AP, Borg, DFM, OGS, RC Optical, Takahashi, TeleVue, TMB, Vixen, etc., etc. - Just Call VSI
QUALITY ASSURANCE NOTE: It has come to my attention that others use less than adequate coupling methods on their products that induce flexure. They look very similar to VSI's exclusive docking/coupling systems. They are NOT! VSI's exclusive docking/couplings are not like any other flimsy, flexure-ridden connections used on other products. A good analogy would be a comparison between a (less than) $50 and a $300 (and up) rifle scope. The lesser rifle scopes looks identical to the more expensive ones but, in operation, the differences are very apparent, optically and [especially] mechanically. Let the buyer beware, you receive quality and functionality only when you are willing to expend an appropriate dollar amount. VSI's proprietary flared flange (circular dovetail) docking inserts 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
VSI's MicroGlider docking rings (MR224
pictured at right) allow your MicroGlide focuser to be used on any scope,
literally. Even Newtonians and Dobsonians. Select your docking ring adapter
above or, if we don't offer a docking ring adapter for your scope, then just
send us a male or female threaded part that matches your visual back's focuser
threads and we'll custom machine one for you.
MicroGlide focusers are designed to be used with their respective docking rings, individually priced above. This docking ring option provides your MicroGlide focuser with more versatility than any other focuser available today, and gives you a selective choice of rings to dock your MicroGlider to any telescope on the planet. Even Newtonian and Dobsonian scopes. You can also switch MicroGlide focusers between different scopes, or retain your MicroGlider when you sell your old [say SCT] scope and use it on your new [say refractor] scope, by purchasing a docking ring adapter or possibly drawtube upgrade.
HINT: When installing a MicroGlide focuser on your 10" or larger Meade/Celestron SCT, consider using one of the larger (internal clear aperture) MR325, MR329 or MR416 instead of the smaller MR224. You can then simply bypass this [now extinct] reducer that comes with your SCT. By attaching the MicroGlide directly to your SCT's visual back, via one of the larger format docking rings, you prevent vignetting caused by your existing reducer's small 2"-24tpi aperture. Note, this is not a consideration with MasterGlide focusers because they [only] dock directly to these larger format visual backs, naturally eliminating vignetting.
Docking Ring, 2"-24tpi for
commercial SCTs, Item
MR224: $49
Coupling Ring, 2.7" to 2.9"
MicroGlider to Sidewinder, Item
MR2729: $69
Docking Ring, 2.7"-24tpi
Astrophysics refractor, Item
MR2724: $69
Docking Ring, 2.7"-16tpi
Meade refractor, Item
MR2716: $69
Docking Ring, 56mm-0.75mm thread pitch,
Takahashi, Item MR56:
$49
Docking Ring, 72mm-1mm thread pitch,
Takahashi, Item MR72:
$69
Docking Ring, 90mm-1mm (replaces existing
focuser, Omicron only), Takahashi, Item
MR90: $99
Docking Ring, 3"-24tpi (replaces existing
focuser, Omicron only), TeleVue, Item
MR324: $99
Docking Ring, 85mm-1.5mm thread pitch,
TMB 3" focuser, Item
MR85: $99
Docking Ring, 110mm-1.5mm thread
pitch, TMB 4" focuser, Item
MR110: $149
Docking Ring, 88mm-1mm (replaces existing
focuser, Omicron only), Vixen, Item
MR88: $99
Docking Ring, 3.25"-16tpi,
Meade Large-Format SCT, Item
MR325: $99
Docking Ring, 3.29"-16tpi
Celestron Large-Format SCT, Item
MR329: $99
Docking Ring, 4"-16tpi
Meade 16" SCT, Item
MR416: $199
Docking Ring, 4" x 4" Sq. (Omicron),
Newt/Dobs, Item MR44:
$149
The above are all non-standard proprietary adapters from individual manufacturers - no industry standards exist. Why can't these manufacturers adopt the closest standard set by their predecessors? There can only be two excuses; they're lazy or arrogant, or possibly both. Look at the three Tak, TMB and Vixen adapters above (90, 85 & 88mm). They are all within 2 or 3 mm of each other (I even used the same picture for all three because you couldn't see the difference anyway, and they're not the only ones duplicated above). Why? Look at the two Celestron and Meade large-format adapters. One is 3.29" and one is 3.25" in diameter. Look at the two AP and Meade 2.7" adapters. Meade changed the existing 2.7" AP thread standard from 24 to 16tpi, but the 2.7" diameter remained the same. Again, why? Both of these non-conformity issues are Meade's fault for not adopting the existing Celestron and Astrophysics standards already established. And now SBIG has created a new 2.156"-24tpi proprietary thread standard for their large-chip CCD camera. Watch and see, no one else will adopt their thread configuration. They'll all create their own proprietary standard and you'll have a half-dozen different diameters and thread sizes that are within a few millimeters of each other, again. Do these manufacturers care about their customer's inconvenience and added expense? Never even crossed their minds! This kind of "diametrical dysfunction" creates confusion and costs you money, and it's totally unnecessary. Just wanted you to know, so you can take your own action - or not? - PVS
![[return to home]](bareturn.jpg)
![[top of the page]](topage.jpg)