I was able to replace the defective Lunt focuser compression ring in this video. I found an unused T thread eyepiece holder that had the same size compression ring here in my spare astro parts. I have seen 9mm replacement compression rings but the Lunt focuser uses the smaller close to 6mm wide ring. I took out the ring from the Lunt focuser and replaced it with the ring from the eyepiece holder. It works perfectly now with smooth slide in and out of the nosepiece. But the interesting thing is I put the defective Lunt focuser compression ring into the unused eyepiece holder and there it is working perfectly with smooth slide in and out.
My helical focuser has slight sideways play in it, I’m going to give it a looking at today, we should all complain to Lunt for having such a crap focuser on a great scope!
Gasgiant My buddy feels the same way but they are trying to hold down the cost. Here's what I paid for mine with a Feather Touch focuser ua-cam.com/video/pYN2O1GPSw8/v-deo.html
I removed the eyepiece holder on the blocking diagonal and replaced it with a non rotating helical focuser that cost about $50. That was after my friend repaired it. After setting the new focuser to the middle of its range I used the Lunt focuser to get focus and then locked it with the set screw. I focus only with the non rotating helical focuser and don't use the Lunt focuser. Also I can insert the blocking diagonal all the way in to the Lunt focuser without having to pull it out for coarse focus. Also the non rotating helical focuser has a range of about 7mm in and out focus. Focus may vary with different eyepieces. I decided to try this and it works for me.
great you helped out your friend. I also have a couple items like my brand new Tele Vue 5x power mate (used it 2x times) then that brass compression part stop working. Iam also going to remove it and just have the thumb screw hold like the old way. cheers good vid.
@@starastronomer no i also have same issue on a diagonal but i robbaly would have to contact the dealer i got it from & i just dont want to bother i will just use the thumb screw only
H. N. I think they are trying to keep the price as low as possible by using this focuser. The 40mm I have on order with the Starlight Instruments will cost me an extra $480.00.
@@starastronomer Part of the problem, I think, is that Starlight Instruments is the only one who officially still makes focusers for Lunt. They make premium stuff, but it also costs a premium. I guess there are just not enough solar telescopes in the wild for more affordable alternatives to be mass produced. How sturdy do you feel the helical focusers are on the 40mm? I’m okay with using a helical (and if I wanted a smoother focuser I can switch it to a Borg or Coma focuser for less), but I’m worried it won’t hold the ~.48kg camera I want to attach to it. The focuser issue is one of the things that’s making me hesitate on buying this, since I don’t want to spend more than I have to.
I was able to replace the defective Lunt focuser compression ring in this video. I found an unused T thread eyepiece holder that had the same size compression ring here in my spare astro parts. I have seen 9mm replacement compression rings but the Lunt focuser uses the smaller close to 6mm wide ring. I took out the ring from the Lunt focuser and replaced it with the ring from the eyepiece holder.
It works perfectly now with smooth slide in and out of the nosepiece.
But the interesting thing is I put the defective Lunt focuser compression ring into the unused eyepiece holder and there it is working perfectly with smooth slide in and out.
Chuck Hunt Thanks for the update. Interesting the "defective" compression ring works in another holder.
Same problem. Solved. Thanks
douglas fleming You're welcome!
My helical focuser has slight sideways play in it, I’m going to give it a looking at today, we should all complain to Lunt for having such a crap focuser on a great scope!
Gasgiant My buddy feels the same way but they are trying to hold down the cost. Here's what I paid for mine with a Feather Touch focuser ua-cam.com/video/pYN2O1GPSw8/v-deo.html
I removed the eyepiece holder on the blocking diagonal and replaced it with a non rotating helical focuser that cost about $50. That was after my friend repaired it. After setting the new focuser to the middle of its range I used the Lunt focuser to get focus and then locked it with the set screw. I focus only with the non rotating helical focuser and don't use the Lunt focuser. Also I can insert the blocking diagonal all the way in to the Lunt focuser without having to pull it out for coarse focus. Also the non rotating helical focuser has a range of about 7mm in and out focus. Focus may vary with different eyepieces. I decided to try this and it works for me.
Sounds good Chuck.
great you helped out your friend. I also have a couple items like my brand new Tele Vue 5x power mate (used it 2x times) then that brass compression part stop working. Iam also going to remove it and just have the thumb screw hold like the old way. cheers good vid.
JoeJaguar THANKS. I am amazed the TV gave you that problem. Did you notify them to get a new part?
@@starastronomer no i also have same issue on a diagonal but i robbaly would have to contact the dealer i got it from & i just dont want to bother i will just use the thumb screw only
JoeJaguar Thanks for the update.
It's a shame that there isn't a more normal focuser for these telescopes, or at least one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
H. N. I think they are trying to keep the price as low as possible by using this focuser. The 40mm I have on order with the Starlight Instruments will cost me an extra $480.00.
@@starastronomer Part of the problem, I think, is that Starlight Instruments is the only one who officially still makes focusers for Lunt. They make premium stuff, but it also costs a premium. I guess there are just not enough solar telescopes in the wild for more affordable alternatives to be mass produced.
How sturdy do you feel the helical focusers are on the 40mm? I’m okay with using a helical (and if I wanted a smoother focuser I can switch it to a Borg or Coma focuser for less), but I’m worried it won’t hold the ~.48kg camera I want to attach to it. The focuser issue is one of the things that’s making me hesitate on buying this, since I don’t want to spend more than I have to.
H. N. I would ask Lunt as to what they feel the focuser will handle.