AP, Borg, DFM, OGS, RC Optical, Takahashi, TMB, Vixen, etc., etc. - Just Call VSI
QUALITY ASSURANCE NOTE: It has come to my attention that other after-market focusers use less than adequate coupling methods on their products that induce flexure or, even worse, risk the security of your imaging train. They can look similar to VSI's exclusive docking/coupling system. They are NOT! VSI's exclusive couplings are not like any other flimsy, flexure-ridden, insecure connections. Let the buyer beware! VSI offers design superiority, uncompromising functionality and failsafe security for your valuable imaging train. VSI's proprietary flared flange (circular dovetail) docking port rings have extremely thick-wall construction and are locked in place by three set screws opposed by 120 degrees. When you tighten these set screws against this special [angled] flange, it not only pushes directly against the insert ring, but it also pushes laterally to compress the ring inwards against external and internal shoulders, which locks it in place like a good weld - rock-solid! - PVS
Standard Meade/Celestron Docking Converters (right): These rings will install any model secondary OMEGA focuser (only) to your 10" or larger SCT. There is a 15 degree flange cut into the perimeter of the ring to secure it into the focuser's housing using 3 set screws opposed by 120 degrees. Always screw the ring onto the SCT's visual back first. Then set the focuser over the secured ring and tighten the three set screws (do not overtighten\). This method will allow the ring to be locked into the threads by compression.
Meade Docking Converter, 3.25"-16tpi, for OMEGA only, Item A381: $99
Celestron Docking Converter, 3.29"-16tpi, for OMEGA only, Item A382: $99
Standard Docking Converter for the Meade 16" SCT (right): Allows you to couple an OMEGA focuser directly to your Meade 16" SCT's visual back by screwing on the converter first, then slipping the focuser over the docking converter and securing the three set screws into the flanged coupling.
Docking Converter for Meade 16" SCT, 4"-16tpi, female, Item A383: $189
Docking Converter for Takahashi Refractors (right): Allows you to couple an ALPHA focuser directly to your Takahashi refractor's visual back by screwing on the docking converter first, then slipping the focuser over the converter and securing the three set screws into the flanged docking converter. To remove your original Takahashi focuser, find a small set screw hole around the visual back ring. Loosen the set screw, in the hole, with an Allen wrench. Unscrew and remove the existing focuser.
Docking Converter for Takahashi Refractor, 90mm-1mm, male, Item A384: $189
Docking Converter for AstroPhysics Refractors (right): Allows you to couple an ALPHA focuser directly to your AstroPhysics refractor's visual back by screwing on the docking converter first, then slipping the focuser over the converter and securing the three set screws into the flanged docking converter. To remove your original AstroPhysics focuser, find a small set screw hole around the visual back ring. Loosen the set screw, in the hole, with an Allen wrench. Unscrew and remove the existing focuser.
Docking Converter for AstroPhysics Refractor, 4.875"-24tpi, male, Item A385: $189
Newt/Dob 6" x 6" Square Docking Converter (right): This flat-bottomed docking converter will allow mounting a MacroGlide focuser to your Newtonian or Dobsonian telescope. NOTE: Since MacroGlide focusers are only offered in 1-inch travel (OMEGA) and 5-inch travel (ALPHA), you may need to have VSI machine a custom moving tube that provides around 3 inches of travel range (additional cost of $300). VSI only offers this converter with a flat bottom, so you will need to adapt your scope accordingly. You can take this mounting plate to a local machine shop and have them match a 6" square plate with a curvature to match the outside diameter of your scopes tube assembly, or you can hand form a matching plate using soft materials such as wood or plastic using a belt sander or grinding wheel, etc. At least try being an ATM. You might find it fun and it does create a wonderful gloat trip. I made this!
Newt/Dob Docking Converter, 6" x 6" Square, Item A386: $199
Flat Bottom Docking Converter, 6" diameter (right): This flat-bottomed docking converter will allow mounting a MacroGlide focuser to any custom scope with a flat visual back. There are 3 recessed mounting holes opposed by 120 degrees with 1/4-20 set screws next to each hole (see picture at right) so you can adjust (push-pull) the mechanical alignment of the focuser relative to it's optical axis. Mounting hardware included.
Flat Bottom Docking Converter, 6" Diameter, Item A387: $299
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