I already praised the video (see below). But now that I have things working right, I have one more comment about the installation. The instructions in the manual and video talk about installing the set screw (with the blue junk) with just a few turns. I tightened it until I got resistance and (thinking I was done) tried the focuser. The motor was running, but focus wasn't changing. (You can look through the hole to see the brass shaft moving or not.) I discovered that the blue-junk-set-screw needs to go past the resistance point (probably the blue junk) until it squeezes the shaft. That's much deeper than I expected. All good now. (Except for clouds.)
I have a C8 that is a bit older and has a raised focuser knob casing and a metal focus knob. This focus motor absolutely will work with it, however a 3D printed adapter is needed to connect the orange mounting plate to the raised collar. Definitely worth the while.
Thank you for this great video. I managed to successfully install my motorized Celestron focuser. One thing to note is that at the end when tightening the set screw, it has to go all the way in. I had to try 3 or 4 times because I couldn't calibrate the focusing motor. The set screw was protruding and it was in the way. What threw me off is that you have to put a little bit of pressure to tighten it, and I didn't want to over do it. Other than this, it's a relatively simple but tedious exercise. Thank you!
Nice video! Did run into a problem though. The stock mounting plate has a chamber in it to hold the bearing, because the bearing is sticking out a little bit above the surface. The new mounting plate hasn't such a chamber, making is to stress the bearing and resulting in too much friction. I ended up leaving the stock mounting plate under the new one, bolts were just long enough. I have a C8.
One follow-up after I struggled a bit with the install: At 9:00 you imply that you can attach the focuser to the plate using the pairs of mounting holes. For my first attempt, I picked two holes that looked good. After I got one screw into the plate, I tried to start the other screw. It wouldn't catch. I removed the focus and the plate and found that (at least) one pair of plate holes were 1-2mm too close. I found a good pair to get the focuser angle I wanted. It's easier to see the problem off the telescope. With the focuser's mounting screws extended, run the plate around the different candidate pairs. Most fit fine. One pair is tantalizingly close, but not close enough.
Joseph, that is strange, I was under the impression they all fit fine. I wonder if that is present on all the focusers or was a bad machine job? Either way, thanks for your comment.
Thank you. I watched this video before I installed my Celestron Focus Motor on my Nexstar 8SE. It made the process a lot easier since the instructions are written in extremely fine print. The only thing I forgot was to tighten the last set screw. I wondered why it would not calibrate and just turned and turned. My bad. But all is well now.
Hey Slymin, great video on focuser. All of your videos are well done and have helped me a lot. I bought an 8se based on your enthusiasm. Great scope! Curious how long you have had the Celestron AVX mount and ask that you do a review on it based on your experience. You could do a better review on the AVX than all others out there. Thanks.
Thank you so much Slymin....I ordered a used C-Motor Focus...and it did not come with directions...so I was very happy to find your presentation... All the Best
Thanks Ray! Yep, you can use the hand-controller as long as your hand-controller is up to date. Celestron added Motor Focus controls to the hand-controller with firmware version 5.30.8333. That version is a bit-buggy though, so you would want to update the hand-control 5.30.9009 which fixes the problems introduced in 5.30.8333. That being said, this was just an install video. My full review is filmed but I still need to edit it. It is an awesome upgrade and is instantly responsive, I can't be more happy with it!
Very good! Nice combination of detail, rationale, and instructions. The manual has decent text, but the graphics are small and hard to decipher. Needed this video for some security. Thanks.
Slymin, just saw your that you already did a review of the VX mount with the 6 inch newt. Good review. Sorry for asking you about it in my previous comment. This review on the new focus motor is very well done and easy to follow. Are you using any software controls for auto focus?
Hi.. thanks for the valuable info. I was in the process of installing my focus motor adapter plate to the back of my SCT. Noticed the adapter plate does not sit flush to the back of the OTA and there is a gap. Correct me if I am wrong but your adapter plate looks flush to the OTA. Just wondering if the focus motor adapter plate is recessed like the stock focuser plate.
As always Slymin ,your videos are amazing and its where i come for great knowledge , one question ,where do you connect the focuser ? does it have its own power outlet? thank you , this is on my list ,
Thanks, I appreciate that! It has 3 power inputs. You can use the AUX port on the mount, USB (needs supply at least 900 mA), or a 12V, 1A power supply.
Before I get a Celestron HD Deluxe 🤷♂️ I need to figure out how to utilize the mechanics of the locking mirror clutch… Seems like it’s a big deal and according to celestron the locking clutch aren’t true locks and only bend the rod that clocks the mirror in play.
They didn’t supply the scissors or tape? What kind’a crap is that?! I just recently received a new 8SE, and after messing with the focus knob, I’m seriously considering one of these. Just annoying to focus manually, especially just getting familiar with my first Schmidt-Cass. That focuser seems to turn forever.
Hi again ok so I have my 8se outside tonight and I have the focul reducer on along with my 2 inch diagonal and I’m centered on the moon and no matter what I do I can’t get a sharp or even a semi sharp focus on the full moon and on top of that I’m so zoomed in on it I can’t even see the whole thing and that’s why I have the focul reducer! Anyway is there any tips you can offer that I might be able to try in order to see the whole moon and to focus on it? Thank you so much
Hey Slymin, You seem to know more about this than the folks I spoke to on FB? lol .. I asked 4 people and 4 different answers.. I'm trying to figure out what i need to do Astrophotography on my 8SE . My understanding ( PLEASE correct me if i"m wrong ). but I need an EQ Wedge , the starsense autoaligner ( it has a camera? do I still need to purchase one for photos?) or can I use that one? also the Focus Motor . are those 3 things basically what I need? or will I still need a Guidescope and camera? Oh Also I purchased the 2 inch eye piece kit. I know it's not the best .. and I need a few more good eye pieces later on, but comes with the diagonal etc. will the 2" stuff be an issue with any of these things? and is there anything else I need? dont' need? thanks ( I've got a bunch of stuff on my list, like vibration pads etc.. but just running into an issue where I find something and it turns out it's Outdated ( like the NexGen ) etc. . if I can get an ALL in one part . that's fine long as it's not costing me 2 arms and 6 legs LOL
If you want to do long exposure astrophotography and you don't want to buy a GEM, then the EQ wedge is essential. It is tought to balance, but workable with n 8". You don't need StarSenese for astrophotography. A guide scope is helpful with a sensitive guide camera, but I would only use one if you're imaging at f/6.3. My top list for the 8 SE long exposure astrophotos would be: EQ Wedge F6.3 focal reducer Probably a 50mm guidescope with ASI guide cam or Orion Starshoot Autoguider. If you find you're having troubles with weight, consider investing in a GEM.
@@AstroBlender hey Slymin, thanks for the info. But after adding up all the parts etc. And weight . I realized there is a faster way, that won't require an EQ, or f6.3 focused or a guidescope with a camera. On my 8SE.. All unnecessary weight. Of course my solution.cost a few bucks. But minus all those things I won't need to purchase.. Cuz astrophotography will take only seconds due to the f1.9 on the Hyperstar that a company here in Tucson sells called Starizona. They custom make the Hyperstar. With it I won't need any of that stuff except for the starsense !! You should check it out if not familiar with it. But think that's the route I'm going, less parts to break down.etc.
@@AstroBlender Are you able to answer Frank's question on whether the 2-inch diagonal on an 8-inch SCT will be an issue in conjunction with this Focus Motor?
Hi, Isn't it reasonable to tighten the clamping bolt first and then the set screw to maintain the focusing axle to be secured at center of the holder ?
Great video as always. I have an avx mount. Will I need a new hand controller to focus with? I don't see the "focus" button on my mount. I am interested in getting this as I HATE the 8" SCT manual focuser when doing photography. Thanks for the great video
Hi, you won't need a new hand controller as long as you have a version 5 or 6 hand controller. NexStar+ (or NexStar+ with USB). You just need to update your hand controller firmware to the latest version with Celestron Firmware Manager and you should then have a focuser button in the utilities menu.
Anyone of you don't have the sleeve for 8inch? Looked in my packaging for the motor and I cannot find it. I contacted the seller but just wanted to see if anyone else had this happen to them.
hi, thank you , I have a question , if I add the sky portal, wifi, and disconnect the handset (apparently they conflict), can I control the focuser with sky portal app? then if you can't, it would mean you couldn't have them both simultaneously !?
Thank you so much , ill be sending for this , because eventually im planning on buying a 11" or maybe a 14" and for the looks you can use this on any of them , any chance of you reviewing any of these?
You have to select the focuser menu and then select your speed as 1, 2, or 3. Then the up and down arrows (not the directional arrows), control the in/out position of the focuser.
@@AstroBlender I will see if I can find that menu tonight after I do the star align, just got the telescope and will be trying it out tonight for the first time. Thank you
Okay, I have a question. How do I connect my celestron focuser to my cgx mount when my starsense takes one auxiliary port and my hand controller takes the 2nd?
Hi Jon, in my opinion I don't think so. I use mine for both visual use and imaging. Just the other night I was able to get a really crisp focus of M13 and it was nice not having to fight any wobble!
@@Framie06 I have the Evo 6 as well, but I read that it won't work with the Celestron OAG which I use for guiding. Appears there's not enough clearance with the OAG in place which is a bummer. I wonder if the ZWO OAG would work with it since it has a very small footprint unlike the Celestron OAG. Also, maybe Celestron will design one that would be compatible with their OAG in place.
I already praised the video (see below). But now that I have things working right, I have one more comment about the installation. The instructions in the manual and video talk about installing the set screw (with the blue junk) with just a few turns. I tightened it until I got resistance and (thinking I was done) tried the focuser. The motor was running, but focus wasn't changing. (You can look through the hole to see the brass shaft moving or not.) I discovered that the blue-junk-set-screw needs to go past the resistance point (probably the blue junk) until it squeezes the shaft. That's much deeper than I expected. All good now. (Except for clouds.)
Joseph Shuster Yes, tighten it down well. The blue stuff is thread lock, probably blue loc-tite.
I have a C8 that is a bit older and has a raised focuser knob casing and a metal focus knob. This focus motor absolutely will work with it, however a 3D printed adapter is needed to connect the orange mounting plate to the raised collar. Definitely worth the while.
Thank you for this great video. I managed to successfully install my motorized Celestron focuser. One thing to note is that at the end when tightening the set screw, it has to go all the way in. I had to try 3 or 4 times because I couldn't calibrate the focusing motor. The set screw was protruding and it was in the way. What threw me off is that you have to put a little bit of pressure to tighten it, and I didn't want to over do it. Other than this, it's a relatively simple but tedious exercise. Thank you!
Nice video! Did run into a problem though.
The stock mounting plate has a chamber in it to hold the bearing, because the bearing is sticking out a little bit above the surface.
The new mounting plate hasn't such a chamber, making is to stress the bearing and resulting in too much friction.
I ended up leaving the stock mounting plate under the new one, bolts were just long enough.
I have a C8.
Great video! 1 of the many accessories I'll be adding to my newly acquired 8se ota that arrived yesterday. The manual atz mount will be here today.
Awesome! Enjoy your new telescope!
Mine is being delivered today. Can't wait to use it such a pain twisting twisting twisting?
One follow-up after I struggled a bit with the install: At 9:00 you imply that you can attach the focuser to the plate using the pairs of mounting holes. For my first attempt, I picked two holes that looked good. After I got one screw into the plate, I tried to start the other screw. It wouldn't catch. I removed the focus and the plate and found that (at least) one pair of plate holes were 1-2mm too close. I found a good pair to get the focuser angle I wanted. It's easier to see the problem off the telescope. With the focuser's mounting screws extended, run the plate around the different candidate pairs. Most fit fine. One pair is tantalizingly close, but not close enough.
Joseph, that is strange, I was under the impression they all fit fine. I wonder if that is present on all the focusers or was a bad machine job? Either way, thanks for your comment.
Thank you. I watched this video before I installed my Celestron Focus Motor on my Nexstar 8SE. It made the process a lot easier since the instructions are written in extremely fine print. The only thing I forgot was to tighten the last set screw. I wondered why it would not calibrate and just turned and turned. My bad. But all is well now.
John Patterson hahah yeah that would do it! Glad you got it working.
Thanks John you solved my problem - and thanks to Astro Blender as well
Hey Slymin, great video on focuser. All of your videos are well done and have helped me a lot. I bought an 8se based on your enthusiasm. Great scope! Curious how long you have had the Celestron AVX mount and ask that you do a review on it based on your experience. You could do a better review on the AVX than all others out there. Thanks.
Thank you so much Slymin....I ordered a used C-Motor Focus...and it did not come with directions...so I was very happy to find your presentation...
All the Best
Thank you so much! Clear and concise directions.
Excellent Review Slymin! I didn't know that you can use Hand Controller to change the focuser position.
Thanks Ray! Yep, you can use the hand-controller as long as your hand-controller is up to date. Celestron added Motor Focus controls to the hand-controller with firmware version 5.30.8333. That version is a bit-buggy though, so you would want to update the hand-control 5.30.9009 which fixes the problems introduced in 5.30.8333. That being said, this was just an install video. My full review is filmed but I still need to edit it. It is an awesome upgrade and is instantly responsive, I can't be more happy with it!
One of the best things i ever added to my 8SE, besides a HyperStar , a must have for Astrophotography. good review
Agreed, and thanks!
You are an excellent teacher. Thanks for making my installation much easier.
What a great video. I installed my focuser as the video played. You made it super simple.
jcfajcfa I’m glad you found it helpful!
Very good! Nice combination of detail, rationale, and instructions. The manual has decent text, but the graphics are small and hard to decipher. Needed this video for some security. Thanks.
Joseph Shuster Thanks, I’m glad you found it useful!
Thanks for this and your review. Very helpful videos.
No problem, I am glad you found them helpful!
thank you for the video it is a big help. I ordered the focuser today so I should receive it by Wednesday. Great instructions easy to follow!
You're welcome! I am glad you found it helpful.
Thanks, a great installation guide!
Thanks! I am glad you found it helpful.
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing!
You're welcome, I am glad you liked it!
Slymin, just saw your that you already did a review of the VX mount with the 6 inch newt. Good review. Sorry for asking you about it in my previous comment. This review on the new focus motor is very well done and easy to follow. Are you using any software controls for auto focus?
Hi.. thanks for the valuable info. I was in the process of installing my focus motor adapter plate to the back of my SCT. Noticed the adapter plate does not sit flush to the back of the OTA and there is a gap. Correct me if I am wrong but your adapter plate looks flush to the OTA. Just wondering if the focus motor adapter plate is recessed like the stock focuser plate.
I really wish there was an option that works for Meade telescopes.
I would have thought you would tighten the clamping bolt before the grub screw.
As always Slymin ,your videos are amazing and its where i come for great knowledge , one question ,where do you connect the focuser ? does it have its own power outlet? thank you , this is on my list ,
Thanks, I appreciate that! It has 3 power inputs. You can use the AUX port on the mount, USB (needs supply at least 900 mA), or a 12V, 1A power supply.
Before I get a Celestron HD Deluxe 🤷♂️ I need to figure out how to utilize the mechanics of the locking mirror clutch…
Seems like it’s a big deal and according to celestron the locking clutch aren’t true locks and only bend the rod that clocks the mirror in play.
You can use an auto focuser on an EdgeHD, but you must ALWAYS keep the mirror locks loose.
They didn’t supply the scissors or tape? What kind’a crap is that?!
I just recently received a new 8SE, and after messing with the focus knob, I’m seriously considering one of these. Just annoying to focus manually, especially just getting familiar with my first Schmidt-Cass. That focuser seems to turn forever.
Hi again ok so I have my 8se outside tonight and I have the focul reducer on along with my 2 inch diagonal and I’m centered on the moon and no matter what I do I can’t get a sharp or even a semi sharp focus on the full moon and on top of that I’m so zoomed in on it I can’t even see the whole thing and that’s why I have the focul reducer! Anyway is there any tips you can offer that I might be able to try in order to see the whole moon and to focus on it? Thank you so much
Hey Slymin, You seem to know more about this than the folks I spoke to on FB? lol .. I asked 4 people and 4 different answers.. I'm trying to figure out what i need to do Astrophotography on my 8SE . My understanding ( PLEASE correct me if i"m wrong ). but I need an EQ Wedge , the starsense autoaligner ( it has a camera? do I still need to purchase one for photos?) or can I use that one? also the Focus Motor . are those 3 things basically what I need? or will I still need a Guidescope and camera? Oh Also I purchased the 2 inch eye piece kit. I know it's not the best .. and I need a few more good eye pieces later on, but comes with the diagonal etc. will the 2" stuff be an issue with any of these things? and is there anything else I need? dont' need? thanks ( I've got a bunch of stuff on my list, like vibration pads etc.. but just running into an issue where I find something and it turns out it's Outdated ( like the NexGen ) etc. . if I can get an ALL in one part . that's fine long as it's not costing me 2 arms and 6 legs LOL
If you want to do long exposure astrophotography and you don't want to buy a GEM, then the EQ wedge is essential. It is tought to balance, but workable with n 8". You don't need StarSenese for astrophotography. A guide scope is helpful with a sensitive guide camera, but I would only use one if you're imaging at f/6.3.
My top list for the 8 SE long exposure astrophotos would be:
EQ Wedge
F6.3 focal reducer
Probably a 50mm guidescope with ASI guide cam or Orion Starshoot Autoguider.
If you find you're having troubles with weight, consider investing in a GEM.
@@AstroBlender hey Slymin, thanks for the info.
But after adding up all the parts etc. And weight . I realized there is a faster way, that won't require an EQ, or f6.3 focused or a guidescope with a camera. On my 8SE.. All unnecessary weight. Of course my solution.cost a few bucks. But minus all those things I won't need to purchase.. Cuz astrophotography will take only seconds due to the f1.9 on the Hyperstar that a company here in Tucson sells called Starizona. They custom make the Hyperstar. With it I won't need any of that stuff except for the starsense !! You should check it out if not familiar with it. But think that's the route I'm going, less parts to break down.etc.
@@AstroBlender Are you able to answer Frank's question on whether the 2-inch diagonal on an 8-inch SCT will be an issue in conjunction with this Focus Motor?
Hi, Isn't it reasonable to tighten the clamping bolt first and then the set screw to maintain the focusing axle to be secured at center of the holder ?
Well done!
How well does the motor handle very fine adjustments? Seems a hand focuser with do better?
Great video as always. I have an avx mount. Will I need a new hand controller to focus with? I don't see the "focus" button on my mount. I am interested in getting this as I HATE the 8" SCT manual focuser when doing photography. Thanks for the great video
Hi, you won't need a new hand controller as long as you have a version 5 or 6 hand controller. NexStar+ (or NexStar+ with USB). You just need to update your hand controller firmware to the latest version with Celestron Firmware Manager and you should then have a focuser button in the utilities menu.
A you still manually focus if you want?
great video, Just installed the motor. What kind of equatorial mount are you using here with your 8SE?
AVX
hi mate , cool video - do you think this would work with the Nexstar 127?
Anyone of you don't have the sleeve for 8inch? Looked in my packaging for the motor and I cannot find it. I contacted the seller but just wanted to see if anyone else had this happen to them.
hi, thank you , I have a question , if I add the sky portal, wifi, and disconnect the handset (apparently they conflict), can I control the focuser with sky portal app? then if you can't, it would mean you couldn't have them both simultaneously !?
Thank you so much , ill be sending for this , because eventually im planning on buying a 11" or maybe a 14" and for the looks you can use this on any of them , any chance of you reviewing any of these?
No problem! I more than likely won't be reviewing an 11" or 14" anytime soon. I don't have the funds for a scope so large!
The starSense AutoAlign controller does not have focus control in the menu.
I’ve heard that swapping the StarSense and Focuser cable has solved the problem for some people. You can always call Celestron too.
Awesome intro, thanks Slymin. Just one question: once installed, can you still change the focus by hand like before if you want?
Unfortunately, you cannot adjust the focus by hand.
@@AstroBlender Thanks man, bought already, because of you, cheers. :)
Seems like they could have included buttons to drive it manually.
Will it work on a 5se?
Do you just use the scroll up and down buttons on the hand control to focus? I have the CPC 1100
You have to select the focuser menu and then select your speed as 1, 2, or 3. Then the up and down arrows (not the directional arrows), control the in/out position of the focuser.
@@AstroBlender I will see if I can find that menu tonight after I do the star align, just got the telescope and will be trying it out tonight for the first time. Thank you
Okay, I have a question. How do I connect my celestron focuser to my cgx mount when my starsense takes one auxiliary port and my hand controller takes the 2nd?
Celestron AUX port splitter.
Thanks, ordered one today 👍
In your opinion would this be overkill for visual observing?
Hi Jon, in my opinion I don't think so. I use mine for both visual use and imaging. Just the other night I was able to get a really crisp focus of M13 and it was nice not having to fight any wobble!
The worst part is having to do controller upgrades. If you have an original versions of the goto drive, you will need a new controller and cabling.
YOU REALLY SHOULD MAKE THIS MORE USER FRIENDLY YOU WOULD SELL MORE UNITS
SAYS NOT FOUND WHEN TRYING TO CONNECT IT
Are you Simon, or Cody? I’m confused .
Is this will make the view clear. Because I am tired with my telescope. Planets oland stars are dark
Planets and stars
I though it autofocus… I miss understood:)
I AM FRUSTRATED AND READY TO GIVE UP
THE MOTOR FOCUSER DOES NOT WORK
Annoying
would it work for a 6se?
Is the focus motor compatible with the evolution 6?
Yes, it is.
AstroBlender oh ok cool, thank you
@@Framie06 I have the Evo 6 as well, but I read that it won't work with the Celestron OAG which I use for guiding. Appears there's not enough clearance with the OAG in place which is a bummer. I wonder if the ZWO OAG would work with it since it has a very small footprint unlike the Celestron OAG. Also, maybe Celestron will design one that would be compatible with their OAG in place.
@@clockman9097 Thankyou this helped out a lot I’ve been waiting for an answer for a very long time. Yeah hopefully celestron do soon.