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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 grab-
bing 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 in 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 picture, but easy to find) under the pinion assembly.
7. In the event that different equipment such as: an optional Field Flattener 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 eye-
piece. 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 dur-
ing use.
WARNING: Never point 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 Locking Sleeve is plastic and can melt if it gets too
hot. Possible fumes during melting can cause fogging 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 dam-
age to the anodized surface of the draw tube.
WARRANTY
Starlight Instruments Incorporated guarantees this product to be free of any defects in materi-
al or workmanship 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.
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