Section Contents:
| The Focus-Master Lite | The Focus-Master | Solar Filters | Micro Focus Controller |

To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

Meade ETX90
(all models)

Focus-Master Lite to fit telescopes with tube diameters between 98mm and 104mm

AC637

15.99

Meade ETX105
(all models)

Focus-Master Lite to fit telescopes with tube diameters between 118mm and 125mm

AC638

17.99

Meade ETX125
(all models)

Focus-Master Lite to fit telescopes with tube diameters between 143mm and 149mm

AC639

19.99

Meade 7” MC & 8” SCT and Celestron 8” SCT, Intes Micro MN78, M703 and M715

Focus-Master Lite to fit telescopes with tube diameters between 227mm and 236mm

AC640

29.99

Meade 10” SCT

Focus-Master Lite to fit telescopes with tube diameters between 290mm and 300mm

AC641

39.99

Meade 12” SCT

Focus-Master Lite

AC642

TBA

Meade 14” SCT and Celestron 14"SCT

Focus-Master Lite

AC643

TBA

To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

ALL 7" & 8" LX scopes

7" & 8" Focus-Master

FI096

69.99

ALL 10" LX scopes

10" Focus-Master

FI097

79.99

ALL 12" LX scopes

12" Focus-Master

FI098

89.99

14” LX200GPS

14" Focus-Master

FI099

99.99

solar
Solar Observation Filters
Discover the nearest star, our Sun, in stunning detail with your Meade LX telescope.
 

Our solar filters have been designed to allow direct viewing or photography of broadband solar phenomena (sunspots, faculae etc). Because of the poor seeing that usually attends daytime telescopic observations we do not consider full aperture solar filters much beyond 100mm (4") diameter to be very worthwhile. With this in mind we have produced a high quality filter system that exploits the Focus-Master (above) and allows the use of smaller filters off-axis. The filter is manufactured from glass and has a multi-layered metalised coating applied by a process of evaporation in a vacuum chamber. For safe and secure observation, the glass filter is sealed in a high precision black anodised aluminium cell that screws directly onto the thread on the front of the Focus-Master. For safety, the glass filter is held in the cell with precision-machined screws and not glue (or tape!) as in some competitors products. Solar observation can be dangerous ­ read enclosed instructions carefully.

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

7"& 8" LX FI096

Off-axis 70mm solar filter

FI092

59.99

10" LX FI097

Off-axis 90mm solar filter

FI093

69.99

12" LX FI098

Off-axis 90mm solar filter

FI093

69.99

14" LX FI099

Off-axis 105mm solar filter

FI094

79.99

micro
Micro-focus controller
A precise handset focus controller for critical task Webcam and CCD imaging
 

Designed primarily for use with the micro-focuser supplied with the Meade LX200GPS telescopes, the AC516 will also function with other motorised focusers as well. The unit features tactile feedback control buttons, solid-state electronics, and precise IC regulated speed control. A special feature is the electronic “auto-brake” - when the user lifts his finger off either position button the micro-processor instantly freezes the motor to prevent unpredictable run-on. Ideal for remote operation set-ups and any situation were precise intuitive control of the focuser is demanded. Includes 1.7m (extended) coiled extension cable (additional cable available). Operates on 9V PP3 battery not included. Please note that this product does not include a motorised telescope focuser.

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To fit Model

Description

Stock code

Price (GBP)

LX200 GPS micro-focuser

Micro-focus controller

AC516

59.99

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fmaster
Focus-Master Lens Cap
Combined visual and astro-photography focusing aid and off-axis Solar filter holder (also aids collimation!)
 

Expert focussing and off-axis viewing system - Great astro-photography depends heavily on perfect focus. The Focus-Master is essentially a lens cap with three holes that simply fits over the end of the telescope and helps you achieve perfect focus in seconds. At first glance the Focus-Master is just a focussing aid based on the tried and tested principle of the three-hole mask. Now we have refined this idea and created a mask that not only offers the standard three-hole focussing feature, but by removing the special threaded cap you have a perfect off-axis aperture which has been matched to the useful viewing area between the secondary and the maximum diameter of the corrector lens of popular sizes of SCT. The result is a powerful and versatile accessory that has uses in focussing (photo and visual), lunar and planetary viewing, double star observation and collimation adjustment. The Focus-Master has the additional benefit that it can be used as an off-axis filter holder for white light and Ha Solar filters by BC&F Astro Engineering & Coronado.

Focussing with the Focus-Master - Simply remove the three black plastic plugs (they just pop out by pressing from the rear) and attach the mask to the front of the telescope. If you observe a star of moderate brightness you will see that at an out of focus position you will be presented with an image not of one star but three. Adjust the focuser in the direction that causes the stars to move together and keep adjusting until the three stars merge into just one perfect image - and the scope is now focused. It really is that simple.

This process will work just as well with lunar and planetary targets and will allow you to focus the instrument perfectly even when the seeing is poor or on a dim camera focusing screen or CCD monitor. In these situations it can be difficult to tell the difference between one focus position and another. With the Focus-Master attached there is no uncertainty: if the image is out of focus you will see not one but three images.

Adjust the focus and make the three images merge into one and the instrument is focused. Simply remove the mask and you are ready to begin imaging.

But the story doesn't end here. One aperture of the Focus-Master has a special threaded rim that enables our range of precision-mounted glass solar filters to be screwed into place for off-axis viewing* (see next item below for more info). If this isn't enough, the Focus-Master also provides a good method of checking and adjusting collimation. Still not convinced? The Focus-Master has three large plastic plugs for it's holes so it makes a perfect replacement dust cover as well! Please specify aperture when ordering. * Our range of adapters can also be fitted with Coronado Ha filters.

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ac637
Focus-Master Lite
Hartman mask focussing aids for a wide range of telescopes
 

Following the success of our original Focus-Master focussing aids, we have launched a simpler lower-cost version that has all of the quality and focusing-aid function of the originals, but with a simplified design. The Focus-Master Lite is essentially a lens cap with three holes that simply fits over the end of the telescope and helps you achieve perfect focus easily and in seconds. The result is a powerful and versatile accessory that has uses in focussing (photo and visual), lunar and planetary viewing, double star observation and collimation adjustment.

The Focus-Master Lite is easy and intuitive to use. Adjust the focus and make the three images merge into one and the instrument is focused - it’s that simple! Then just remove the mask and you are ready to begin imaging. This process works just as well with lunar and planetary targets as with stars, and will allow you to focus the instrument perfectly even when the seeing is poor or on a dim camera focusing screen or CCD monitor.

Product descriptions

AC637, AC638 and AC639 aluminium construction with central screws that act as hand knobs to allow the mask to be attached and removed without risk of touching the telescope optics.

AC640, AC641, AC642 and AC643 aluminium “cap” construction with plastic caps for each of the three holes and three retaining lock thumbscrews

 

 

 

 

 

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The Focus-Master Lite family

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Three images...

... merged into one