlender]

Matthew Mayes I just updated the Celestron app last week and it now includes support for the Celestron Focus Motor, so yes!

[@briandenley]

Your videos are very well done! I ordered a Nexstar Evolution 8 two days ago, along with the Neximage 5 and the newer focus motor. Will try them out during our northern Vermont vacation in a couple of weeks.

[@AstroBlender]

briandenley Enjoy and be safe!

[@briandenley]

Slymin near the end of the video, you tighter the screw or set screw based on whether it’s a small or large CTA. I have an Evo 8. Is that what you man by large? Thanks.

[@mikecrad29]

Excellent video!

[@uldom]

Awesome and very useful video, thanks!

[@AstroBlender]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Station2066]

Excellent work 👍

[@armandooliva1642]

Can I use it in a SLT127

[@genobisceglia5629]

Great videos! subscribed!

[@meibing4912]

Great!

[@monsyschuller3561]

Great video - always a pleasure to watch! Greetz from Germany!

[@AstroBlender]

Thanks, I am glad you liked it!

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

Hi, I really enjoy your videos, thank you. I have a couple of questions if I may. This might seem like a naive or very basic question, but why is the focus motor needed? If it's needed that badly, why does it not come as strandard with the telescopes? Is this a case of the manufacturer cynically exploiting the consumer?

[@AstroBlender]

HollomanUFOLanding For the average observer, a focus motor isn’t required at all. At 2000mm though, when imaging the planets, simply touching the telescope causes it to shake. Getting a crisp tight focus is almost impossible. The same is the case for deep sky imaging. You have to move the knob, wait for the telescope to stabilize and keep repeating. It’s a pain and never really gets you a crisp focus. With the focus motor you can watch your focus change in real time and refine it. I consider a motorized focuser (regardless of brand) almost a necessary accessory for advanced planetary imaging. Again, for visual use it certainly isn’t required, but still is a nice upgrade. I hope this helps.

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

@@AstroBlender Thank you, I appreciate your advice on this. As you can probably tell, I'm just starting out on this, although have studied astronomy for decades. Planetary imaging = using a camera to take pictures through the telescope, right? Can you use any camera or one dedicated to telescope use? Thank you.

[@AstroBlender]

HollomanUFOLanding Planetary imaging is using your telescope to image the planets. Usually people use a planetary camera to take videos of the planets and stack the resulting frames into the best quality.

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

@@AstroBlender Thanks Slymin

[@abood-2639]

Would this work on a 4SE Mak

[@AstroBlender]

Abood Shehadeh No, it isn’t compatible with the 4 SE optical tube.

[@davidlemonnier5759]

Thanks for this video! The Celestron focus motor is now installed and will be tested tonight in the South of France :-)

[@michaelholz3559]

Thanks for this video!!! You saved me so much time with the install and I avoided all the pitfalls. Focuser works great!

[@Pavia1525]

Great video, but there are some missing items. I have a Celestron 8 SE so this applies to many. First... the set screw and the other focus ring screw has to be tightened significantly to get the plastic fitting to grab the focus tube of the scope. That set screw should be more than halfway in the threading. Eyeball it before you put the focuser on with the captive screws. Secondly... there’s a whole calibration procedure that isn’t mentioned. The unit is a game changer for viewing though... You can’t get the level of fidelity with using your fingers as this unit gives you.