Dual Speed Focuser Upgrade Kit - A Budget Upgrade For Telescope Owners

[@michaelklemm-abraham7298]

I know Lacerta as the brand for their own product line of the Teleskop Austria shop (I think it is not necessary to translate the name). The employees are Austrian and Hungarian amateur astronomers and the produce many parts in Hungary. They have some rebranded stuff probably as well but if it is one of their original products it might be the reason for the high price on the American continent. I bought my 8“ newtonian when dual speed was quite a bit more rare and upgraded quite a while ago since the upgrade was so much cheaper than a new focuser.

[@AlexDiesTrying]

Looks like getting a lathe is one of the best moves towards amateur astronomy for me. The money is quickly saved since I enjoy building anyway. I might try building a microfocuser some time in the future. For my current goal, the lightest sturdy solution wins.

[@AstronomyGarage]

A lathe or a small milling machine would be super useful. For me, I rely on my 3D printer quite a bit.

[@jonisaacs5176]

An excellent video. A friend has an XT-10 and wanted a two speed. I told him about the Lacerta and he just bought one from Canada. He found your video and it answers all the questions. Thanks

[@AstronomyGarage]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@johngiromini5745]

"You know the drill." Well, I asked my Makita, and it told me it had no idea who I was. When it wouldn't stop complaining, I took its battery out. All is quiet in the shop now. Good adjustment on verbiage. I believe it plays well.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thank YOU for your feedback. I think the final result is much better with that one section removed.

[@chanwheeler8296]

I installed the Lacerta 10:1 microfocuser on my 10" Celestron Starsense dobsonian. It works great! And your O-ring solution for the Crayford focuser works great too. 4 O-rings on the big wheel replaces the broken rubber ring that comes with the focuser, and 6 O-rings on the Lacerta metal wheel

[@AstronomyGarage]

I'm glad that worked out for you.

[@jimk1887]

What model Lacerta microfocuser did you purchase? I have a 10” Dobsonian Celestron StarSense Explorer as well and would like to upgrade. Thanks in advance….JK.

[@chanwheeler8296]

@@jimk1887 Lacerta Dual Speed 1:10 Microfocus Upgrade Kit for Skywatcher Crayford Focusers

[@chanwheeler8296]

@@jimk1887 From 365astronomy in uk

[@Clipperson]

Thank you for this, I had no idea it was an option! This is something I've been wanting for XT10 but at a lower cost.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I'm glad it was helpful. Clear skies!

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

I bought one of these in 2012 for my 8" Newtonian & then switched it over to my 10" when I sold the 8", it works really well for what it is.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I keep wondering if I forgot something, but it just worked right out of the bag. It arrived used without any accessories (o-rings, etc.).

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

@@AstronomyGarage Just a pity they don't come with a matching course focus knob for the other side as they so look kinda odd fitted, to be honest by what you have is pretty much all they come with anyway if my memory serves me correct.

[@markscungio2996]

John I recently added similar 10:1 on my Bresser 102mm Refractor...oh my goodness, what an IMPROVEMENT !! Anyone reading this, I highly encourage you to do the same. As ALWAYS John does his simple, top-notch instruction!! Thanks John!!

[@AstronomyGarage]

That is good news. Thanks for watching!

[@janomacko5764]

I don't have the reduction, but I have two telescopes with Bresser-Messier's hexafoc focusers. They have a great value for the money. Hexafoc on my refractor is supersmooth and one on my Newtonian is little wobblier and not as smooth even after readjusting the screws, but it serves very well even with heavy binoviewer setup. Perhaps I treat myself to 1:8 reduction for the refractor one day. Costs up to 100€ here in Europe.

[@Bobi_203]

Hi all, I have a Bresser messier 8" dob and I'm thinking of upgrading to a 1:10 dual speed reducer but it's no longer available in stock on the bresser website, I'm left with the 1:8 option which I think will do the job. If possible from users of Bresser telescopes a little advice about this. Thank you very much.

[@patneville2198]

Been trying to contact Lacerta to make enquiries but I don't see an email contact address on their site. Which model do I need for Bresser refractors? Would it work for example on an Orion ST 120?

[@JoeJaguar]

great video john before we had to buy a whole focuser, now we have a simple upgrade.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thanks Joe. It's worked great for me so far.

[@JoeJaguar]

@@AstronomyGarage i love dual speed i have ine on every scope

[@Zillasmoke]

I just got a free dobsonian. Definitely gonna pick one of these up!

[@AstronomyGarage]

Congrats! Dobsonians are my favorites.

[@KJ4IQE]

Thank you for showing me that upgrades are available for Crayfords. I've always wished for a dual speed but could never afford one. After this video I did some research and found an upgrade one for my 12" Lightbridge which is a GSO brand focuser. Got one from Agena Astro out CA for $60. 😀

[@AstronomyGarage]

That's a fantastic deal!

[@edwilmot3732]

After watching your video I purchased this kit from David Astro and installed it on my 8" dobsonian. I was skeptical whether I needed a dual focuser but after putting it to use I see this is a very worthwhile upgrade. It takes the focus from "not sure if I'm perfectly focused" to "bang on". Stars become significantly more crisp and then when I turn to a deep sky object I'm sure I'm getting the best view my scope, focuser and eyepiece can give. I was also happy to be replacing just the focus wheel and axle and leaving the base of the focuser untouched, to avoid a the risk of mishaps in a full focuser replacement. The viewing improvement is worth the cost, for sure.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I'm so glad it worked out for you. I use it a lot on my 8 inch Dob.

[@joshuafiloteo7543]

Your channel deserves to blow up. Hugely informative and especially entertaining for telescope enthusiasts DIYers like myself.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thank you for the kind words, but that is probably not going to happen. KZbin still considers the term "Reflactor" to be a typo and won't show any of my videos in searches for that term. That was a poor choice on my part many years ago, lol. It's okay - I'm having a blast making these videos. Thank you for watching!

[@KJC63]

Sweet!

[@OLahh29]

Thanks John for this. Will add to my list of things to add though the price new is kinda steep. Will try to look around for a used one.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Agreed. I waited a long time to find a used one.

[@mccherry2239]

Hi Bought it my upgrade Lacerta QH2M-A02/micfoc-s yesterday,just received and replaced straight away!First test tonight I hope. Thanx

[@AstronomyGarage]

Let me know how it goes!

[@stupido5944]

Nice video John! I had no idea that someone actually sells something like this

[@AstronomyGarage]

I just found out about it a year ago. Works great.

[@kamilmoucka6811]

Hi, John. That Lacerta was one of the first things I upgraded on my Dobson SkyWatcher 12" Clasic. Unfortunately, SkyWatcher doesn't offer a two speed focuser on their Dobsons until 14". Otherwise, the Lacerta works great. Clear skies. 😀

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Clear skies!

[@jackieblank4249]

Thats good to know. For future reference. I think Apeturas come with a 2 speed focuser.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Apertura is about as high-end as you can get with an 8 inch Dobsonian.

[@jackieblank4249]

Thats awesom

[@AstronomyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Slartyfartblarst]

As an aside to the news below about Orion and Meade. It is probably a good time to download any product manuals and (where relevant) the latest software updates you may need from their websites, or to check whether they're on the wayback machine (some might not be). That would include products you may reasonably expect to encounter in the future.

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

Below where?

[@Slartyfartblarst]

@@EvenTheDogAgrees My previous comment, which on my screen is beneath the comment you replied to.

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

@@Slartyfartblarst grmbl, seems YT is hiding it from me. I only see one comment from you, and that's this one. Anyway, I've looked it up in the meantime, and yeah, them potentially going out of business is bad news for the community.

[@Slartyfartblarst]

@@EvenTheDogAgrees Idiotic YT hiding informative comments.

[@Slartyfartblarst]

I think owners of Coronado products should follow suit.

[@kerryedavis]

Now I just need to find one for my Orion Skyview Pro 8 EQ.

[@BobGeogeo]

Agena Astro was the source in 2015 for the dual speed upgrade for the stock single speed Crayford on my Celestron Onyx 80mm ED. Nice to have. It's a generic GSO item, not Onyx specific. Looks like it hasn't been available new for a while.

[@ericbarnett6771]

A new two-speed GSO Crayford on Agena is now only $155 + shipping.

[@AstronomyGarage]

These Lacerta mods might soon be priced out of the market.

[@DavidMFChapman]

Awesone

[@AstronomyGarage]

For such a simple upgrade, it works really well.

[@ericfrizzell2450]

That's pretty cool but I use a helical fine focus adapter.the only drawback is I can't use 2 inch eyepieces. But that's ok clear skies

[@AstronomyGarage]

I've met a few folks who really like helical focusors. I can't really use them because of how I mount my smartphone camera to the eyepiece.

[@deltacx1059]

I found that I like rack and pinion a bit more.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I've always had terrible luck with rack & pinions, but that may be due to always buying cheap used telescopes, lol. The GSkyer refractor that I have has a fantastic tight rack & pinion, despite the primary lens being lackluster.

[@deltacx1059]

@@AstronomyGarage the rack and pinions just don't have the ability to slip which I like.

[@jackg7225]

$90 would be a little steep for me but I do like the mod.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Same here. That's why I held out for a used one.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Neat.

[@AstronomyGarage]

I was surprised how well it works.

[@EdwardM.OBrien]

I missed it; did you install the Teflon block?

[@AstronomyGarage]

I did, but may have skipped that in the video (I think it was black, so possibly not Teflon?)

[@coolastro]

@@AstronomyGarage I had to install the block as well there is a hex screew on the Lecerta side as a 1/16 hex key.

[@patneville2198]

Interesting video. Thank you. Do you know if this set up would be compatible with the focuser on and Orion ST 120 refractor?

[@AstronomyGarage]

Not sure. It would definitely be worth sending them an email to find out.

[@jablonskidavid1004]

I've been trying to find a Crayford focuser that will fit my Zhumell Z130 and the ones I've found are for 6-8" scopes. Has anyone a suggestion that doesn't cost more than the telescope?

[@EvenTheDogAgrees]

Unfortunately, what seems to be missing on the market is an upgrade for real entry-level scopes. My first scope, which was a gift, came with a plasticky rack & pinion focuser I'd love to replace with something decent, preferably Crayford. But good luck finding a decent aftermarket focuser for a 130mm reflector. Seems like everything starts from 8" upwards.

[@AstronomyGarage]

It's nearly impossible to find a real entry level telescope with a focuser that isn't terrible (wobbly, etc.).

[@k.h.1587]

I think the price is a hit steep

[@BariumCobaltNitrog3n]

You can never have your cake and eat it too. Having your cake is to not use it, saving it for another day. Eating it means you enjoy it once, then you won't have it anymore, for example in this case selling it.

[@lordlucan529]

You're being too nice - reusing the existing knob wasn't super clever, it was super cheap! "Cost engineering" at its worst. Had they provided two matching knobs I would have already pulled the trigger on one of these.

[@AstronomyGarage]

Well, I try to keep things positive. :)